Mental Health Information Sessions for Farming Communities

(Free Information Sessions funded by NSW Health)

In response to impacts of the drought, the NSW Farmers Association supported the establishment of the NSW Farmers Mental Health Network to bring key groups together to address mental health issues being experienced in rural and remote communities. With funding from NSW Health, the NSW Farmers Mental Health Network conducted 33 free local mental health information sessions for farming families and rural communities throughout NSW during the period September 2008 to March 2009.

Refreshments and information packs were provided at all of the sessions which were conducted by Dr Leanne Craze, an experienced mental health trainer. A mix of breakfast (B), brunch (BR), lunch (L), afternoon tea (A) and evening (E) sessions were offered in an attempt to assist as many people as possible to attend.

Topics covered by the  3 hour session included signs, symptoms and help for:
                Stress
                Depression
                Anxiety
                Trauma,  Grief and Loss

Information was also provided about local services and how to find more in depth information about mental health issues.

The NSW Farmers Mental Health Network is hoping to run more sessions in the future. To indicate your interest or for inquiries: 

 Leanne Craze     Phone:-  6238 1549    Mobile:-  0408 869 051    Email:-   Leanne.Craze@bigpond.com