Farm Families Health Checks return to marts this January following a year of impact and recognition

Some of the Farm Families Health Checks Team at Balmoral Show earlier this year.

Farm Families Health Checks will return to livestock marts across Northern Ireland this January, continuing its mission to bring vital healthcare directly to farming families following a year of significant impact and national recognition.

As 2025 draws to a close, the team has highlighted its continued commitment to improving health and wellbeing across rural and farming communities.

The award-winning team has confirmed a full schedule of mart visits early in the new year, offering farmers and their families the opportunity to access confidential, on-the-spot health checks while going about their daily routines.

The January schedule includes:

• January 5 (pm) – Downpatrick

• January 9 – Keady

• January 12 (pm) – Ballymena

• January 14 – Saintfield

• January 17 – Clogher

Some of the Farm Families Health Checks Team at Balmoral Show earlier this year.

The announcement comes as the team reflects on a highly successful year of significant impact, during which they were a familiar and welcome presence at livestock markets, community gatherings and agricultural business events throughout rural areas.

Throughout the year, the team became a familiar and trusted presence at livestock marts, agricultural business events and community gatherings, delivering vital on-the-spot health checks to farmers and their families—often in locations where access to routine healthcare can be challenging.

To date, the programme has delivered over 28,000 health checks, with 43 per cent of participants referred on to their GP for further care.

Each check includes screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, BMI and diabetes, as well as practical advice on early cancer detection and personalised lifestyle guidance. For those referred, the service also provides follow-up phone calls to ensure continued advice and encouragement.

For many participants, the ability to receive a confidential health check while attending a mart or community event removes a significant barrier to early intervention—particularly in a sector where long working hours and geographical isolation are common.

Farm Families Health Checks Team Coordinator Christina Faulkner after receiving the RCN Public Health Nurse of the Year award, with Health and Wellbeing Locality Lead, Doreen Bolton.

The programme’s work was recognised at a national level during the year, with Christina Faulkner named RCN Public Health Nurse of the Year, an honour reflecting the importance of bringing preventative healthcare directly to farming communities. The service also received the Health and Safety Award at the NI Farming Life Awards, further reinforcing its reputation for excellence within the agricultural sector.

Farm Families Health Checks Team receiving award at NI Farming Life Awards celebration.

Team Coordinator Christina Faulkner said the programme’s strength lies in its ability to meet rural communities where they are.

“What sets this service apart is its unwavering commitment to rural communities. Many farmers and their families have praised the convenience, confidentiality, and accessibility of on-the-spot health checks delivered right to their doorstep. In regions where long hours and remote locations often make healthcare a challenge, this programme fills a vital gap.”

Farm Families Health Checks is encouraging community groups and event organisers to consider hosting a visit at future events.

To book a visit or find out more, email Farm.Families6@northerntrust.hscni.net or call 028 2563 5573 to speak with a member of the team.

The Farm Families Health Checks programme is co-funded by the Public Health Agency (PHA) and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), and has been delivered by the Northern Health and Social Care Trust since March 2012.