Ploughing through barriers
"There is nothing wrong - until we can't get out of bed in the morning!"
This report examines the unique challenges faced by North Yorkshire’s farming community, highlighting the barriers that often delay or prevent farmers from seeking care. It also explores successful approaches from other regions and presents practical solutions to enhance healthcare access.
Introduction
Farming is more than just a job—it’s a way of life. But it’s also a way of life that can take a toll on health and wellbeing. Farmers across North Yorkshire face long hours, physically demanding work, and the constant pressure of unpredictable weather and market forces. This means many struggle to find the time or support to prioritise their own health.
North Yorkshire is one of the most rural counties in England, with 79% of its land used for farming. This close connection to the land comes with unique health challenges, and too often, farmers delay seeking help, leading to poorer health outcomes.
A new report by Healthwatch North Yorkshire explores why so many farmers delay or avoid seeking medical support and what can be done to change this.
What we found
We spoke to 220 people in the farming community to understand their experiences. The top three health concerns they face are:
- 74% experience back, joint, knee, shoulder, or muscle pain.
- 42% struggle with stress and anxiety.
- 31% have sleep problems.
But despite these challenges, many farmers are reluctant to seek help. The report highlights key barriers:
- Time constraints – 36% say their farm work stops them from prioritising health. “It is all encompassing because farming isn’t just a job.”
- Financial pressures – Taking time off means lost income, and hiring staff to cover is costly.
- Difficulties arranging appointments – 40% say booking and attending appointments is too hard due to the unpredictability of farming work.
- Rural access issues – Distance, limited transport, and poor internet make access difficult.
- Fear and stigma – 28% feel their issues aren’t “serious enough” to get help. “You don't admit weakness, especially if it's mental health weakness.”
- Concerns over gun licences – Some worry that discussing mental health issues could result in losing their licence.
- Lack of awareness about services – “I have no idea what services are about.”
- Health professionals don’t always understand farming – “I just feel like health professionals have no idea about the farming way of life.”
- Some farmers trust their vet more than their GP – “I haven't time to go to the doctor. It's easier to ask the vet.”
- Health takes a backseat – “There is nothing wrong until we can’t get out of bed in the morning.”
What would help
We want this report to help community and farming support organisations, as well as the NHS and GP practices, understand the key issues and challenges facing the farming community and what could help:
- Bring services to farmers – 57% want health drop-in clinics at auction marts. “Farmers won't make the time to go to the doctors, but it would help if the nurses came to them.”
- Provide mobile health units – 36% said having health services visit rural villages and towns would make a difference. “Mobile services with drop in and mobile blood pressure and blood tests 'get us when we’re there.’”
- Provide ongoing community support – Establish health workers who can connect farmers with services and reduce stigma.
- Improve communication and awareness – Better promotion of services, including in auction marts, community spaces, and pubs.
- Utilise trusted professionals for signposting – Train rural professionals like vets to help direct farmers to support.
- Make healthcare more accessible – Introduce walk-in clinics at GP practices. “Drop-ins at local GP surgery so you know you can go along without having to make an appointment which can be difficult to get to.”
- Ensure healthcare fits farmers' schedules – 46% said more flexible appointment times would encourage them to seek help.
- Improve understanding among healthcare professionals – 50% believe that better training for GPs and nurses on farming life would make them more likely to seek help.
Moving forward
We want to see real change so that more farmers in North Yorkshire—and beyond—can and will access the healthcare they deserve, helping to flag up any healthcare issues sooner to help avoid things worsening and adding avoidable strain to emergency healthcare services.
