By Alice McFarlane

Building resources for rural mental health education

Feb 18, 2025 | 3:13 PM

Do More Agriculture Foundation has opened the 2025 Community Fund for rural mental health education.

The fund empowers rural communities across Canada to create space for mental health conversations for learning, hope and change. When more people understand mental health, communities build better health outcomes for everyone.

Dr. Merle Massie, Executive Director of The Do More Agriculture Foundation, said this is possible with Farm Credit Canada’s (FCC) commitment to support rural community action for mental health is inspiring.

“Communities have told us, again and again, what happens at these events. They’ll say: ‘My community is leaving with new skills and a better understanding of how to support our peers. I’m proud to see this kind of change in our community.’ When communities tell us that it’s helping, we just want to do more,” Massie said.

FCC’s commitment means an increase in its support which will allow more communities to champion mental health learning workshops. Last year, 140 communities applied for funding, showcasing a strong need across Canada for more mental health learning at the community level.

First time champion

Schmidt wins Canadian Challenge main 10-dog race

1h ago

Gallery of Trailblazers

Gallery of Trailblazers celebrates Dr. Shadd, many other Black pioneers

3h ago

Crime

American man guilty of illegal outfitting in Northern Sask. following lengthy investigation

5h ago

Massie said as the program grows, there is learning, including for Do More Ag.

“Communities say that shame and fear can stop people from signing up for workshops,” she said. “We are building additional resources for community champions, to help them touch and welcome a wide variety of people.”

Do More Ag welcomes champions from agriculture associations, small industries tied to agriculture, financial and accounting businesses, pharmacies and hardware stores, faith communities, rural governments and health care businesses and any other community-based champion to lead these events.

Programs include Talk Ask Listen and In the Know sessions, SafeTALK suicide support workshops, and intensive Mental Health First Aid training. A peer-to-peer grief support group will continue. The Field of Mind men’s mental health support sessions will expand in 2025. Specialized AgCulture courses will continue to provide mental health professionals with an in-depth understanding of the specific challenges unique to the agricultural sector.

Applications for the Community Fund are open until Mar. 2.

–

alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @farmnewsNOW