News Farming Community
Mental health training program now accepting applications

The Do More Agriculture Foundation (DMA) and Farm Credit Canada (FCC) have officially launched the third year of their national rural mental health training program, which is now accepting applications.

The education, focused on mental health in the agriculture sector, is aimed at developing the capacity for mental illness identification and support in rural areas. Participants receive education to identify mental health concerns and provide initial supports to producers coping with difficult circumstances.

The programs 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, executive director of DMA.

In addition to the funding provided by FCC, DMA has secured additional grants and funding, meaning the training can be offered in more locations and to more producers than ever before. Through the Community Funds history, over 1,000 individuals across Canada have received the training.

The success of the program relies on “Community Leaders” to apply on behalf of their community to bring the training to their rural area. They work directly with DMA and the facilitators to organize and market the training.

The fund is open to all rural agriculture communities across Canada. Interested individuals can apply online at domore.ag/how-to-do-more from October 9-31, 2020.