A health crisis amongst farmers has spurred action for change in County Durham.

Farmers across face mounting health struggles as a new survey uncovers alarming rates of mental health issues, physical strain, and fears over the industry's future- worsened by isolation from essential services. 

In response, new walk-in health clinics designed specifically for farmers are being launched in Teesdale.  This initiative, driven by Teesdale farmer and community champion Becky Land, has brought long-overdue attention to the specific health needs of rural communities.

Becky's survey, conducted as part of her role with the County Durham Together partnership, revealed the day-to-day toll of farming on mental health, alongside growing concerns about physical health due to the demanding and unpredictable nature of farm work.

(Image: Emily Carey)

Key survey findings include widespread reports of isolation, anxiety about the future of farming, and a lack of access to both mental and physical healthcare services.

Based on this feedback, County Durham’s Mental Health Strategic Partnership, with support from Healthwatch County Durham, responded with a tailored approach — organising health clinics that specifically cater to the needs of farmers.

The first clinic, held at Pinfold Medical Practice, provided farmers with direct access to health checks and mental health support.

Due to its success, a second clinic is now being organised, with an expanded focus on mental health, as the community has underscored how crucial this support is.

Becky said: "I signed up for the role to promote services in the rural area I am proud to call home.

(Image: Emily Carey)

"The area faces many a challenge from season to season, day to day, but the uniqueness of the farming community makes it an extremely hard area to try and open doors into.

"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.

“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."

Durham County Council has since issued a call for more Community Champions, especially in rural areas, where there are currently only six volunteers – five in Teesdale and one in Weardale.

Cllr Ted Henderson, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for children and young people’s services, said: “Becoming a community champion is an important way of sharing public health information with your friends, family, people you know, or your community.

“By working together and sharing our different experiences, we can help people to thrive.

"We are always looking for more people to become community champions, and I would encourage anyone with an interest in health and wellbeing and supporting their community to join.”