Yorkshire Vet Backs Mental Health Campaign

TV vet Julian Norton has thrown his support behind a new campaign designed to improve mental-health support for men living and working in isolated rural communities.

The initiative, called Shift Your Focus, forms part of a larger £7 million investment by the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority. Around £715,000 is now available for local organisations to bid for, with funding earmarked for community projects that help men open up, connect with others and access support earlier.

Norton, best known from Channel 5’s The Yorkshire Vet — said he has seen first-hand how the pressures of farming can take a toll on mental wellbeing. With North Yorkshire being England’s largest county, and farms often miles apart, he said too many people are working alone with no one to talk to.

He admitted he has struggled himself in the past to speak openly about pressure and stress.

“We’re brought up with the stiff-upper-lip attitude,” he said. “I’m better now, but it’s an area that needs work.”