A FARMER has revealed the positive impact that having a health hub at a livestock market can have on its community.

Roland ‘Rolly’ Nancekivell said that it was vital for supporting farmers in maintaining health – having had to use it recently after feeling unwell.

Mr Nancekivell shared his own story of how it enabled him to look after his health.

He said: “I came to market with some sheep to sell and I was not feeling very well. I had a busy morning, and I just instigated and pushed myself to say I am going to come in, sit down with Buffy, and I am going to have my blood pressure taken.

“I just wanted to check for my own self, (have) reassurance that I was okay, They picked up a high blood pressure, I was then referred to my doctor and I am now on medication to reduce my blood pressure.”

Mr Nancekivell also detailed the reasons that farmers may not go to the doctors as frequently as they perhaps should. He continued: “We farmers are very well, what shall I say? We make a doctor’s appointment and it’s guaranteed that something on the farm will break down, something will happen that requires our need and we will put our animals before our own health.

“When we come to market, we can drop our animals off, wait for them to be sold and we can instantly take the initiative and come and see the nurse right at the same time.

“It’s a natural progression to be more efficient. They have picked up on something that the farmers have ignored, and they (farmers) are tough characters and will fight that pain barrier because they know they have got the responsibility of having to feed their animals.

“It will come to when they’ve got a doctor’s appointment and say, actually I am a bit better today, so they will not bother going to the doctor’s appointment, and they will carry on working on the farm and then neglect that illness that could be deteriorating and getting worse.”

He was also effusive in his praise of Buffy, the nurse at the hub. He said: “Buffy has got such a character about her, you can build a friendship with her, so even there, there would be farmers that would be struggling on a mental health basis, and to offload and share with Buffy is so reassuring, It does them the power of good that when they do walk out of here, and go back to the farm hopefully in a better place. The fact that Buffy can refer them onto other people who are prepared and passionate to help them.”

Mr Nancekivell is also a central pillar in Farming Community Network, which exists to support the farming community. He said of this role: “We want to support any farmers that may be struggling. Everybody goes through different parts of their lives, we want to support them and listen to them and connect them onto professionals that will help them in a better way.”