Healthwatch volunteer action leads to parliamentary response
Healthwatch North Yorkshire listens to what people think about health and care services — and helps ensure those voices are heard by decision-makers. When volunteers and community members speak up, it can lead to real change. A recent example of this came when a volunteer shared our latest report with their MP — and sparked action in Parliament.
Following a constituency meeting with us, Mr Julian Smith, Member of Parliament (MP) for Skipton and Ripon, raised three written questions in Parliament — two with the Health Secretary and one with the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. These questions focus on improving healthcare access for farmers and rural communities.
What sparked this?
Our April 2025 report, Ploughing through barriers, wanted to understand the challenges of why farmers don't seek healthcare as soon as they can (or at all) and wanted to promote help-seeking in farming communities.
The report, based on feedback from over 220 farmers across the county, highlights serious health concerns in farming communities:
- 74% of respondents experience musculoskeletal pain (e.g. back, joint or muscle problems)
- 42% report stress, anxiety or low mood
- 31% face sleep issues
The report also identifies key barriers to accessing care — such as time constraints, stigma, lack of understanding from professionals, and difficulty getting to appointments. Farmers shared clear ideas for improvement, including walk-in GP appointments, mobile health checks, and better signposting from trusted professionals like vets.
Read our original report - Ploughing through barriers
Following its publication, this report was shared with Julian Smith MP by one of our volunteers — prompting a series of formal questions in Parliament about how the Government is supporting rural and farming communities. Here's what was asked, and how ministers responded.
Question 1: Mobile health services for rural communities
Julian Smith MP asked what’s being done to make it easier for farmers and rural communities to access mobile health services — especially when set appointment times are hard to manage.
The government responded that:
- Local NHS bodies (integrated care boards) are responsible for meeting local needs and reducing health inequalities.
- NHS funding includes extra support for rural and remote areas.
- People may be able to claim back travel costs for health appointments.
- NHS England is improving digital access to services to help reach more people.
Question 2: Walk-in GP appointments for farmers
He also asked what’s being done to encourage GP practices to offer walk-in appointments for farmers and others with irregular schedules.
The government responded that:
- GP surgeries can decide how to run appointments, including whether they offer walk-ins.
- Out-of-hours GP services are required to be available in evenings, weekends, and bank holidays.
- Patients can also access care through pharmacies or urgent treatment centres without appointments.
Question 3: Support from vets and others working with farmers
Finally, he asked what’s being done to help vets and others who regularly see farmers to recognise signs of poor mental health and signpost them to support services.
The government responded that:
- The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) funds training and support through the Farmer Welfare Grant.
- One project, led by the Farmer Network, offers mental health first aid training in Yorkshire and other rural areas.
- Defra has a team focused on farmer wellbeing and has trained its staff in mental health support — including preparation for outreach at auction marts and shows.
Impact
This is a powerful example of how volunteer-led action can lead to real political attention. By raising local concerns with their MP, Katharine helped ensure the voices of farming communities were heard at the highest level. The result: three national questions, formal ministerial responses, and increased awareness across government about the practical healthcare barriers faced by rural workers.
"This shows the real impact of community voices when they’re heard and acted on. We’re incredibly proud of our volunteers helping and to see decision-makers listening and responding to the needs of North Yorkshire’s farming communities."
What happens next?
This exchange in Parliament is a positive step — and shows the power of local voices in shaping national conversations. We’ll continue to monitor the outcomes and work with communities, partners, and decision-makers to make sure the issues raised translate into lasting improvements. More local examples of impact that Healthwatch and the public speaking up helped make happen will be shared soon.
Thanks to Healthwatch volunteers and trustees, we have now written to all local MPs.
Of the responses we've had:
- Healthwatch staff and volunteers are meeting Kevin Hollinrake (MP for Thirsk and Malton) in August 2025 to discuss the report.
- We have receiveda response from Alison Hume (MP for Scarborough and Whitby), and we're currently in the process of arranging a meeting date with her.
