Initiative to support Wiltshire’s farmers gets shortlisted for prestigious award

An innovative project from the Wiltshire Integrated Care Alliance, facilitated by Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board to provide health and wellbeing support to farmers and members of rural communities in Wiltshire has been shortlisted for a prestigious award by health publication Health Service Journal.

The Well Farmers for Wiltshire pilot scheme ran for six months during the summer and autumn of 2024, and addressed the longstanding pressures facing the farming and rural communities, including working in isolation, financial pressures and limited access to health services.

By bringing together health professionals, community leaders and farming advocates, the programme created a safe space for farmers to talk, access support, and build resilience.

The shortlisting, in the HSJ Innovation and Improvement in Reducing Healthcare Inequalities Award category, also celebrates the collaborative efforts of BSW ICB and its partners.

Through the programme, the Wiltshire Integrated Care Alliance and BSW ICB worked closely with local organisations, including the Farming Community Network, Wiltshire Council and a number of voluntary, community and social enterprise groups, to provide tailored mental health and wellbeing support to those working in agriculture.

Emma Higgins, Head of Combined Place, Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board, said: “On behalf of our many partners in this work, we are honoured to be shortlisted together for this HSJ Award.

“This recognition reflects the dedication of our teams and partners who have worked tirelessly to ensure that Wiltshire’s farming communities feel seen, heard and supported.

“The learning from this work is transferrable to many settings and communities and underlines the importance of integrated working across services and the importance of listening to the voices and views of our communities.

“Although health and care services at the market paused after the pilot, we have continued to work closely with our rural communities, delivering preventative support and deepening our understanding of their needs.

“We’re now looking forward to shaping the next phase of a lasting offer for our farming population.”

Alastair McLellan, Editor, Health Service Journal, said: “On behalf of all my colleagues, it gives me great pleasure to congratulate Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board on being shortlisted as a finalist in the category of Innovation and Improvement in Reducing Healthcare Inequalities Award.

“All of the applications represent the very best of the NHS and often leave our esteemed panel of judges with an impossible choice.”

This year’s awards attracted more than 1,250 entries from across the health sector.

With only 245 projects and individuals making it through to the final shortlist, the competition has been incredibly tough, which demonstrates the impressive scale of talent, commitment and impact across the NHS and wider healthcare landscape.

The ICB’s shortlisted entry was selected following a rigorous judging process, and has been recognised as a standout example of excellence in healthcare delivery.

Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony, which is due to take place on Thursday 20 November at Evolution London.