Women in farming 'needed to help shape the right support services'
Researchers want to look at the different support for ages and locations and help advise policy makers
Female farmers are being urged to take part in a new study looking at their health and wellbeing - and the support that should be made available across different age groups and geographic locations.
The research is being led by the University of Exeter’s Centre for Rural Policy Research and farming charity The Farming Community Network and aims to 'better understand the physical and mental health of women working in agriculture - including potential stressors in farming and barriers to seeking support'.
A spokesperson for the project said: "The survey is part of a three-year research project focusing on the health and wellbeing of women in UK agriculture – including potential stressors in farming and barriers to seeking support
"The survey findings will provide valuable information about levels of health and wellbeing among women in farming, and how these might vary across aspects such as age, occupational role, farm size, farm type and geographical location.
"Findings will also offer insights into the aspects of farming that women find most positive and the types of challenges they might encounter, as well as their experiences of accessing appropriate healthcare and suggestions for further support."
Anyone aged over 18 is urged to take part in the online survey
The research is funded by the Economic and Social Research Council and will be shared with relevant public health bodies and policy makers.
Dr Rebecca Wheeler, from the University of Exeter, who is leading the project, said: “We know the farming community is extremely supportive of each other and we are keen to hear about the sort of things which are supporting health and happiness in the farming community, as well as the challenges.
“We want to hear about the experiences of women from across the UK – of all ages and backgrounds – and from different roles in agriculture.”