Farm Families Health Checks team prepares for a packed summer of community outreach

The Farm Families team at Balmoral Show with partners who joined them throughout the event.

Following a highly successful appearance at this year’s Balmoral Show, the Farm Families Health Checks team is gearing up for a busy summer, bringing vital health and wellbeing services to rural communities across Northern Ireland.

The team’s packed schedule includes appearances at major agricultural shows and community events, offering farmers and rural residents free health screenings and expert advice.

At the Balmoral Show, held last month, the Farm Families Health Checks team partnered with Public Health Dieticians, the Royal National Institute for the Deaf, the Northern Trust’s Agri Rural Forum, and Cancer Focus to deliver a comprehensive range of health checks and guidance over the four-day event.

The initiative, which focuses on improving the health outcomes of Northern Ireland’s farming community, attracted significant attention from both visitors and dignitaries.

Christina Faulkner, Farm Families Coordinator, highlighted the importance of the event:

“Balmoral Show is always a highlight for our team, and we’re delighted to be a part of what is the biggest event in the farming calendar.

“We’re grateful to all our partners who worked alongside us, and everyone who made a visit to our stand over the four days. We hope this engagement will encourage our rural communities to look after their health and wellbeing and remind them how important this is.”

The Farm Families Health Checks team with respiratory nurses, DAERA Minister Andrew Muir and Bryan Monson, HSENI.

The Balmoral Show also saw high-profile visitors, including Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir, and Health Minister, Mike Nesbitt.

Both ministers met with staff and service users who have previously benefited from the health checks offered by the programme.

“We were very pleased to welcome both the Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir, and the Health Minister, Mike Nesbitt who took the time to meet with staff and service users who have previously benefited from the health checks that we offer,” Faulkner added.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt with Helen McAuley, Christina Faulkner and Doreen Bolton.

A Focus on Lung Health and Rural Wellbeing

This year’s Balmoral Show placed a particular emphasis on lung health, with the Northern Trust’s respiratory nurses set to play a key role in supporting the Farm Families Health Checks team over the coming months.

The initiative is part of a broader effort by the Agri Rural Health Forum to address health challenges faced by farmers, who often work in physically demanding and isolated conditions.

Doreen Bolton, Mid Ulster locality lead for health and wellbeing, joined Faulkner at related events organised by the Agri Rural Health Forum.

These events underscored the importance of accessible health services for rural communities, particularly in addressing conditions like respiratory issues, which can be exacerbated by occupational hazards in farming.

A Busy Summer Ahead

With the Balmoral Show now behind them, the Farm Families Health Checks team is preparing for a series of appearances at agricultural shows and livestock marts across Northern Ireland.

“Looking ahead, it’s set to be a busy summer with community events, livestock marts and local shows coming up. If you see us out and about please drop in for a quick health check and a chat,” Faulkner said, encouraging farmers and rural residents to take advantage of the free services.

The team’s upcoming schedule includes:

•  Ballymoney Show: 6–7 June

•  Armagh Show: 14 June

•  Newry Show: 28 June

•  Castlewellan Show: 19 July

•  Antrim Show: 28 July

•  Clogher Valley Show: 30 July

•  Fermanagh Show: 9 August

These events provide a vital opportunity for the farming community to access health screenings, receive advice on diet and wellbeing, and connect with professionals who understand the unique challenges of rural life.

The Farm Families Health Checks programme is designed to be approachable and convenient, ensuring that even those with busy schedules can prioritise their health.

Why rural health matters

Farmers and rural residents often face barriers to accessing healthcare, including geographical isolation and demanding work schedules.

The Farm Families Health Checks initiative seeks to bridge this gap by bringing services directly to the community at events they already attend. From blood pressure checks to dietary advice and hearing screenings, the programme offers practical support to improve long-term health outcomes.

The collaboration with organisations like the Northern Trust, Cancer Focus, and the Royal National Institute for the Deaf ensures a holistic approach, addressing a wide range of health concerns. The focus on lung health, in particular, responds to growing awareness of respiratory risks in agricultural work, such as exposure to dust and chemicals.

A call to action for rural communities

As the Farm Families Health Checks team prepares for a hectic summer, they are urging farmers and rural residents to make time for their health. The free, quick, and accessible screenings offered at upcoming shows could make a significant difference in identifying potential health issues early.

For those attending any of the listed agricultural shows, a visit to the Farm Families Health Checks stand offers a chance to take proactive steps towards better health. With a warm welcome and expert advice on offer, the team is ready to support Northern Ireland’s rural communities throughout the summer and beyond.

For more information about the Farm Families Health Checks programme or to learn about upcoming events, contact the team through the Northern Trust’s Agri Rural Health Forum or keep an eye out for their stand at your local show.