The National Centre for Farmer Health (NCFH) has developed a practical handbook to help individuals and groups deliver successful community events with a mental health focus.
Tackling the Tough Topics: A step-by-step guide to plan mental health and wellbeing events in farming communities outlines best practice guidelines and provides support to organise impactful events that foster mental health and wellbeing while avoiding potential harm to vulnerable individuals.
The NCFH identified a need for these guidelines in 2023 after supporting 60 flood recovery events in Victorian farming communities in partnership with Western Victoria Primary Health Network (WVPHN). Tackling the Tough Topics was developed through a co-design process with rural mental health specialists, community development and disaster recovery staff in four rural shires.
“We know there is strong motivation and good intention to improve mental health from within farming communities. We also know that working together to connect and collectively address challenges is something that farming communities often do very well,” NCFH Director Alison Kennedy said.
“Tackling the Tough Topics aims to build awareness, knowledge and capability to ensure that when farming communities come together with the purpose of supporting and improving mental health, they are empowered to do so in a way that is well-planned, safe and effective.”
A free webinar will be held on Thursday 6 March where Tackling the Tough Topics authors Sally Cunningham and Sarah Crosthwaite will discuss how to use the guidelines effectively, share tips and answer questions.
“Community group leaders in rural areas are great at planning events tailored to local needs or responding to particular circumstances. They understand the dynamics and needs of their farming community but are often unsure how to tackle topics around mental health and wellbeing,” NCFH Project Officer Sally Cunningham said.
“Talking about mental health and wellbeing when people are gathered together at a community event helps reduce stigma and encourages people to be proactive in managing and protecting their wellbeing. It also helps people to recognise when to seek assistance from within existing family, friend or farming networks, and to be informed about where to get support from mental health professionals if needed.”
What’s inside Tackling the Tough Topics
- A clear structure based on 14 key questions to guide event planning
- Practical templates to ensure the event runs smoothly and achieves its objectives
- Case studies from rural events and top tips that provide valuable insights
- Guidance on selecting and preparing guest speakers, ensuring they are well-briefed about the farming community’s unique needs and challenges.
To access the guidelines, visit farmerhealth.org.au/tackling-the-tough-topics-a-step-by-step-guide-to-plan-mental-health-and-wellbeing-events-in-farming-communities.
The NCFH is also keen to hear from those who have used the guidelines for an event and invite users to share their feedback via the same webpage.
To register for the Tackling the Tough Topics webinar on Thursday 6 March, visit farmerhealth.org.au/event/tackling-the-tough-topics-webinar.
This project was supported by Western Victoria Primary Health Network Wellbeing and Resilience Funding under the Australian Government’s Primary Health Networks Program.
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For more information, please contact:
Sally Cunningham – Project/Extension Officer, National Centre for Farmer Health
P: 03 5551 8533 | M: 0437 810 244 | E: sally.cunningham@wdhs.net
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