Farm families now have a training opportunity for how to copy the unique stressors they face.
The Stigma-Free Mental Health Society is a Canadian non-profit organization dedicated to promoting mental health awareness and combating stigma in Canada.
To that end, it will be a offering a two-day Rural Minds Matter Peer Support Training workshop.
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WHY IT MATTERS: Farming and ranching are considered two of the most stressful occupations, both physically and mentally in Canada, making the availability of mental-health resources crucial for the industry.
Implementing peer support is seen as crucial in rural communities, where services are often limited due to factors such as distance, infrastructure challenges, long wait times and the ongoing stigma associated with seeking help.
Studies across North America have shown that the agricultural community has some of the highest levels of mental stress among numerous employment industries.
“We recognize that mental health struggles have surged in rural and agricultural communities, becoming a new pandemic.”
Andrea Paquette
Co-founder and president
Stigma-Free Mental Health
Growing crops, raising animals and relying on weather-dependent outcomes and unstable markets can take their toll.
As well, agriculture is still predominately male, and gender norms discourage seeking help or having open conversations.
“This training program is designed to help community members break down the stigma around mental health, take immediate action and forge a new path in tackling these challenges through peer-to-peer conversations,” Paquette said.
The program is designed for anyone looking to open up conversations about mental health and provide support within their communities. Attendees will gain foundational knowledge of the peer support model and practical strategies for its implementation.
In partnership with Sara Riel Inc., a Winnipeg-based charity specializing in mental health and addictions support, the training will be conducted online Jan. 24-25 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. MST both days.
On day one, attendees will explore foundational concepts of peer support, including models of care, defining compassion and and core values.
Day two will focus on implementing these theories by creating peer support groups tailored to their communities.
Participants will receive an instructional manual to assist group development while addressing barriers and challenges.
Rural and agricultural residents, as well as those working in these communities, are invited to register ahead for the program.
A registration fee of $50 will cover administrative costs.
