What We Do
Helpline
Our helpline offers confidential support and guidance for individuals in farming and rural communities. Operated by experts who understand the unique pressures faced by farmers, rural dwellers, and agri-professionals, the helpline is designed to provide support by connecting you to trusted resources.
What the helpline offers
* Personalised guidance: We offer tailored support for each caller, helping you connect with mental health professionals, community groups, and other helpful resources. Whatever your concern, our goal is to guide you in a way that suits your individual needs.
* Compassionate and confidential support: Every call is treated with confidentiality and respect. We're committed to making this a safe, supportive space where you can feel heard and understood.
* Experienced perspective: Our helpline is managed by professionals familiar with the unique pressures and demands of rural life, agriculture, and mental wellbeing. We're here to help from a place of understanding and expertise.
Why Reach Out?
Life on the farm or in rural areas can be isolating at times, but you're not alone. Speaking to someone can make a world of difference. Our support line is here to help with:
o Stress, anxiety, or depression
o Family or financial challenges
o Coping with grief or loss
o Feelings of isolation
o And more
How to Reach Us
* Call us directly: Reach us at 086 084 0442. The helpline operates 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday. Outside of these hours you have the option to leave a voicemail and we will call you back on the next working day. Please note that standard network charges may apply.
* Prefer email? Send us a message at makethemoove@macra.ie, and one of our team members will get back to you.
Your privacy is our priority. Conversations are completely confidential and handled with the utmost respect and sensitivity.
Share Your Story
We'd love to hear from you. Let us know if our services have helped you or your family. Your story could offer hope to others facing similar challenges.
Help us keep this line open
Our helpline is made possible by donations and community support.
Q. What is the purpose of this helpline?
This helpline offers guidance on mental health and wellbeing resources available to farmers, farm families, and rural communities. We'll help direct you to the right support services for your needs.
Q. Who will I be speaking to?
You'll speak with a trained member of the "Make the Moove" support staff, who understands rural challenges and can guide you toward suitable resources and support.
Q.What can I talk about?
You can discuss any wellbeing concerns, such as mental health support, coping with stress, finding community resources, or accessing professional help.
Q. Is the service confidential?
Yes, everything you discuss is confidential. We're here to listen and help you find the support you need.
Q. What kind of support will I be referred to?
We'll guide you to services that best match your situation, including mental health professionals, counselling services, local support groups, and crisis resources if needed.
Q. Is the helpline free to use?
Yes, this helpline is a free service to help you access the right support. Standard network charges may apply to calls.
Q. When can I call the helpline?
Our helpline is open weekdays from 9 am to 5 pm. We offer a voicemail callback service outside these hours.
Q. Will I have to give personal information?
No, you don't need to share personal details unless you feel comfortable. We're here to help you find support with as much or as little information as you wish to share.
Q. How quickly can I access referred services?
Response times vary depending on the service, but we'll connect you with reliable options and explain what to expect.
Awareness
Building awareness for a healthier, happier rural community
Why Awareness Matters
Mental health is just as important as physical health, yet it often goes unnoticed, especially in rural communities. By raising awareness, we're breaking down stigma, fostering conversations, and encouraging people to seek the support they need.
Did you know?
o 1 in 4 Irish people will experience a mental health problem during his or her lifetime
o 23% of farmers in a recent UCD study were considered ‘at-risk' of suicide
o Financial and weather-related stress can increase anxiety and depression risks.
o Social isolation is a major contributor to mental health concerns in rural areas.
Our Awareness Campaigns
We're actively working to spread awareness through community events, social media, and educational workshops. Here's a snapshot of our ongoing initiatives:
Community Talks and Workshops:
We host talks in local clubs, schools, and farming organisations to help people recognise mental health challenges and learn how to support one another.
Social Media and Online Outreach:
Follow us on social media for weekly tips, stories, and mental health resources designed especially for rural communities. Join us in spreading the message by sharing our content and encouraging others to engage.
Collaborations with Key Organisations:
In partnership with UCD Agri Mental Group team we're developing resources that speak directly to the unique needs of farming families.
Get Involved
How You Can Help Spread Awareness:
Everyone has a role to play in breaking the stigma around mental health. Here's how you can help:
Share Resources: Encourage others to visit this page or our social media.
Attend an Awareness Event: Join us for our next talk or workshop.
Be a Mental Health Advocate: Learn the signs, speak openly, and encourage others to seek support if they need it.
Training
Empowering rural communities through mental health training
Evidence-based mental health and wellbeing training for farmers, farm families, agriculture students and agri-food industry professionals.
About Our Training
Our mental health and wellbeing training, developed in collaboration with the UCD Agri Mental Health Group, is designed to support the unique challenges faced by rural communities. Our evidence-based approach aims to equip farmers, farm families, agriculture students, and professionals in the agri-food industry with tools to strengthen mental resilience and wellbeing.
What You Can Expect
Research-driven content
Evidence-based techniques and strategies
Content informed by the latest research and best practices
Tailored for rural needs
Relevant and relatable scenarios
Designed with the unique needs of rural communities in mind
Practical skills and support
Hands-on learning with real-world applications
Learn techniques to manage stress, build resilience, and foster community support
Who should attend?
Farmers and farm families – For those directly involved in agriculture, to help address the pressures and mental demands of farm life.
Agriculture students – Preparing the next generation of agricultural leaders with essential mental health and wellbeing skills.
Agri-food professionals – For those who work in industries that support agriculture, providing insight on how to support rural clients.
Pilot Programme and upcoming rollout
Current Status
Our training is currently being piloted with select groups to refine our approach. Stay tuned for full program availability, coming soon!
Crisis Response
Providing support when communities need it most
At Make the Moove, we recognise that a crisis can deeply affect entire communities, particularly in rural areas where support systems may be less accessible. Our Crisis Response Team (CRT) is dedicated to helping communities in need following a traumatic event, offering immediate support and a long-term path to healing.
What is a Crisis Response Team (CRT)?
The Crisis Response Team is a group of trained professionals and volunteers who are ready to respond to communities that have experienced a crisis. The team provides emotional support, crisis intervention, and helps individuals connect to further resources that can assist in their recovery. A CRT can be mobilised when a significant event occurs that has affected multiple people, leading to trauma or distress within a community.
What qualifies as a crisis?
A crisis, in the context of our response, is an unexpected event that impacts a community as a whole. These are events that cause widespread emotional, physical, or psychological harm. Examples may include:
* Sudden unexpected deaths or serious injuries (e.g., accidents, natural disasters).
* Other unforeseen events that cause widespread trauma to a community (e.g., farm accidents, severe weather events).
It's important to note that events affecting only a single family are not typically considered crises that would require CRT intervention, though we can provide guidance on individual support when needed.
How a Crisis Response Team is initiated
1. Request for Assistance
When a community experiences a crisis, a request for a CRT can be made directly to Make the Moove.
2. Initial Assessment
Upon receiving the request, Make the Moove will assess the situation through a discussion with the community's designated point of contact (POC). We will determine the level of response needed and the number of team members to deploy.
3. Liaison with the Community
A Point of Contact (POC) within the community will be responsible for coordinating with the CRT and arranging a location for the team to operate.
What the Crisis Response Team Does
When deployed, the CRT performs several key roles to ensure the community receives the support they need:
1. Initial survey and assessment
Upon arrival, the CRT will conduct an initial assessment of the community's needs and identify the most pressing issues.
2. Providing immediate emotional support
CRT members listen to community members, providing emotional support and helping them process their immediate responses to the event.
3. Identifying warning signs
The team is trained to identify signs of distress that could lead to long-term mental health challenges, such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD.
4. Referral to additional services
Where necessary, the CRT will help connect individuals to additional resources, such as:
State services (e.g., government assistance)
HSE Services (e.g., healthcare and mental health services)
Counselling services (e.g., professional mental health support)
5. Leading community healing
If required, the CRT will facilitate community healing processes, such as group discussions or gatherings to help community members come together and support one another.
6. Follow-up support
After the initial response, the CRT will follow up with the community in the weeks following the event to offer ongoing support and monitor long-term recovery.
Requesting a Crisis Response Team
If you are part of a community that has experienced a crisis and you believe you would benefit from the support of a Crisis Response Team, please contact us as soon as possible. We are here to help.
* Phone: 086 084 0442
* Email: makethemoove@macra.ie
* Online Contact Form
Together, we can begin the process of healing, restoring the emotional wellbeing of those affected, and providing the necessary resources to move forward.
Why we're here for rural communities
We know that rural communities can face unique challenges, and the agricultural sector, in particular, can be a stressful environment. The Make the Moove Crisis Response Team is committed to providing compassionate, effective support tailored to the needs of these communities. Whether you're a farmer, a family member, or a community leader, our team is ready to step in and help when a crisis occurs.
Research
At Make the Moove, we believe that effective mental health and wellbeing support for rural communities must be grounded in research and evaluation. By collaborating with leading researchers and institutions, we ensure that our programs are evidence-based and impactful.
Our Research Partners:
UCD Agri Mental Health Group
We work closely with the UCD Agri Mental Health Group to develop and deliver training that addresses the specific mental health challenges faced by farmers, farm families, and rural dwellers. This partnership helps us create research-driven programs that resonate with those in agriculture."
UCD School of Psychology and other institutions
We collaborate with the UCD School of Psychology, as well as other third-level institutions, to provide opportunities for undergraduate and postgraduate students. By working directly with the farming community, these students gain valuable, hands-on experience, developing a deeper understanding of rural mental health needs and unique challenges."
Key focus areas
The research we're involved in addresses a number of key themes:
* Mental health needs in rural areas: Understanding the most pressing mental health issues for rural residents and farm families.
* Barriers to accessing support: Identifying the social, geographical, and cultural challenges to seeking help.
* Stigma reduction: Examining ways to reduce stigma around mental health in farming communities.
* Resilience and wellbeing: Investigating how rural residents can strengthen their mental resilience through community support, education, and coping strategies."
Evaluating Our Impact
Commitment to Continuous Improvement
"We evaluate all of our programs to measure their impact and identify areas for enhancement. This process not only helps us provide effective support to rural communities but also contributes valuable insights to the scientific community, fostering a deeper understanding of mental health in agriculture.
Research and Publications
As our programs grow, we are committed to sharing our findings with the public and the scientific community. Check back here for updates on our research and publications.
Supporting future researchers & mental health professionals
In partnership with UCD and other institutions, we offer work placement and field practice opportunities for students in psychology, mental health, and related fields. These placements allow students to apply their learning in real-world settings and deepen their understanding of the agricultural community's mental health needs.
Get involved or partner with us
We welcome inquiries from researchers, academic institutions, and organisations interested in advancing rural mental health research. To learn more about partnership opportunities or discuss collaboration, please reach out to us at makethemoove@macra.ie
Resource Hub (coming soon)
Our Resource Hub is being designed to be a one-stop-shop for mental health and wellbeing resources tailored specifically for farming and rural communities. Here's a look at what's on the way:
* Mental health and wellbeing toolkits: Tips and strategies for managing stress and building resilience.
* Training and workshop materials: Access to select materials and self-guided exercises from our training sessions.
* Support and helpline directory: Contact information for local mental health and emergency support services.
* Self-care guides: Advice on maintaining a healthy balance in farming life.
* Research and insights: Highlights of recent studies and findings related to rural mental health.
We look forward to launching this hub soon. Stay tuned for updates!
