Female farmers invited to shape wellbeing project
© Adobe Stock Women farmers in Wales are being encouraged to help shape a new wellbeing project exploring how creative activities can strengthen social connections across the farming community.
Researchers are keen to hear from women involved in farming across Wales, with women in England also invited to take part in the initiative.
It forms the third stage of a study led by the Centre for Rural Policy Research at the University of Exeter in partnership with The Farming Community Network (FCN).
See also: Survey links women farmers’ decision-making power to wellbeing
The project will co-design a series of creative workshops with women in farming, allowing participants to help decide the activities, locations and timings while creating opportunities to meet others with shared experiences.
Workshop details
Workshop locations will be influenced by where interest is greatest, meaning strong participation from Wales could help ensure sessions are held there.
The first planning meeting, lasting up to 90 minutes, will introduce participants to the research team before further discussions shape the workshops.
Up to two in-person creative sessions are expected to follow about eight to 10 weeks later, with a final online meeting gathering feedback on participants’ experiences.
Participants will receive £50 for each main workshop session, up to a maximum of £150, with reasonable travel expenses also covered.
Alex Phillimore, head of operations and communications at FCN, said: “We know how beneficial it can be to get off-farm and to interact with others in a shared environment.
“These workshops are an important opportunity to explore how community activities can support social connection and wellbeing.”
Shaped by women
Mr Phillimore added that the workshops will be shaped by the women in farming who are taking part and will provide tools and resources for creative expression.
Women interested in taking part are invited to submit an expression of interest by 14 August.
Researchers will use the responses to determine workshop locations and ensure participants represent a wide range of ages and farming backgrounds.
