On Thursday 13 November, RABI brought together farmers, policymakers, health leaders, academics and local charities supporting rural communities for a roundtable discussion in the Welsh Parliament, exploring urgent solutions to the worsening health and wellbeing gap facing farming communities in Wales.
Hosted in Tŷ Hywel and chaired by James Evans MS, the roundtable examined new research suggesting that farmers are significantly more at risk of preventable illness, chronic pain, and fatal accidents than the general population.
The discussion focused on systemic barriers preventing farmers from accessing healthcare and identified opportunities for collaborative solutions and intervention.
In closing the event, Alicia Chivers, RABI Chief Executive emphasised the charity’s commitment to collaborative action:
“Our message is simple: this is an issue with real and devastating consequences – not only for Welsh farmers and their families, but for the wider rural community and the national economy.
“We cannot close the farming wellbeing gap alone. We know that there is work already underway, and we are keen to work with farming communities; partners across farming and health; and Members of the Senedd Cymru and Welsh Government to help efforts to turn this situation around and facilitate real change.”
We are grateful to all who attended and contributed so thoughtfully. Special thanks to Professor Stuart Maitland-Knibb for presenting early research findings, and to James Evans MS for kindly hosting the session.
