Rural Support are the facilitators of the ‘Plough On’ project, which aims to tackle rural isolation and increase social opportunities for older male farmers across Northern Ireland.

The farm support charity for Northern Ireland recently held a very successful Mid Plough On Celebration Event, to showcase their current groups and its members as well as officially launching the newly formed groups across the province.

Included in these presentations was the significant achievements and connections created from the origin of Plough On in July, 2021.

The community development approach employed by Plough On has played a significant role in helping rural older men to develop confidence and a sense of independence.

Speaking about this event, Kevin Doherty, Chief Executive Officer of Rural Support, said: “This is an exceptional programme making the most amazing difference to the lives of more than 300 older men, to date, from the farming community.”

From the interim evaluation report results presented at the event, Rural Support noted 63 per cent of participants rated Plough On as ‘excellent’, with the remaining 37 per cent rating it as ‘very good’.

Rural Support are currently inviting participants to get involved in their new Plough On groups, which are located in five area including Rosslea, Co. Fermanagh, as well as Coagh, Co.Tyrone; The Grange, Co. Antrim; Bannside, Co. Down and Glenderg, Co. Tyrone.

If you are interested in registering for Plough On, or would like to hear more about it, contact Shannon McCullagh at shannon@ruralsupport.org.uk, or call 028 8676 0040.

You can also visit the Rural Support website at www.ruralsupport.org.uk, to find out more about the free programmes and services the charity has to offer the farming community.