Drive to boost health and wellbeing

A drive to improve the health and wellbeing of Scotland’s farmers has been launched in Scotland.

NHS Grampian’s public health team has joined forces with the farmers’ union to launch a local edition of Fit for Farming, an information booklet aimed at helping farmers lead healthy lives.

It includes information on physical and mental health topics, and a directory of local services and helplines.

NHS Grampian’s director of public health, Susan Webb, said it was recognised that those working in the agricultural sector faced daily challenges that can take their toll on the health of farmers.

She said: “In partnership with the NFU Scotland, we are committed to helping everyone in the farming community to look after their own health.”

NFU Scotland’s north-east regional chairman, Davie Winton said: “We hope 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.”

Jim Pollard from the Men’s Health Forum, which authored the original booklet, said: “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.”