MOUNT FOREST – The H.O.P.E Committee, will present “Mental Health in the Farming Community,” taking place at the Mount Forest Sports Complex on March 26, at 11:30am.
Panelists include (Farmer) Tim May and Andrea Jones – Bitton from the University of Guelph.
This lunch and panel discussion are held in partnership with Showcase Wellington North.
Farmer Tim May is a fourth-generation dairy farmer who holds a degree in animal science from the University of Guelph.
He and his family have a herd of 40 holstein cows, as well as a hobby herd of belted Galloway on 300 acres of land near Rockwood.
Tim is passionate about sharing both the good and bad of farm life with anyone who is willing to listen.
Dr. Andria Jones-Britton, veterinarian, epidemiologist, and associate professor in the Department of Population Medicine at the University of Guelph will also be attending the discussion. She is currently developing a program aimed at increasing mental health literacy in farmers called “In the Know”.
Results from the National Survey of Farmer Mental Health, involving 1,100 producers from across Canada, conducted by Dr. Jones-Bitton, concluded that 40 per cent of producers across Canada reported that they would feel uneasy about seeking professional help due to what people may think.
Thirty-five per cent of producers met the criteria for depression classification, 45% were classified as having high stress and 58% met the criteria for anxiety classification.
H.O.P.E committee chair person, Elsa Mann stated, “Growing up in a farming family, I know first hand how much is riding on your shoulders to make everything work and there’s a lot outside of your control.
“This mayor’s lunch event is an opportunity for our farming community to come together, know we’re not alone in this, and discuss some ways to support each other.”
This lunch is a free event that aims to bring the community together to start the dialogue about mental health in the farming community through an interactive panel discussion with those in attendance.
Additional guests may be added to the panel. Resource materials will be made available during the event and through the H.O.P.E. display booth at Showcase Wellington North.
More details about event, including how to register can be found at mayorsluncheonforhope2019.eventbrite.ca or by calling Angela at 1-844-264-2993 ext. 4056.
The H.O.P.E Committee (Healthy Opportunities Promoting Empowerment Destigmatizing Mental Health) includes residents of Wellington North and Minto and area service providers, who work towards destigmatizing mental health and promoting mental wellness.
Those interested in offering their time to the efforts of this event or joining the committee are asked to contact the committee chairperson: Elsa Mann at 519-321-1181 or emann@mountforestfht.com.
