The Do More Agriculture Foundation is accepting applications for its rural mental health training program until the end of the month.
The program is aimed at developing the capacity for mental illness identification and support in rural areas. Those taking the program receive education to identify mental health concerns and provide initial supports to producers coping with difficult circumstances.
Program sessions are brought to areas free of charge to all participants and are taught by mental health professionals with lived ag experience.
“The training is specific to agriculture and equips participants with basic skills to provide assistance when help is not immediately available, as well as understanding their limits on supporting someone struggling, and their own self-care,” said Adelle Stewart, the executive director of Do More Ag.
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More than 1,000 people across the country have received the training during the first two years of the program, which is financially supported by Farm Credit Canada.
However, it relies on community leaders to apply on behalf of their community. These individuals work with Do More Ag and the facilitators to organize and market the training.
The fund is open to all rural agriculture communities across Canada and applications can be submitted online at domore.ag (click on the Community Fund tab) until Oct. 31.
The Do More Ag Foundation was launched in January 2018 to promote mental health awareness, well-being, and research, as well as to empower Canadian producers to take care of their mental well-being through education, training and public awareness.
Its website has a list of resources (such as crisis lines and mental health websites). It also has articles on topics such as managing stress during COVID-19.
– With staff files
