Farming Community Network FarmWell Award winner announced

Andrew Dellbridge, from Norfolk, has won the Farming Community Network (FCN) FarmWell Award 2023 for his short video showing how he champions mental resilience within the agricultural sector.

The award, run in conjunction with Farmers Weekly’s Britain’s Fittest Farmer competition, asks entrants to create a novel and engaging video raising awareness about mental health and wellbeing.

The winner, chosen by the FCN, also scoops £150 of Amazon vouchers.

As a former huntsman and current gundog and sheepdog trainer, Andrew keeps a flock of sheep and admits to being charmed by the countryside.

After leaving London for Norfolk, he spent time working both with Young Farmers and a charity helping people affected by drug and alcohol abuse.

“I learned a lot about coping strategies and mindfulness, and this has worked really well throughout my life.

“Farmers are rubbish at talking, especially men. I thought, I’ve got the skills, and the background, so perhaps I can use this to my advantage to teach people that they matter,” he said. 

“If I can give somebody some reason to get up in the morning or to help them to like themselves better, then I’ve done a good service.

“With all the changes that we’re dealing with in farming – it is a really challenging place to be.”