Follow-up walk-in clinic for farmers scheduled after initial success

Following the identification of health challenges faced by farmers, a second walk-in clinic has been arranged for them. Farmer Becky Land engaged with individuals in Teesdale to discuss the issues they perceived as impacting their physical and mental well-being. This initiative led to the establishment of a successful walk-in clinic at Pinfold Medical Practice in Butterknowle, located near Bishop Auckland, County Durham, which provided health checks tailored for farmers. Ms Land stated that the agricultural industry confronts “the biggest challenge of a generation” and possesses one of the “poorest mental health records of any workplace.” Her efforts were undertaken in her capacity as a community champion for Durham County Council. A subsequent clinic, which will also incorporate mental health assessments for farmers, is currently being organized, building on the success of the initial event. Ms Land, who also serves as a lived experience lead with Upper Teesdale Agricultural Support Services, commented: “With farming at the heart of life here, the industry faces the biggest challenges of a generation and has one of the poorest mental health records of any workplace.” She added, “I am proud of my farming roots and the people I stand side by side with, so to have the opportunity to do this was amazing.” Her initiatives have prompted appeals for additional individuals to assume roles as community champions within the county, particularly in rural regions where only six volunteers are presently active—five in Teesdale and one in Weardale. Independent councillor Chris Hood, who holds the position of the council’s cabinet member for adult and health services, stated that community champions perform a “vital role.” He further remarked, “Being a community champion is an opportunity to make sure the voices of your community are heard and allows us to take action to help improve health outcomes.” Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. Send your story ideas to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk.Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.