#BuildingFarmSpirit social media campaign

Our farmers have many personal stories to tell that raise awareness of mental health, reduce stigma, start conversations, and inspire positive action in others.  #BuildingFarmSpirit will encourage Victorian farmers and farming families affected by flood to share these stories.  

This is a welcoming space for farmers to share stories of how they navigate challenging times and is open to any and all forms of creativity, whether it be photos, videos, poems or music.  But the image or video is only half of it – we want to hear the story behind what made you want to capture that moment.

Complementing these shared experiences will be key tips and tricks to help farmers through challenging times.

A legacy piece will create a permanent record of the strategies and methods that our resilient farmers and farming communities used to support their mental health during this time and remind us all that we can get through this together.

Join our online community and share your story with us!

Farmer Online Assist Program

Farmer Online Assist provides Victorian farmers affected by extreme seasonal conditions with up to three free sessions with a farmer health trained and registered AHPRA accredited Psychologist – without a need to have a GP mental health plan.

Farmer Online Assist is not a crisis service. If you require crisis support please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or in an emergency where there is an immediate risk of harm to a person call 000.

The following eligibility criteria apply:

• You must be over 16 years of age
• You must be a Victorian resident living in a local government area affected by the 2022 floods
• You must be currently living or working on a farm

Please submit your request to access this service by filling out the form below:

Boosting local community support

We have supported 40 community events that provide social connection and mental health promotion for farmers and farming communities across Victoria.

Some great ideas for social connection and wellbeing for farmers have led to terrific opportunities to have some much needed fun, time to chat and to get off the farm.

Thanks to the many great community organisations, sporting, clubs schools and industry groups who have provided this opportunity to protect the mental health of those recovering from flood events and a difficult season. Also, thanks to the many and varied guest speakers who have presented on the topic of farmer mental health through tips and tricks to stay well, promoting discussion on wellbeing or telling their own stories of recovery from natural disasters.

If you have an idea that promotes social connection and wellbeing for farmers, register your interest or chat with us about how we can partner with you.

Read our Grant Application Terms & Conditions

@buildingfarmspirit

#BuildingFarmSpirit Facebook group

@buildfarmspirit

Campfire Podcast Episode 20: Thinking through the flood recovery journey

Now streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and below. This Campfire podcast episode features speaker Dr Lauren Stracey, from Rural Aid.