Talk, Ask, Listen Workshop.

Do More Ag is proud to provide a half day interactive workshop/webinar solely dedicated to those who are involved in agriculture. Knowing that knowledge is power and farming is unique, our goal for this workshop is threefold. One, that you walk away with greater awareness and understanding of mental health. Two, you can access this training in the cab of your tractor or at the office. And three, help you and those around you break down barriers and dispel the stigma through three actions - talking, asking and listening. The “Talk, Ask, Listen” workshop was created by farmers for farmers. It has already been delivered to thousands of producers across Canada.

Workshop Outline.

1. The signs and symptoms of mental illness, anxiety, depression, stress, and substance use, including the unique statistics and factors the agriculture industry experiences.
2. What support looks like, depending on your level of education, experience, and training.
3. How to prepare and have conversations with someone who you identify may be experiencing a mental health challenge.
4. How to support others and yourself, and how to access resources.
5. Self care and prevention strategies for mental wellness.

What Is AgCulture?

AgCulture is a mental health in agriculture literacy program developed to:

1. Build awareness of the agriculture industry and the unique stressors facing Canadian producers.
2. Further educate mental health professionals who may not have extensive or direct experience on the farm.
3. Improve relatability between a farmer and mental health professional so that an effective therapeutic relationship can be built and maintained.
4. Learn to apply culturally competent practical skills to aid in building the therapeutic relationship with rural clients, plus more.

Workshop Outline.

1. Introduction to the agriculture industry
2. Building the therapeutic relationship
3. Strategies for practical application
4. Navigating Farmer Self Care

Participants Experience.

"As a Social Worker and a resident in a rural community, the AgCulture course was invaluable. I received a broader understanding of the impact of mental health on farm families, a renewed sense of the unique stressors involved in living where you work and vice versa, and insight into the unique engagement strategies that aid in forming a therapeutic relationship."

"Both the pre-reading and presentation was full of valuable information, and I’m sure I’ll reference it often in my clinical work. I also appreciated the opportunity for discussion and application to a case study."

Please note: This course is only offered to participants through the Community Fund.

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), is a 2-day, 12 hour course, developed by the Mental Health Commission of Canada and facilitated by a Certified Instructor, is the help provided to a person developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. Just as physical first aid is administered to an injured person before medical treatment can be obtained, MHFA is given until appropriate treatment is found or until the crisis is resolved. 

The MHFA Canada program aims to improve mental health literacy and provide the skills and knowledge to help people better manage potential or developing mental health problems in themselves, a family member, a friend or a colleague.

The program teaches participants how to:

• Recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health problems. 
• Provide initial help. 
• Guide a person towards appropriate professional help.
  

MHFA aims to:  

• Preserve life where a person may be a danger to themselves or others. 
• Provide help to prevent the mental health problem from developing into a more serious state. 
• Promote the recovery of good mental health. 
• Provide comfort to a person experiencing a mental health problem. 
  

MHFA trained individuals are able to:

• Recognize and understand the symptoms of mental health problems, including those related to substance abuse.
 
• Provide help to prevent the mental health problem from developing into a more serious state. 
• Promote the recovery of good mental health by understanding how to assist someone in distress or recovering from a crisis.