The Carlow Farmer Wellbeing initiative has been crowned the Best Community Wellbeing Initiative in Ireland at the Local Authority Members Association (LAMA) Community and Council Awards.

The initiative supports the health, safety, and wellbeing of Carlow's local farming community, offering a range of services and advice revolving around mental wellbeing, physical health, and self care.

The awards were held in Rochestown Park Hotel in Co. Cork on Saturday, February 22, and are hosted by LAMA and IBP Insurance.

The Carlow Farming and Wellbeing initiative was nominated for the award by Carlow County Councillor, Andrea Dalton.

Carlow County Council cathaoirleach Fergal Browne said: ''We're thrilled that IPB and LAMA chose to recognise this fantastic programme.

''The physical and mental health of farmers often gets overlooked as the focus shifts to the demanding responsibilities of running a farm,' he added.

Among the community events put on by the initiative were five information-sharing sessions and a Farmer Wellbeing Day aiming to provide a safe and comfortable space for engagement.

Topics covered in the initiatives expert-led information sessions included:

Farm succession and will-making;
Gambling addiction;
Managing time and stress;
Farm safety.

Other services were also offered to farmers including free professional health checks, free haircuts, complimentary dinners and lunches, and free first-aid kits.

The combination of expert knowledge, resources, and strong social engagement helped the initiative foster resilience and promote positive wellbeing in Carlow's farming community.

Carlow County Council's director of services Michael Brennan said: ''This health and wellbeing initiative uniquely benefits the Carlow farming community with 347 members of the farming community engaged in 2024.

''The initiative was specifically designed to address the unique challenges faced by the farming community in the county, from the physical demands of the job to the mental and emotional strain that can often accompany farm life.''

The initiative was funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, with support coming from stakeholders including Leinster Mart, FARM, Teagasc, and the IFA.

This year marked the awards' 19th year, with organisers aiming to recognise and celebrate the 31 local authorities around the country working together with local communities.