The first webinar on Rural Crime Prevention will be held on Monday next, October 24, at 8pm.

Farm webinars on preventing rural crime

IFA Farm Family & Social Affairs Chair, Alice Doyle has announced that IFA will hold a series of webinars on Rural Crime Prevention on Monday next, October 24, at 8pm and on Farmer Health and Wellbeing on Tuesday, November 1, at 8pm.

“These webinars are an important opportunity for farm families to familiarise themselves with practical measures to prevent crime on their farms and in their homes and also prevent physical and mental health difficulties this winter,” said Alice Doyle.

“Farms can be dark and secluded places in the autumn and winter months, and can prove an inviting target for criminals. Our guest speakers will speak about how being proactive about farm security will help to guard your farm and possessions, act as a deterrent to criminals, and give you extra peace of mind,” she said.

Attendees will hear from guest speakers:

•Barry Carey, IFA Crime Prevention Officer

•Sergeant Graham Kavanagh, Crime Prevention Officer, Laois Offaly Division on home and farm security.

•Fred Flynn, Branch Manager, FBD on crime and insurance.

Alice Doyle said that the webinar on Farmer Health and Wellbeing on Tues, Nov 1st will offer important advice on how to combat stress and improve physical health.

“Farmers’ physical and mental health are often pushed to one side as the important tasks of managing a busy farm take over. Winter on the farm can be challenging so it is very important that we prepare our body and mind to be winter ready,” Alice Doyle said.

Guest speakers on the night will include:

•Dr Diana van Doorn, Centre for Men’s Health at Carlow IT on the main health issues among farmers.

•Dr Tomás Russell, Assistant Professor of Agricultural Extension and Innovation, UCD will discuss the research findings from a recent UCD study on mental health and suicide among farmers.

•Lorcan Brennan, Training and Resource Development Manager, Men’s Development Network, will offer practical advice on farmer mental health and wellbeing.

HOW TO REGISTER FOR WEBINAR

For more information, and to register for the online webinars, visit https://www.ifa.ie/FamilyWebinars.