A major awareness event for farmers and their families is currently running throughout Northern Ireland supported by the Rural Chaplaincy, Farm Families Health Checks, Health and Safety Executive NI, Rural Support, Ulster Farmers' Union and the Northern Ireland Agri-Rural Health Forum.

The initiative has been rolled out to major livestock marts and these included Enniskillen and Clogher marts in the west of the province last week. They continue this week at Rathfriland and Markethill Marts.

Each of the participating organisations had display stands to explain their roles with farmers.

Among those attending in Enniskillen was Kenny Hanna, the Rural Chaplain for south-east of Northern Ireland, a role created by the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. He regularly covers Downpatrick, Rathfriland, Hilltown and Markethill marts as part of his mission to support the rural communities, supporting local churches as well as farming organisations.

Kenny, who also farms part-time in the Mournes, leads a team which also includes Simon Walsh, who also attended Enniskillen Mart.

This form of outreach has been operating for almost three years as a pilot scheme "going where people are and supporting people pastorally." It will be reviewed at the end of the three year period.

"We care for farmers, their families and the rural communities bringing the hope of Jesus, the Good Shepherd," said Kenny, an ordained Presbyterian Minister.

"We are here for everyone from all backgrounds," said, explaining how they can refer those in need to other organisations offering help with mental health, financial or other problems.

He said the aim of this Farm Strong initiative was to help farmers with their physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing, a whole person approach.

Part of the awareness campaign is Rural Support represented by Victoria Ross, who was making farmers aware of the services they offered. This can be done through many of their programmes.

They were alongside the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland represented in Enniskillen by Deirdre Goan. HSENI along with Rural Support have produced an informative booklet "Coping with the Pressures of Farming" which includes good advice on financial and business planning, succession planning, taxation, rural crime, mental health and wellbeing, stress, addiction with a valuable appendix on the Directory of Services available in each of the health boards.

A key part of the awareness campaign is health and the Farm Families Health Check van was available for farmers to have a free blood pressure check and other tests carried out by a team of registered nurses.

The Ulster Farmers' Union is also a key part of the awareness campaign with Roberta Simmons, from the Membership Services team on hand to guide farmers around the various services they offer to support them in their businesses.