Duhallow Social Farming
IRD Duhallow’s Social Farming Project is a voluntary, locally led, community-based initiative supported by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
Social farming provides opportunities for people with additional needs to experience day-to-day life on a working farm. It is a voluntary programme led by people in the community who want to give back and donate their time to those who wish to participate. We believe the voluntary model enables the development of real working relationships and friendships. It is a person centred approach which aims to match participants with suitable host farms based on their personal interests, goals and desires. Social farming focuses on an individuals abilities and possibilities rather than limitations. It supports people with additional needs and enables them to become more involved in their communities, develop valuable skills and extend their social circle. It provides farmers with the opportunity to give back to their community, to support and enable others to grow and develop and to form bonds and lifelong friendships with members of the community. Social Farming increases both participant and farmer’s self-esteem, it aids health and well-being and improves community connections and relationships. The farm is not a specialised treatment farm; it remains a typical working farm where people in need of support can benefit from relationship building through farm activities in a non-clinical environment.
About Us
Duhallow Social Farming was established in the summer of 2021. The programme is funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. We have made significant progress with the programme to date and have engaged with 10 host farms and 27 participants.
How It Works
The voluntary model of social farming enables us to engage with individuals who are genuinely interested in supporting others as farmers are not paid for their time. Volunteers, however are never left out of pocket for their efforts as safety adjustments as well as additional insurance costs on the farm are covered through the programme. Typically, a participant will visit the farm one day per week for an average of 3-5 hours and engage in day-to-day activities on the farm. This could consist of feeding animals, cleaning and maintenance on the farm, helping with milking cows, collecting eggs, and planting and taking care of vegetables. Of course, the most important part of the day is the cup of tea before home!
What You Need
- Any size farm; husbandry, poultry or horticulture
- A desire to give back and support others
- A commitment of time (one day per week, 3-5 hours)
- Kindness, patience and empathy.
The Process – Farmers
- Expression of Interest
- Initial visit/ Application Form
- Farm Safety Inspection
- Garda Vetting
- Matching with Participant
- Meet the Participant
- Trial Period
- Continuous Review
The Process – Participants
- Expression of Interest
- Initial Meeting/ Application Form
- Matching with Suitable Farmer
- Meeting the Farmer
- Trial Period
- Continuous Review
Health & Safety
All host farms undergo a health and safety inspection using the HSA approved Farm Safety Code of Practice Risk Assessment document before any social farming commences.
Host farmers are also Garda vetted by Duhallow Social Farming or the participants service provider.
Participants will never use dangerous machinery such as chainsaws etc.
Farmers will have amendments made on their insurance policy to facilitate social farming, the costs of which will be covered by Duhallow Social Farming.
Training
Training is provided through Duhallow Social Farming for First Aid, Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults and FARCURA Social Farming Training.
Benefits For Participants
- Useful training, education and development of new skills.
- Physical health benefits, increased activity outdoors in the fresh air.
- Improved wellbeing, confidence and independence, new experiences and challenges.
- Making friends, extending social circles and taking part in teamwork.
Benefits For Farmers
- Improved work environment – help, company and teamwork.
- Farm improvements e.g., health and safety.
- Sense of satisfaction from giving back and making a difference in the community.
- Increased connections in the community through other host farmers, service providers and supports within IRD Duhallow.
- Training in First Aid and Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults.
Our Farms
James O’Keeffe Institute
We have established a social farm on the grounds of the James O’Keeffe Institute here in IRD Duhallow. We are very fortunate to have ample space for polytunnels, a kitchen garden and a therapeutic garden on site. The participants have been highly involved in the planting, care of and harvesting of vegetables in the gardens and have experienced the enjoyment and satisfaction of consuming their own produce. They report that they enjoy the fresh air and being out in nature, spending time with their friends and the individual activities such as digging potatoes or carrots.
Want more information?
If you want more information or are interested in getting involved with social farming, please contact our social farming facilitator, Rachel Budd at rachel.budd@irdduhallow.com or call 029-60633.
Duhallow Social Farming is financed by the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine.
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