Young Farmers show support to landmark health study

25 Jul 2017 12:36 PM

Welsh Young Farmers joined the Chief Medical Officer for Wales at the Royal Welsh Show today to announce their commitment to help shape the future health of the nation by participating in the largest Welsh population health study ever undertaken.

Healthwise Wales was launched in 2016 to study the health and wellbeing of people in Wales and to help the NHS and social services plan for the future. The study, backed by the Welsh Government and led by Cardiff and Swansea Universities, asks participants to answer a 10-minute online survey about their health, lifestyle and wellbeing every six months. 

Building on the momentum of the campaign, after it reached a milestone of 10,000 sign-ups, Young Farmers Clubs across the country pledged their support to promote the study to their members and help provide an accurate picture of Wales’s health. 

Alice Hammond, Midwife Ultrasonographer with Powys Teaching Health Board and member of Radnor YFC said:

“Working in the health service I know the vital importance of having up-to-date information about people’s experience of health and health services. I am delighted that members of the Wales Federation of YFC will be helping to promote this important study that will help all of us to plan for the future health and wellbeing of Wales. 

“With over 5000 members across 157 Young Farmers Clubs in 12 county federations, YFC Wales offers a great opportunity to reach out to young people across the country and encourage them to take part.”

Chief Medical Officer for Wales, Dr Frank Atherton said: 

“Healthwise Wales is an ambitious project and I’m delighted that young people understand the benefits of such a significant study. 

“Having Wales YFC show their support today is a great boost to the project that will enable us to build a clearer picture and help prepare for the future. However, despite reaching a huge milestone of 10,000, we still need as many people as possible to get on board to ensure the study’s success. 

“I’m urging everyone over 16 to give just ten minutes of their time to provide basic health information that will generate important insights and treatments for generations to come.” 

Only a year into the study, several significant health issues have already been covered and new surveys on dental health, mental health and skin conditions are set to be launched in the near future. 

For more information and to complete the survey, visit: www.healthwisewales.gov.wales or call the Healthwise Wales team on 0800 917 2172 / 02920 768 090 between 8.00am and 7.00pm, Monday to Friday.