The farming community and healthcare - breaking the stigma and seeking support
Several key themes emerge from studies, surveys, and anecdotal evidence on how farmers feel about healthcare access.
The Big Farming Survey by the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution highlighted significant physical health and mental well-being challenges within the farming community. From the 15,000 responses, they found:
- A concerning mental health and wellbeing picture amongst women in agriculture – 58% experience mild, moderate, or severe anxiety.
- High levels of physical health issues impacting the farming community – 52% experience pain and discomfort.
- One in four people in the farming community have mobility problems.
- 21% have problems undertaking usual tasks due to health issues.
Mind Your Head, an annual campaign run by the Farm Safety Foundation, works to raise mental health awareness amongst farmers.
95% of farmers under 40 said mental health concerns were a problem across the country, up from 84% previously. It’s been described as one of “the biggest hidden problems.” In an industry with rising costs, long hours working alone, adverse weather, and other pressures, it’s easy to see why. The farming community has said they feel “on their knees,” overwhelmed, often “bottling up” their feelings.
The rate of suicide is reported to be alarmingly higher in farming compared to the national average (Source: Farmers Guide).
What stops the farming community getting help when unwell?
Healthwatch North Yorkshire has been out listening to the farming community.
We know that people from farming communities do not always use the health services they are entitled to, as much or as soon as they could. We want to find out what might be stopping you from getting the help you need and how services could improve to make them work better for the farming community.
Feedback will be shared anonymously with the NHS and organisations that support the farming community in North Yorkshire, including the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, The Farming Community Network, National Farmers Union, and The Farmer Network. This will help them develop better resources and services that meet your needs.
Online survey
The survey has now closed. We hope to publish the findings in a report at the end of April 2025.
