NHS Grampian’s Public Health team has joined with the National Farmers Union Scotland to launch a local edition of Fit for Farming; an information booklet aimed at helping farmers to lead healthy, happy lives.
The booklet, published by the Men’s Health Forum, was written with farmers for farmers. This latest version has been adapted with NHS Grampian to provide local information and support.
The booklet covers physical and mental health topics, including sections on how to be good to your body, your brain and how to handle the ups and downs of life. It also has a useful directory of local services and help lines.
Susan Webb, Director of Public Health for NHS Grampian, said: “I am delighted to launch this booklet, Fit for Farming. We recognise that those working in the agricultural sector in Grampian face daily challenges that can take their toll on the health of the farmer. Working in isolation, often in extreme weather, with hard physical labour, animal diseases and financial pressures can all have effects which may lead to personal health problems and mental strain. A family farming business can be severely impacted through illness or poor health.
“In partnership with the NFU Scotland, we are committed to helping everyone in the farming community to look after their own health.”
Davie Winton, NFU Scotland’s Regional Chairman for the North East, commented: “NFU Scotland is delighted to be involved with this initiative and it ties in with our work in other regions of Scotland on the health and wellbeing of those in the industry. We hope that this booklet will encourage farmers and crofters to make their health and wellbeing a priority and take time to look after themselves, and those around them.
“Agriculture can often be a lonely industry to work in, particularly for more remote areas, and we hope by raising awareness of this issue that farmers, crofters and those working in the industry take the time to read this booklet, and seek help.”
Jim Pollard of the Men's Health Forum said: “We’ve partnered with several farming organisations to produce a series of editions of this guide and it has been well received all over the country. One farmer’s wife told us that it was Fit for Farming that enabled her to persuade her husband to see the GP. You can’t get higher praise than that. We think farmers appreciate the high yield of information - all you need to know in just 40 easy-to-read pages.”