The new Health and Wellbeing Zone at Lamma 2023 will encourage farmers to prioritise their mental and physical health and well-being.
Farming Help charities – Addington Fund, the Farming Community Network (FCN) and Forage Aid – are coming together to promote discussion around well-being in the industry.
Panel discussions led and hosted by representatives of the charities will be key features of the event and information, signposting and support will also be available. NHS AgriHealth Matters will also be attending the first day of the show to offer glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol checks and flu vaccinations.
Addington Fund’s Annie Winn will be chairing the panels and themes will include educating the public about real-life farming – on day one, with farmers Anna Longthorp and Will Roobotton – and employee health, safety and wellbeing (day two).
Head of communications and development at FCN, Alex Phillimore, said that research has shown a lack of public understanding and lack of appreciation for farmers’ work can increase mental illness in the farming community. The event plans to offer support with these issues, he said:
“On Day 1 of LAMMA, we will be running a session in defence of farmers; debunking some of the myths and helping to showcase everything great about British farming. On Day 2, we will be focusing on occupational wellbeing, highlighting the importance of looking after ourselves and the people around us and how this can benefit the farm business.”
He explained that the aim of the event is that farmers will be reminded that they are part of a caring community and that there is support available from the Farming Help charities and other organisations.
For more information on Lamma, the Health & Wellbeing Zone and to register for your free ticket visit www.lammashow.com
