The Irish Farmers Association (IFA) and Coilte have linked up to host the 11th Green Ribbon Walks as part of the nationwide ‘Let’s Talk and Walk’ initiative.
This year, Castleisland is one of the many towns involved in the movement which is part of Mental Health Ireland’s national events programme and the walks have been held in various venues since early September.
Meeting at the Mart at 10am
Sunday morning’s walk will start at the Castleisland Co-Op Mart at 10am and refreshments will be provided back at the mart after the walk. There the legendary Johnnie Roche will be guest speaker.
Local IFA member, Shane McAuliffe said that the event here on Sunday morning is free to enter and its primary purpose is to promote positive mental health and everyone is welcome to join.
IFA and Coillte Teaming Up
The Green Ribbon Walks have seen the IFA and Coillte urging farmers and families to attend, and said that by doing so, they would be helping to spread awareness of all mental health issues and difficulties.
IFA President Tim Cullinan said that it has been a difficult year for many farmers with increasing demands and rising input costs contributing to a lot of additional stress and strain on many farm families.
Physical and Mental Wellness
Coillte Managing Director, Mark Carlin said that his organisation will host a number of the walks aimed at the promotion, awareness and discussion on mental health.
“The health benefits to both our physical and mental wellness from contact with forests and nature is well established.
“This initiative aims to encourage everyone to get outdoors and use our forests, trails and recreation parks as a place to focus on improving our mental wellness, a challenge we all face in this increasingly fast paced and hectic world,” said Mr. Carlin.
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