Farmers and their families are being reminded about the small changes to everyday habits that they can make to best deal with the rigors of everyday life.
Important health and wellbeing messages are usually shared by the YAS’s Yorkshire Rural Support Network during free health checks delivered by fully trained health professionals at auctions marts and trade events throughout the year, however they have temporarily halted due to Covid-19.
Instead, the Network has produced a series of bitesize farmer-friendly videos with funding from The Prince’s Countryside Fund.
Kate Dale, Co-ordinator of the Yorkshire Rural Support Network who farms with her husband Ben near Boroughbridge, North Yorkshire said:
As a farmer, it doesn’t matter what type of farm you have, what size it is, the pressures are all the same.
We are so often operating alone nowadays and it can be a really lonely existence, working long hours in difficult weather conditions, not to mention all the usual animal welfare, farm inspection, financial and family responsibilities and the best of us can soon feel pretty overwhelmed.
It’s important we all try and look after our own health. By doing so, we are going to be better equipped to run our own businesses. We really hope you will find this series of video clips helpful.
The series is presented by Anne Reed, a farmer’s wife and health practitioner from Thirsk.
Anne, who normally delivers the Society’s health checks said:
With the ongoing uncertainty around farming, I think it’s important to offer some tips to help keep our farmers and families healthy.
If after watching our videos you have any concerns about your health, then please do contact your GP surgery.
All the clips can be viewed below.
Managing stress
Talking about problems
The importance of exercise
A balanced diet
Alcohol consumption
The Yorkshire Rural Support Network is a partnership of Yorkshire statutory and voluntary agencies that together promote and provide sources of help – whether practical, financial, medical or emotional – to the farming community all year-round.
Helplines
If you are struggling and need support, call Samaritans in confidence on freephone number 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org or call the Farming Help charities helpline operated by The Farming Community Network on 03000 111 999.
