Farm Families team outstanding in their field at NI Farming Awards

Northern Trust’s Farm Families Health Check team

The pioneering work of Northern Trust’s Farm Families Health Check team has been recognised at the 2025 NI Farming Awards, with the programme receiving the prestigious Farm Safety Affiliate Award.

The accolade highlights the team’s commitment to bringing accessible healthcare directly into the heart of rural communities, and its efforts to raise awareness of how personal health is closely linked to farm safety.

For years, the Farm Families Health Checks Programme has supported farmers and rural dwellers by offering vital health assessments at marts, community events and agricultural shows. Through early education, empowerment and detection, the initiative has helped improve health and safety outcomes for thousands of people living and working in farming environments.

Doreen Bolton, the Northern Trust’s Health and Wellbeing Lead, said:

“A very important part of the Farm Families programme is to help individuals understand how their personal health is directly related to their ability to work safely, efficiently, and sustainably. Farmers now view these health checks as a necessary part of their job, so we are delighted to receive this official recognition.”

She added:

“Our vision is to create a healthier, safer, and more resilient farming community by embedding accessible, preventative, and trusted healthcare into the everyday lives of farming and rural populations.”

The award reflects growing recognition across the agricultural sector that physical and mental wellbeing are essential components of farm safety.

With farming consistently ranked as one of Northern Ireland’s most high-risk professions, initiatives like the Farm Families Health Check Programme are increasingly seen as vital tools for prevention and long-term resilience.