A peer-guided mental health program for farmers
supporting farming communities to get Back on Track with their mental health
About Back On Track
Back on Track is an innovative, peer-guided mental health initiative designed to support farming communities. It focuses on improving mental health outcomes for farmers by providing practical, culturally appropriate support delivered by trusted community members.
How it works
Back on Track offers a supportive, practical approach to improving farming participants’ low mood and depression through:
- Participation in 6- 10 x session program (approximately 1 x hour per week over 6-10 weeks).
- Guidance from peer coaches trained in behavioural activation—an evidence based method for boosting mood.
- A flexibly delivered program to reduce barriers to accessing support.
The program was co-designed with farming communities to ensure it met the needs of their community members and is delivered by trained Back on Track coaches who live and work in farming communities. The 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
In 2024-2025, we conducted a Feasibility Trial to test the practicability and workability of the Back on Track program. This trial has since concluded and we are in the process of analysing results and findings.
Through conducting this trial we hope to be informed on the following feasibility outcomes of delivering the Back on Track:
- Recruitment, training and retention of coaches.
- Recruitment of farming community participants and their participation in the sessions.
- Whether the Behavioural Activation sessions stick to the scripted model.
During the trial, we recruited coaches with farming backgrounds and strong knowledge of the farming way of life. They participated in training, including completion of the Back on Track program as though they were a participant. This phase of the trial was conducted in dairy regions of the Victorian state – the South West, North East and Gippsland, reflecting our funding from the Gardiner Foundation.
Through the co-design of the Back on Track program and trial, we consulted with numerous stakeholders and farming community members, through community consultations and community reference groups.
Post-Trial Community Consultations
The Back on Track team have gone back to the communities where the trial was conducted, looking to share what we’ve learned, what’s worked, and what comes next. We also gained insight into how the trial played out for those that were on the ground. Attendees at the events included:
- Back on Track Coaches
- Participants in the trial
- Members of our Community Reference Group
- Members of the community with an interest in farmer mental health and wellbeing
Funding and research
The Back On Track feasibility trail was funded by the Gardiner Foundation, led by the National Centre for Farmer Health and supported by an experienced team of researchers and clinicians from Deakin University, Western District Health Service, La Trobe University, Edith Cowan University and the University of South Australia.
Important information
For further information about the Back On Track project, please contact:
Approved by St Vincents HREC Ref: 070/24
