CAFRE partnership targets health challenges facing next generation of farmers
Emma McElhone, Margaret Purdie, Jill Stewart, Doreen Bolton and Christina Faulkner, pictured at CAFRE's recent Freshers Fair.
Wednesday 07 October 2026
A new health and wellbeing partnership is targeting some of the pressures facing Northern Ireland’s next generation of farmers after research identified concerns around mental health, diet, alcohol use, cancer awareness and physical inactivity.
The initiative brings together the Northern and Western Health and Social Care Trusts, the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) and the Farming Community Network, with support being developed specifically around the needs of students from farming and rural communities.
Survey work found that while many CAFRE students place a high value on their health, time pressures, competing priorities and financial constraints can make it more difficult for them to act on those intentions.
Health pressures identified by students
Doreen Bolton from the Northern Trust, who chairs the CAFRE Student Health and Wellbeing Group, said the health of young farmers has implications beyond the individual students themselves.
“The future of farming depends on this next generation, so this is a vital initiative, not just for our rural communities but for us all.
“Through our surveys, we have found that while many of the students place a high value on their health, they often face barriers, such a time pressures, competing priorities and financial constraints.
“The findings also identified a number of priority areas, including diet, mental health, alcohol use and cancer awareness, with many students expressing concerns about long-term health conditions and physical inactivity. These insights have informed the development of targeted, evidence-based interventions designed to address the specific health and wellbeing needs of learners across all CAFRE campuses.”
The findings have already led to practical initiatives covering nutrition and smoking cessation, alongside resuscitation training, financial wellbeing support, cancer awareness sessions and sexual health initiatives offering access to testing opportunities. Targeted staff training programmes have also been provided.
Greenmount pilot leads to new competition
Physical activity has also become a focus, particularly for students living on campus. A six-week pilot programme at CAFRE’s Greenmount Campus offered activities including boxercise, dodgeball and Gaelic football.
Following the success of the programme — and the popularity of dodgeball in particular — a new annual inter-campus sporting competition has now been launched.
Seamus Ward, Head of Health Improvement at the Western Trust, said:
“Supporting the health and wellbeing of young people in farming communities is an investment in the future of rural Northern Ireland. By working together, we are helping students develop healthier habits, improve wellbeing and access the support they need to thrive both personally and professionally.”
Supporting life beyond the classroom
Lesley-Anne Beacom, CAFRE Student Support Services, with Doreen Bolton, Jill Stewart, Emma McElhone and Yvonne Carson from the Northern Trust
Lesley-Anne Beacom from CAFRE Student Support Services said supporting students’ health is an important part of preparing them for careers across agriculture and the wider land-based sector.
“As future leaders within the agri-food and land-based sectors, it is vital that our students have the knowledge, confidence and support to make positive choices about their physical and mental health,” she said.
“This partnership demonstrates the positive impact that can be achieved when education, health and community organisations work together to meet the needs of young people. We are proud to work alongside our partners to create healthier campus environments and promote positive lifestyle choices.”
More support planned for CAFRE students
The CAFRE Health and Wellbeing Group is continuing to develop the programme, with future plans including ‘Connect Café’ events aimed at encouraging social connection and supporting mental wellbeing.
Further health promotion activities are also planned throughout the year, alongside continued collaboration with community organisations.
The work supports the wider ambitions of the NI Agri-Rural Health Forum, which seeks greater recognition and support for the mental and physical health needs of farming communities.
For CAFRE students, the focus is ultimately on making healthier choices and support easier to access now — with the partnership hoping those habits will continue into working life and help strengthen farming families and rural communities in the years ahead.
