By Alice McFarlane

Identifying gaps in mental health support services

Jan 13, 2023 | 4:19 PM

MELFORT, Sask. – The Do More Agriculture Foundation (Do More Ag) is leading a research project to better understand the state of mental health awareness, educational offerings, and resource delivery in the Canadian agricultural industry.

Do More Ag wants to identify gaps in mental health resources for the industry, specifically the gaps that exist for women, youth, Indigenous Peoples, 2SLGBTQI+, persons with disabilities, and from racialized communities.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau said Do More Ag plays an important role in helping to bring the unique mental health challenges facing producers and their families to light.

“This collaborative project serves to boost necessary mental health resources for underrepresented and marginalized groups. We will continue to support projects that improve mental well-being and work towards inclusivity in agriculture,” Bibeau said.

Executive Director Megz Reynolds said they want to change the culture in agriculture to one where all individuals are supported and empowered to take care of their mental well-being.

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“We must also create an industry where all are welcome, lifted up and the specific needs of each individual and group are addressed,” Reynolds said. “I am very thankful for Minister Bibeau’s support through AgriDiversity and for the incredible individuals involved in this project. Their openness to share and their willingness to have the hard conversations are vital to creating change.”

Do More Ag is collaborating with Wilton Consulting Group (WCG), Openly, and Ontario Psychotherapist and Registered Social Worker Bonnie Taylor to conduct, workshops, environmental scans, interviews, surveys, and focus groups.

Taylor is serving as the Farmer Mental Health Expert Advisor for this project.

“I am excited to be a part of this project with Do More Ag, as I understand the unique needs and stressors of farmers and producers,” Taylor said. “I recognize the importance of creating an accessible and unique mental health support system to foster positive mental health, reduce stress, and improve overall mental health. This project will serve as an important step in that journey.”

This project is funded up to $76,000 in part by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership’s AgriDiversity Program.

The final report will be released in the second quarter of 2023.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @farmnewsNOW