Farmers offered health checks at Hawes Mart

A pop-up health centre aimed at farmers and gamekeepers launched this month at Hawes Mart in North Yorkshire, designed to make routine checks more accessible and encourage early detection of health issues.

The Farmers & Gamekeepers Health Pop-up is part of a wider health inequalities project run by Giles Ranyell, project manager at Hambleton Community Action, on behalf of the North Yorkshire Local Care Partnership.

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He explained: “We are taking health into farmers’ and gamekeepers’ worlds, meeting them on their terms and being available in their environment, which is why this initiative is so important.

“We are trying to connect the dots between health and the rural community. It’s not just about the checks that we can offer on the day; it’s about mental health and offering space to just have a chat.”

The pop-up opened its doors on 3 June and runs every Tuesday from 10.30am to 12.30pm.

The service includes checks on blood pressure, blood oxygen, respiratory health, and screenings for diabetes and cholesterol.

“This is something proactive and tangible,” Mr Ranyell said. “We wanted to get into the community and provide value. It’s easy for farmers not to find the time; they do great service for our country, and I know they are very busy.

“It’s a free service, 10 minutes of their time, and if during that check we spot anything of concern, then we advise them to follow up with their GP.”

The initiative is currently scheduled to run until the end of September, with hopes it may be extended.

“We are here to support you, we are a friendly soft ear to have a chat with, so pop in and see us,” he said.

You can contact the health pop-up at Hawes Mart by email: hi@hambletoncommunityaction.org.