The national rural mental health training program, presented by the Do More Agriculture Foundation (DMA) and Farm Credit Canada, is entering its third year. Applications are now open for the next year of training.
The education program is focused on mental health in the ag sector and is aimed at developing the capacity for mental illness identification and support in rural areas. Individuals who participate in the program receive the necessary education to identify mental health concerns and provide initial supports to producers coping with difficult circumstances.
Community leaders apply on behalf of their community to bring training to their area, which is free of charge for all participants, and is taught by mental health professionals with agriculture experience, according to a press release.
“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,” says Adelle Stewart, executive director of DMA.
DMA has securing additional grants and funding, on top of FCC funding, to offer training in more locations and to more producers. Throughout the community fund’s history, over 1000 individuals across the country have received training.
Applications for the community fund are open to all rural ag communities and are open from Oct 9 to 31. More information for applying can be found here.
Related: Nation-wide resources are listed on the Do More Ag website for those looking for help, or more information.
