the Farmwell Award
About
The FarmWell Award recognises an individual who has an inspiring way to look after their own physical and mental health. The winner of the award for 2023 is Andrew Dellbridge – watch his video below .
Farmwell.org.uk is a one-stop resource created by FCN to help you and your farm business stay strong and resilient through changing times. It takes a proactive approach in providing guidance for building personal and business resilience, with tips on how to get through stressful situations and what to do in different scenarios.
2023 FCN FarmWell Award winner
This year’s winner, chosen by the Farming Community Network, is Andrew Dellbridge. He scoops £150 in Amazon vouchers.
Andrew is a former huntsman and a gundog and sheepdog trainer, he also keeps a flock of sheep in Norfolk.
He has spent time working both with young farmers and a charity helping people affected by drug and alcohol abuse.
“I learned a lot about coping strategies and mindfulness, and this has worked really well throughout my life.
“Farmers are rubbish at talking, especially men. I thought, I’ve got the skills, and the background, so perhaps I can use this to my advantage to teach people that they matter,” he said.
“If I can give somebody some reason to get up in the morning or to help them to like themselves better, then I’ve done a good service.
“With all the changes that we’re dealing with in farming – it is a really challenging place to be.”
Watch Andrew’s video.
2022 FCN FarmWell Award winner
The 2022 winner was Derbyshire farmer John Taylor.
John, 34, works full-time for NFU Mutual. In his spare time he manages his own small herd and flock and works as a dry-stone walling contractor.
The CrossFit athlete trains most days and can often be found out and about at 5am, walking his collie Nell – who also features in the video – before training.
“Exercise benefits my physical and mental health,” he says. “I make sure I talk with those close to me to avoid any spirals of negativity.
“I also make sure I ask others – whether I meet them in a personal or professional capacity – if they’re OK or if they need to talk. People need people.”
Watch John’s video.
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Charity partners:
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Sponsor Britain's Fittest Farmer
If you would like to speak to us about sponsoring Britain’s Fittest Farmer 2023 please contact Anna Eccleston.
Supporting the farming community
Britain's Fittest Farmer was launched by Farmers Weekly in 2018 as a fun and friendly way to get farmers thinking and talking about their physical and mental health, to make sure they are in top condition to run their business.
This year, we have partnered with three amazing charities and are asking for donations to support their incredible work within the farming industry:
The Farming Community Network: Supporting farmers and farming families through difficult times.
RSABI: Providing emotional, practical and financial support to families across the agricultural sector.
The Farm Safety Foundation: Raising awareness of farm safety among young farmers.
Your donation will be split equally between these three charities and your contribution will help spread awareness and directly support these amazing organisations – thank you.