SHROPSHIRE Council’s health checks for farmers at Ludlow and Shrewsbury markets have been awarded Health Promotion of The Year at the West Midlands Public Health Ball awards ceremony.

The awards were held on May 20 to recognise the work that has taken place in the sector since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

Shropshire Council took the award thanks to the partnership between Shropshire Council and charity, Shropshire Rural Support.

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The service began in January at Halls livestock auctions in Shrewsbury and has since grown to include McCartney’s livestock market in Ludlow.

The community wellbeing outreach team visit the markets, usually fortnightly, and can provide blood pressure readings, listen to other wellbeing concerns, and signpost services and support.

Agencies including West Midlands Police, NHS diabetes practitioners and Severn Trent Water have also joined the team, to offer advice on wider issues.

The project is now being expanded to include Market Drayton livestock market, run by Barber’s Auctions.

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Cecilia Motley, Shropshire Council’s cabinet member for public health, adult social care and communities said: “We know that these health checks have led to GP and pharmacy referrals, as well as lifestyle changes and have encouraged a more open conversation about wider wellbeing, including bereavement and mental health.

“We are thrilled to have the recognition of this award, but we take the most pride in the way we have been welcomed into the farming community.”

Jane Latter from Shropshire Rural Support said: “We are delighted by how the farming community has embraced the project. Huge thanks must go to the outreach team, Halls, McCartneys and Barbers livestock markets, the NFU and the Shropshire Federation of Young Farmers.”