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Men's Health Strategy for England: call for evidence

Activity: Expert Knowledge and Consultancy typesGovernment

18/07/2025

This evidence highlights the considerable physical and mental health challenges faced by men in farming communities across England. Male farmers report higher levels of pain, discomfort, anxiety, and depression than the general population, and experience significantly elevated rates of occupational injury, asthma, and musculoskeletal conditions. Contributing factors include hazardous working conditions, long hours, rural isolation, limited access to healthcare services, and poor digital connectivity. There is a lack of robust data on the specific health needs of male farmers, which hinders the delivery of timely and effective care. Recommendations include bringing healthcare into farming communities (e.g. mobile health units), improving trust and engagement through culturally informed practice, and using trusted figures such as vets to signpost services. Resources like the Fit for Farming manual and findings from recent local research (e.g. Healthwatch North Yorkshire, 2025) should inform future strategies.

External organisation (Government)

NameDepartment of Health and Social Care, UK Government