Supporting Rural Development in
Waterford County
Waterford Leader Partnership (WLP) Waterford Leader Partnership (WLP)
Waterford Leader Partnership (WLP) Waterford Leader Partnership (WLP)
Waterford Leader Partnership (WLP) Waterford Leader Partnership (WLP)

Social Farming in South East Ireland

Social Farming combines social support services with everyday activities on family farms. It offers individuals the opportunity to engage in farm life, promoting:

  • Social inclusion
  • Improved self-esteem
  • Enhanced well-being

Farms remain typical working farms, providing a non-clinical environment where participants benefit from hands-on involvement in regular farm tasks.

Benefits for Farmers

  • Income diversification
  • Multifunctionality
  • Stronger community connections by opening farms as part of local social support systems.

Our Initiative

Waterford LEADER Partnership, with support from Leitrim Development Partnership and a local benefactor, is leading the development of Social Farming in the South East of Ireland, covering:
Carlow, East Cork, Kilkenny, Waterford, Wexford, and South Tipperary.

Get Involved

We are eager to connect with:

  • Farmers
  • Health and social care organisations
  • Representatives interested in developing social and health support services on farms

Contact:
Tanya Murphy
Social Farming Regional Coordinator
📧 tanya.murphy@wlp.ie

Social Farming in County Waterford is co-funded by Leitrim Development Company and Tomar Trust.

 

Community Safety and Innovation Fund

In 2023, Waterford LEADER Partnership successfully secured funding through the Community Safety and Innovation Fund to offer Social Farming placements to youths availing of Youth Diversion Services. This pilot project was implemented by the Regional Coordinator for the Southeast and yielded significant positive outcomes for youths who participated. Youths from various services across Waterford, Wexford, Carlow and Kilkenny have seen improved confidence and self-esteem, gained new skills and interests, and some have even continued their education or employment. Watch below to hear from youth workers in Carlow Regional Youth Services about their experience supporting youths in Social Farming
.

 

TitleTypeFileSizeHits
Social Farming pdf 424 KB 414
Feirmeoireacht Sh6isialta pdf 645 KB 329
Social Farming in Co Waterford pdf 6.22 MB 575
Guide for Farmers pdf 4.77 MB 578
Guide for those suppoting people with an Intellectual Disability pdf 457 KB 602
Guide for those supporting people in Mental Health receovery pdf 442 KB 526
Useful Documents
TitleTypeFileSizeHits
Expression of Interest Form pdf 445 KB 1357
Other News and Video Links
TitleTypeFileSizeHits
Social Farming interview with Paul Brophy from Community Radio Kilkenny City
2018 Social Farming Southeast update pdf 665 KB 1305
Video of Finian McGrath TD visit to Ballinamona Social Farm
Social Farming Across Borders
Social Farming Across Borders Video

Corporate Governance

"We confirm that Waterford Leader Partnership CLG complies with the Governance Code for the Community, Voluntary & Charitable Sector in Ireland"

TheGovernanceCode.ie