OUR farming communities continue to face tough seasonal conditions, with many battling to water their stock while others are left with failed crops.
It’s at times like these that farming communities work together to help each other through tough times. Victorian Farmers Federation members, the state government and our partners are doing all we can to help.
That’s why the VFF has come together with the Country Fire Authority, Country Women’s Association, National Centre for Farmer Health and the Victorian Royal Flying Doctors Service, in conjunction with the Victorian government, to deliver the Look Over the Farm Gate program.
We are encouraging neighbours to help neighbours and improve their health and well-being by looking over the farm gate and reaching out for a chat.
The program is delivering targeted community-based training that helps farmers and community leaders identify and respond to distressed members of their own community. It helps communities help themselves.
These training sessions provide attendees with strategies and tools to assist in managing through this challenging time. We are focusing on the importance of keeping yourself active and healthy, while also identifying the importance of identifying warning signs about the social and emotional well-being of others in our communities.
Over the coming months, you will see more from the Look over the Farm Gate program, including community social events and further tools to look after yourself and your neighbours.
The Look over the Farm Gate program promotes:
- Social and emotional well-being awareness. Recognise and respond to the signs of stress before they lead to distress and poor health.
- Physical health awareness. People are your most important asset, so keep them in good shape.
- Communities supporting each other: Farmers helping farmers improve health and well-being.
- Increased service knowledge and accessibility.
There are many support programs available. We encourage you to use them. Just visit the VFF website www.vff.org.au for details and links to other services.
Graeme Ford, VFF CEO