Enhancing the knowledge and skills of advisory and extension agents in mental health issues of farmers

Abstract

[Executive Summary]: The Centre for Rural and Remote Area Health received funding from the Foster’s Community Grant for an innovative program aiming to improve the mental health of farmers through the use of industry Advisory and Extension Agents (AEA) trained to recognize behaviour raising concern for the mental wellbeing of their farmer clients. The funding has covered the cost of coordinating, monitoring, reporting on and training the AEAs; and from partner organizations — the Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, the Queensland Department of Natural Resources and Water, the Queensland Murray Darling Committee and the Condamine Alliance and AgForce — there has been recognition and endorsement of the project, encouragement of participation by their AEA employees in the program and support for them to participate. As a result of this training AEAs will be able to:  recognize signs of mental health problems and offer support;  build resilience in farmers though support and advice;  advise the farmers on resources, whether educational materials or health professionals;  develop local networks of information and referral pathways; and, with regard to their own development,  demonstrate an observable improvement in reflective listening and empathy skills.