Back from university and helping out on the farm

The 22-year-old was studying Agri-Food Marketing with Business Studies at Harper Adams University in Shropshire, but returned to her family home in March, when the first lockdown was announced.

Now filling her days by helping out on the family’s free-range poultry farm, studying for a PGCE and overseeing community support for Kilraughts Young Farmers, Erinn is kept busy, but she’s only too aware of the isolation felt by young people in rural areas and the changes they are experiencing.

“I had to do my dissertation and final year exams at home, which was a bit of a struggle.

“My graduation has been postponed until next September, so it’s all up in the air as to whether we’ll graduate or not.”

She added: “Life just went from everything to nothing. It was a shock to the system and hard trying to adapt. When you are at uni you are surrounded by so many people who are all studying, so it’s easier, but whenever you are at home it’s a lot harder.”

Erinn, who is one of three sisters, added: “I am the only one at home and the only one interested in the farm, so it was all hands on deck when I came home and back to the 6am starts every morning.”

Erinn said she is thankful for the support provided by Kilraughts Young Farmers Club, where she is secretary.

“That has kept me busy – we did a lot of virtual competitions.”

Another event which kept her busy was a 600-mile challenge.

“All the clubs in Northern Ireland were involved and the aim was to do those miles either walking, running or cycling.

“It was just something to motivate members, because some of them were struggling with the isolation and being at home by themselves and not getting to see anyone apart from their parents.”

She added: “The younger ones were struggling with internet connection for doing their work and that’s why they appreciated ourselves and the 600-mile challenge. It meant they were able to get out, it wasn’t a virtual, behind-a-screen, thing to do.”

Despite being kept occupied, Erinn admitted there were times she felt isolated.

“It was a bit lonely because all I was seeing was mum and dad, and because we don’t live in the town it was difficult to get out and about and see friends, even when we were allowed to.”