Sir, – In a week when you publish articles such as "Family hubs like 'a jail for children'," and "Loneliness a significant problem for many of us" it was refreshing and even cathartic to read about people with disabilities, individuals struggling with mental health problems, early school-leavers and the long-term unemployed getting to spend some leisurely time outside of their own environments. They were working family farms while at the same time helping to reduce rural isolation and contributing financially to boot ("Social Farming: a harvest for us all", Sylvia Thompson, Health & Family, April 18th).
It would seem to me that the solution to many of society’s ills are right at our feet and all it takes is a little bit of initiative and some Government backing to foster a more fair and equitable way of life for those who, through no fault of their own, don’t have the same opportunities many of us take for granted. More please. – Yours, etc,
TOM McELLIGOTT,
Listowel, Co Kerry.