About Back On Track
The National Centre for Farmer Health (NCFH) is pleased to announce that we have received funding from the Gardiner Foundation to undertake a feasibility trial aimed at delivering a new peer-led mental health support model to farming communities in Victoria. Titled the Back On Track project, this collaboration between the NCFH and the Gardiner Foundation represents a significant milestone in addressing the mental health challenges faced by farmers and underscores the commitment of both organisations to the wellbeing of the agricultural community.
The Gardiner Foundation, a prominent supporter of agricultural initiatives, has generously provided funding to the NCFH to further develop and evaluate this peer-led evidence-based program that will focus on improving mental health outcomes for farmers in Victoria. Back on Track will explore the effectiveness of a new mental health support model that includes training and mentoring trusted local farming community members to lead delivery of a practical, farmer-focused approach to addressing low mood or depression. The new model will aim to provide accessible and culturally appropriate mental health services to farmers and their families, ensuring they receive the support they need during challenging times.
Back on Track will be supported by an experienced team of researchers and clinicians from Deakin University, Western District Health Service, La Trobe University and the University of South Australia.
The Back on Track Coaches
Back on Track is a peer-guided approach to improving mental health in farming communities. The Back on Track team have successfully recruited 9 Back on Track Coaches who are now excitedly working through four months of training. This includes the 10 week BoT program, giving them first-hand experience of the project and preparing them to deliver the peer-led mental health support to the trial participants. Additionally, the coaches are completing a Behavioural Activation Certificate through the University of South Australia and are enthusiastic about the upcoming phases of the trial.
Recruitment
Very soon, the recruitment phase of the project will begin. Focusing on the rural areas of the South West, the Alpine Valley and the Gippsland Region, we will be seeking forty farming community members as participants for the Back on Track trial.
More information
Approved by St Vincents HREC Ref: 070/24
Read our paper here to learn more about the community consultation that led to this project.
To read the report on the co-design informing this project, click here.
For additional information about the Back on Track project reach out to us by emailing BoT@wdhs.net or ncfh@wdhs.net.
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