Roots of support

The project focused on fostering mutual learning and cooperation between mental health care farms in Ireland and Netherlands, and a mental health organization in Iceland. The objectives of the pro...

The project focused on fostering mutual learning and cooperation between mental health care farms in Ireland and Netherlands, and a mental health organization in Iceland. The objectives of the project were: -To facilitate the exchange of knowledge and best practices in delivering care within social and mental health farm settings; -To explore the learning and development needs in peer support; -To establish a transnational learning network for mental health organizations.

Key activities included study visits in care farms in the Netherlands and in Ireland, farm-based job-shadowing programs that allowed peers from the other countries to immerse themselves in the care farm environment, carrying a needs analysis throughout these visits and through organizational surveys on the learning needs related to peer support, creating the mission statement of a learning network between care farms and mental health organizations across Europe. Additionally, participating in a social change conference in Iceland and a final dissemination webinar that showcased project outcomes.

The project produced tangible and lasting results that strengthened peer support practices in social and mental health farms. Two transnational study visits and job-shadowing in Ireland and the Netherlands enabled staff, volunteers, and peers to gain hands-on experience, exchange methods, and identify learning needs. A Social Change Conference in Iceland connected partners with wider networks, while the creation of a transnational learning network established a sustainable platform for collaboration beyond the project. A comprehensive report on learning experiences documented best practices, challenges, and recommendations, serving as a resource for future training and development. The final dissemination webinar extended the impact to a wider European audience, inspiring organisations planning similar initiatives. Across all activities, participants improved skills in peer support, crisis intervention, trauma-informed care, and community engagement. The project enhanced the capacity of partner organisations, empowered peers, and fostered a culture of inclusivity, knowledge sharing, and innovation that will continue after the project’s end.