--- title: MEP Kelleher speaks at Green Bales Mental Health Campaign Event in Co. Wexford description: FF image: https://www.fiannafail.ie/hubfs/PRBillyKelleher-1.jpg --- [ Join ](https://www.fiannafail.ie/join-fianna-fail) [ Donate Now ](https://www.fiannafail.ie/donate-now) Search website: ** Search # MEP Kelleher speaks at Green Bales Mental Health Campaign Event in Co. Wexford Published on: 09 May 2024 “Ending the stigma associated with opening up about mental health challenges among farmers and rural communities must be the key priority,” says Fianna Fáil MEP Billy Kelleher.  The Ireland South MEP was speaking at the Green Bales initiative launch in Ballindaggan, Co. Wexford  where Minister James Browne was in attendance.  “I was honoured to be asked to speak at this very important public awareness event that has been organised by Patrick Hipwell for the last number of years.  “Speaking about mental health challenges must be normalised. There are many services, both charities and state agencies, available to people. Taking the first step and talking to someone about your issues is the most important step.  “Farmers have been put under significant pressure over the last seven months due to the terrible weather.  “Not only is this an economic stress but it’s also a personal stress for farmers. Whether it was dairy farmers worried about feeding their animals or tillage farmers sick to their stomachs worrying about when they can plant their fields, the last period has taken its toll on our farmers.  “Congratulations to the organisers of this great initiative, supported by Shine on behalf of the See Change campaign. A wonderful initiative that I was delighted to launch and am proud to support,” concluded Kelleher.  -ENDS- --- ## **Related news:** [![Minister for Mental Health announces launch of €1 million mental health fund to be distributed in partnership with Mental Health Ireland](https://www.fiannafail.ie/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Mary_Butler_FF_Waterford-3.jpg)](https://www.fiannafail.ie/news/minister-for-mental-health-announces-launch-of-1-million-mental-health-fund-to-be-distributed-in-partnership-with-mental-health-ireland) January 25, 2022 --- ##### [Minister for Mental Health announces launch of €1 million mental health fund to be distributed in partnership with Mental Health Ireland](https://www.fiannafail.ie/news/minister-for-mental-health-announces-launch-of-1-million-mental-health-fund-to-be-distributed-in-partnership-with-mental-health-ireland) [![](https://www.fiannafail.ie/hubfs/fianna-theme/icons/arrow-next.svg) ](https://www.fiannafail.ie/news/minister-for-mental-health-announces-launch-of-1-million-mental-health-fund-to-be-distributed-in-partnership-with-mental-health-ireland) [![Minister for Mental Health announces launch of €1 million mental health fund to be distributed in partnership with Mental Health Ireland](https://www.fiannafail.ie/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Mary_Butler_FF_Waterford-3.jpg)](https://www.fiannafail.ie/news/minister-for-mental-health-announces-launch-of-1-million-mental-health-fund-to-be-distributed-in-partnership-with-mental-health-ireland-1) January 27, 2022 --- ##### [Minister for Mental Health announces launch of €1 million mental health fund to be distributed in partnership with Mental Health Ireland](https://www.fiannafail.ie/news/minister-for-mental-health-announces-launch-of-1-million-mental-health-fund-to-be-distributed-in-partnership-with-mental-health-ireland-1) [![](https://www.fiannafail.ie/hubfs/fianna-theme/icons/arrow-next.svg) ](https://www.fiannafail.ie/news/minister-for-mental-health-announces-launch-of-1-million-mental-health-fund-to-be-distributed-in-partnership-with-mental-health-ireland-1) [![Minister Collins confirms €50k funding for Men's Sheds across Limerick](https://www.fiannafail.ie/hubfs/PHOTO-2022-10-27-15-15-56.jpg)](https://www.fiannafail.ie/news/minister-collins-confirms-50k-funding-for-mens-sheds-across-limerick) November 2, 2022 --- ##### [Minister Collins confirms €50k funding for Men's Sheds across Limerick](https://www.fiannafail.ie/news/minister-collins-confirms-50k-funding-for-mens-sheds-across-limerick) [![](https://www.fiannafail.ie/hubfs/fianna-theme/icons/arrow-next.svg) ](https://www.fiannafail.ie/news/minister-collins-confirms-50k-funding-for-mens-sheds-across-limerick) April 26, 2021 --- ##### [Minister Butler welcomes signing into law of the Central Mental Hospital (Relocation) Bill 2020](https://www.fiannafail.ie/news/minister-butler-welcomes-signing-into-law-of-the-central-mental-hospital-relocation-bill-2020) [![](https://www.fiannafail.ie/hubfs/fianna-theme/icons/arrow-next.svg) ](https://www.fiannafail.ie/news/minister-butler-welcomes-signing-into-law-of-the-central-mental-hospital-relocation-bill-2020)