Were you affected by the floods? The National Centre for Farmer Health (NCFH) #BuildingFarmSpirit program is calling on Victorian farmers and farm families to share their stories of coping with the stress of flooding, flood recovery and how you dealt with a wet harvest. What builds your spirit?
Building Farm Spirit Project Manager, Sally Cunningham, said stressful periods like floods, prolonged wet conditions and associated production losses often result in farmers suffering from stress and fatigue.
“This can result in operating at less than their best, even months down the track,” Ms Cunningham said.
“A key to recovery from a natural disaster is to remain as healthy as you can and recognise that experiencing high workload, stress and uncertainty following extreme climatic events is entirely normal.
“Building Farm Spirit is the NCFH flood recovery project supporting the wellbeing of Victoria’s flood-impacted farmers through a social media movement.
“The supportive online community provides an opportunity to share stories, videos and photos. To network with other flood affected farmers, farm families and regional businesses, 24/7 without the need to leave home.
“You are not alone. Sharing experiences, tips on recovery and ideas for dealing with the stress and fatigue that comes from the added workload, helps others who may be dealing with similar issues,” Ms Cunningham said.
Your story of recovery after a natural disaster can be submitted onto the #BuildingFarmSpirit Facebook group as a short video, text and photos, even as a poem or song. You can be as creative as you like.
The shared story with the most ‘likes’ by March 31, will receive a workplace first aid kit valued at $180. The next two with the highest number of ‘likes’ will each receive a vehicle first aid kit. Please don’t show any unsafe activities. T&Cs are available on the website: https://farmerhealth.org.au/buildingfarmspirit
Resources for dealing with stress, grants to boost local community support, a list of contacts for emotional and social wellbeing support and more are available at www.farmerhealth.org.au/buildingfarmspirit
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Sally Cunningham is available for interview: (03) 5551 8533 or email: sally.cunningham@wdhs.net
For a higher resolution copy of the photo, email lgrey@wdhs.net
For more information about the National Centre for Farmer Health Flood Response or to access a list of support resources, visit www.farmerhealth.org.au/buildingfarmspirit or contact Project Officer, Sally Cunningham
For more information about National Centre for Farmer Health visit www.farmerhealth.org.au
For media and communications enquiries contact the National Centre for Farmer Health Marketing Communications Coordinator, Annabelle Macgugan on (03) 5551 8582 or email: amacgugan@wdhs.net
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