October 7, 2026
A pioneering new partnership to improve the health and wellbeing of young farmers has been established.
The new partnership between the Northern Health and Social Care Trust (NHSCT), the Western Health and Social Care Trust (WHSCT), the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) and the Farming Community Network, is a significant step towards tackling some of the unique challenges facing students from rural and farming communities.
This evidence-based approach recognises that supporting the health of young people within farming families is vital not only for individual wellbeing but also for building stronger, more sustainable farm businesses and resilient rural communities.
Doreen Bolton from the Northern Trust and Chair of CAFRE Student Health and Wellbeing Group, said: “The future of farming depends on this next generation, so this is a vital initiative, not just for our rural communities but for us all.
“Through our surveys, we have found that while many of the students place a high value on their health, they often face barriers, such a time pressures, competing priorities and financial constraints.
“The findings also identified a number of priority areas, including diet, mental health, alcohol use and cancer awareness, with many students expressing concerns about long-term health conditions and physical inactivity. These insights have informed the development of targeted, evidence-based interventions designed to address the specific health and wellbeing needs of learners across all CAFRE campuses.”
Seamus Ward, Head of Health Improvement at the Western Trust, added: “Supporting the health and wellbeing of young people in farming communities is an investment in the future of rural Northern Ireland. By working together, we are helping students develop healthier habits, improve wellbeing and access the support they need to thrive both personally and professionally.”
Lesley-Anne Beacom from CAFRE Student Support Services said the college is committed to supporting not only the academic and professional development of students, but also their health and wellbeing.
“As future leaders within the agri-food and land-based sectors, it is vital that our students have the knowledge, confidence and support to make positive choices about their physical and mental health, “she said.
“This partnership demonstrates the positive impact that can be achieved when education, health and community organisations work together to meet the needs of young people. We are proud to work alongside our partners to create healthier campus environments and promote positive lifestyle choices.”
The survey findings have led to the introduction of a range of practical initiatives designed to make health and wellbeing services more relevant and accessible.
This included the provision of events to provide students with advice on range of subjects including nutrition and smoking cessation. Students also benefited from resuscitation training, financial wellbeing support, cancer awareness sessions and sexual health initiatives that provided access to testing opportunities and targeted staff training programmes.
Recognising the importance of physical activity, particularly for students living on campus, a six-week pilot programme was introduced at Greenmount offering a variety of activities, including boxercise, dodgeball and Gaelic football. Due to the success of the programme and the popularity of dodgeball, a new annual inter-campus sporting competition has launched.
The CAFRE Health and Wellbeing Group continues to develop its programme, with future plans, including ‘Connect Café’ events to promote social connection and support mental wellbeing, enhanced health promotion activities throughout the year, and continued collaboration with community partners.
This work aligns with the wider ambitions of the NI Agri-Rural Health Forum, which aims to ensure that the mental and physical health needs of the farming community are fully recognised and supported.
By working in partnership across health, education and community sectors, the CAFRE Student Health and Wellbeing Group is making a real difference, supporting young people to develop healthier habits that will benefit individuals, their families and the future of the rural economy.