How it works

Back On Track offers a supportive, practical approach to improving mental health through:

• A 10 x session program (approximately 1 x hour per week over 10 weeks).
• Guidance from peer coaches trained in behavioural activation—an evidence based method for boosting mood.
• Flexibly delivered to reduce barriers to accessing support.

The program has been co-designed with farming communities to ensure it meet the needs of their community members and is being delivered by trained Back On Track coaches who live and work in Victoria’s farming communities. Our coaches bring both personal experience and specialised training in behavioural activation techniques to help participants develop positive habits and improve their mental health.

The Feasibility Trial

The National Centre for Farmer Health are currently conducting the feasibility trial phase of testing the Back On Track program. We have recruited coaches that have farming backgrounds and strong knowledge of the farming way of life. They have undergone training, including the completion of the Back On Track program. This phase of the trial, as funded by dairy philanthropy the Gardiner Foundation, is being conducted in dairy regions of the Victorian state – the South West, North East and Gippsland.

Participant recruitment for the feasibility trial is now closed, but was accepting members of the farming community who:

• are aged 15+

• reside or work in the target regions

• are experiencing low mood, or depression.

Through conducting this trial we hope to be informed on the following feasibility outcomes of delivering the Back On Track support:

• Recruiting, training and retaining coaches

• Recruiting farming community participants

• If the Behavioural Activation sessions stick to the scripted model.