A fundraiser initiative involving livestock marts across Northern Ireland will support the Rural Support programme, Life Beyond.

This is a programme of support for farming families in Northern Ireland who have experienced loss through a farm accident, suicide, or an unexpected or expected death.

It is managed by Rural Support, in partnership with Embrace FARM.

From Monday next, September 23 to Saturday, September 28, marts will be holding an auction fundraiser in aid of Life Beyond, with livestock marts across the province participating in the fundraising event.

If you would like to donate an item for auction – such as livestock, contracting services, equipment, etc. – please get in touch with the Rural Support Farm Support Team at 028 8676 0040, or email farmsupport@ruralsupport.org.

The livestock marts involved in this fundraiser this September locally are Enniskillen (September 26), Fivemiletown (September 27), Clogher (September 28) and Omagh (September 23) as well as Dungannon (September 25) and others across the other counties.

George Mullan, Chief Executive Officer of ABP Food Group, and Chairperson of the Life Beyond Steering Committee, said: “This bereavement support programme relies solely on charitable donations to deliver much-needed emotional and counselling support, together with guidance for the farm business.

“We are extremely grateful to our local livestock marts for supporting this fundraising initiative and for hosting this event.

“With this programme increasing in demand, we are thankful for their support and generosity as it will ensure that the farming community here in Northern Ireland receive the help and support they need during a tragic or difficult time in their life.”

Launched in 2021, the Life Beyond programme has supported a number of farming families across Northern Ireland.

The programme is unique to the farming community and offers:

• Tailored support according to each family’s individual needs;

• Bereavement counselling that includes trauma support;

• Mentoring support for the farm business;

• Free, confidential and impartial guidance for all of the farm family; and

• Delivered in the privacy of the family home.

Kevin Doherty, Chief Executive Officer of Rural Support, said: “When the worst happens in a farming family, it is often not only about dealing with the shock, sadness and sometimes trauma that comes from losing a loved one, it can also mean trying to deal with practical issues relating to the farm business in the middle of unbearable grief.

“Our Life Beyond programme provides the practical and emotional support to help farming families to navigate their experience – both personally and farm business-related, with the support and expertise from a Farm Business or Counselling Mentor.

“Therefore, the funds raised through the mart auctions are crucial to the survival of this programme so that we can continue to support the farming community across the province, and guide them through their new norm.”

If you would like to find out more information about the Life Beyond programme, you can visit the NI Farm Support Hub at https://www.ruralsupport.org.uk/life-beyond/, or call the freephone confidential Support Line at 0800 138 1678.

Donated items include:

• Bags of grass seed – donated by Germinal;

• 2 x Bags of seeds – donated by DLF Seeds;

• Drinker with rump rail – donated by Teemore Engineering;

• Wooden Farmyards – donated by Millwood Crafts;

• Calf Creep Feeder – donated by Steele Farm Supplies;

• Drum of Healthy Hooves – donated by Northern Farm Supplies;

• Cheetah Electric Fencer, 10 posts & reel with 400m of wire – donated by Drumlish Farm Supplies;

• Hamper – donated by R Kennedy & Co.;

• Dehorning Crate – donated by Wilson’s Agri;

• 2 x Bags of NutriBurst – donated by Yara;

• Overnight stay at Caledon Estate – donated by Chris Gill;

• Pedigree Belted Galloway Heifer – donated by R Creith;

• 2 x Mule lambs – donated by Francis & John McHenry;

• 1 x 25kg bag of Energizer Calf Milk, 1 x 20kg Bucket of Reviva, 1 x box of Osmofit Sachets – donated by Trouw Nutrition;

• Overnight stay at The Shepherds Hut – donated by Paddy & Bronagh Brennan;

• 2 x Sheep – donated by Robert Phair;

• 10 x Licks – donated by Robert Simpson;

• 5ltr Cyclex & 5ltr Ecofoam – donated by Kersia;

• PTO Shaft – donated by Plantec Ireland;

• Jar of Roundup – donated by Owens Farm Solutions;

• Descaler for Washing Milking Parlour – donated by MC Services;

• 2 x bags Calcibed lime/sawdust – donated by Francis McCurry;

• 20 x bags of Calf Starter Pellets – donated by United Feeds; and

• 3 hours Hedge Cutting (Bushmills area) – donated by Alan Sinclair (Bolt).