Northern Trust and UFU back rural wellbeing event as farmers get together for ‘breakfast and a blether’

In an industry where long hours and solitary work are often the norm, a simple invitation to sit down, share a meal and talk can carry real weight.

The Northern Health and Social Care Trust joined forces with the UFU Ballyclare Group to host a ‘Breakfast and a Blether’ event at the Five Corners Guest Inn in Ballyclare, bringing farm families together for a morning focused on connection, conversation and community.

Also attended by local industry leaders, the event offered farmers a valuable opportunity to meet socially, catch up with neighbours and enjoy a cooked breakfast in relaxed surroundings.

Farming remains one of Northern Ireland’s most demanding occupations — physically intensive, time-consuming and, for many, increasingly isolating. As rural social outlets have declined over the years, opportunities for farming and rural communities to gather have steadily reduced.

Yvonne Carson, the Northern Trust’s Rural Health and Wellbeing Manager, said the initiative reflects the Trust’s commitment to supporting rural communities.

“As a large rural Trust, we are committed to our rural communities, many of whom are farming families. As well as bringing families together, the event also celebrated the hard work farmers do to produce our food and protect the countryside we all enjoy.”

Ian Kernohan, Senior Group Manager with the UFU Ballyclare Group, welcomed the partnership and the turnout on the day.

“We were delighted to partner with the Northern Health and Social Care Trust in this initiative. It was good to see our local farm families meet up socially with friends and neighbours over breakfast and have a chat.”

Having a chat at the 'Breakfast and Blether' event.

The morning also drew praise from UFU deputy president Glenn Cuddy, who highlighted the ongoing relationship between the farming body and the Trust.

“We are delighted to be working with Yvonne and the Trust again. Their support is much appreciated by our UFU members and it was great to be at the ‘Breakfast and a Blether’ event.”

Beyond the fry-up and friendly conversation, the event underscored a wider message: supporting mental health and wellbeing in rural areas often begins with creating space for people to come together.

Some of those who attended the 'Breakfast and Blether' event.

Pictured at the 'Breakfast and Blether' event.

Having a chat at the 'Breakfast and Blether' event.

Enjoying the 'Breakfast and Blether' event.

Having a chat at the 'Breakfast and Blether' event.

Pictured at the 'Breakfast and Blether' event.

For farm families across the Ballyclare area, ‘Breakfast and a Blether’ provided exactly that — a reminder that even in one of the most independent professions, community still matters.