A new project which seeks to address the health and wellbeing issues facing the agricultural community in the Dumfries and Galloway area is being launched next week.

The Health & Wellbeing in the Framing Community project, a joint approach between NFU Scotland, Dumfries & Galloway Health and Social Care and Dumfries and Galloway Council, is set to launch at Dumfries Agricultural Show at 11am on Saturday 5 August. Following the launch, a range of events and activities will take place over the coming months in the region to speak to NFU Scotland members and the wider farming community to gain their views and input into the project.

A variety of issues affecting the physical and mental health of the local farming community were identified through a needs assessment by DG Health and Wellbeing in 2016, and this project stems from this research. The main issues identified included social isolation, stress, financial problems, depression and work-related hazards.

Rupert Shaw, NFU Scotland’s Regional Board Chairman for Dumfries and Galloway commented: “NFU Scotland looks forward to building the link between this project and our local community, allowing our local farmers’ voices to be heard and seeing positive actions identified.  

“The health and wellbeing of our farming community has a huge part to play in the success of the agricultural sector and can be forgotten behind the policy, red tape and legislation.  This positive project will assist in bringing together the farming community to look at factors which will have a positive impact on their home and working lives.”

Claire Thirlwall, Health and Wellbeing Specialist of DG Health and Wellbeing, said: “There is a clear need to address the health issues faced by the agricultural community locally, with a range of barriers identified, such as a culture of resilience, the nature of farming itself including long working hours, and lack of knowledge of local services. This project will seek to work with the farming community and related organisations on these issues.”

Stella Milsom, Health and Wellbeing Project Co-ordinator for NHS Dumfries and Galloway commented: “This project brings together key partners to work with the farming community to better understand the barriers, concerns and issues that impact on their health and wellbeing.  I am delighted to be co-ordinating this project and invite everyone in the farming community to have their say and join The Big Conversation.

“I look forward to speaking with as many people as I can at various events and meetings through the coming months.  As we understand more, we will be looking for the local farming community to work alongside us to shape actions and initiatives to address issues and concerns.”

Notes to Editors

• Members of the press are invited to the launch of the Health and Wellbeing in the Farming Community project at NFU Scotland’s stand, G1, at Dumfries Agricultural Show on Saturday 5 August at 11am.

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Contact Ruth McClean on 0131 472 4108