November 9, 2026

The Northern Health and Social Care Trust and Grange Community Association have worked together to develop a series of walks for farming families.

The pilot initiative, believed to be the first of its kind for in Northern Ireland, included two guided walks through the Randalstown and Broughshane areas, highlighting the rich history of both areas.

The walks were led by experienced local tour guide Alan Rosborough from Ulster History Walks and Talks, who has a wealth of knowledge of local history and heritage.

Yvonne Carson, the Northern Trust’s Rural Health and Wellbeing Manager, said: “While farming families are active throughout the working day, these walks offered a chance to step away from the demands of farm life for a short time, recharge their batteries and enjoy the company of others in a relaxed setting.

“Spending time together like this can help reduce the sense of isolation that people in rural communities can experience, and it has real benefits for both physical and mental wellbeing. The refreshments at the end of each walk also provided a great opportunity for participants to continue the conversation and build new connections.”

Ivan Johnston from Grange Community Association added: “We are delighted to be working alongside the Northern Health and Social Care Trust to bring this walk and talk initiative to local farming families. I know everyone who participated in these walks really enjoyed the experience and benefitted from them. Alan is an experienced tour guide and has a lot of knowledge and interesting facts to share about local history and the rural landscape.”

The guided walks were the latest in a series of rural initiatives from the Northern Trust. As the largest geographical health trust in Northern Ireland, 42.5% of its population live rurally, including a significant number of farming families.