LONDON, ON - On Wednesday April 24th Ag Let’s Talk, in partnership with Farm Credit Canada, comes to the Western Fair District. Canada’s farming industry continues to recognize the need to talk about farmers mental health. Stress, isolation, uncertain weather, industry regulations and work-life balance are shared feelings among many, yet lack of options and traditional stigma prevent free flowing dialogue.
Panel Speakers Kristen Thompson-Dow of New Life Mills, Janine Lunn of Ontario Federation of Agriculture and representatives from the Canadian Mental Health Associations’ Middlesex Branch will start the important conversation about the daily stresses that impact those in agriculture including what service providers should be aware of and mental health resources that are available.
Keynote speaker Dr. Andria Jones-Bitton of University of Guelph is passionate about agriculture, and will be addressing farmer and veterinarian mental health at Ag Let’s Talk following her research in the epidemiology of mental health and resilience in the agricultural and veterinary sectors. Andria’s studies over the past three years have focused on depression and other mental illnesses among farmers (and veterinarians). Many farmers face higher levels of psychological stress, distress and suicide when compared with other occupations and the general population. At least historically, it may have been uncommon for farmers to speak up about their struggles, due to a culture of ‘working harder’ and ‘being stoic’. With the results of Andria’s research and her advocacy, many groups are starting to become aware of the larger issue, and raise awareness.
Ag Let’s Talk is proudly supported by the Canadian Mental Health Association Middlesex and Ontario Federation of Agriculture. The event will conclude with a social and round table discussions regarding next steps for individuals, organizations and businesses in dealing with rural and on-farm mental health. “Western Fair District is dedicated to supporting the agriculture community needs through programming and events,” stated Cheryl Curtis, Western Fair District Director.
Tickets to the event are $35, which includes a lunch of soup, salad, sandwiches, dessert and drink.
Schedule:
10:30–11:00 AM Registration
11:15-11:30 AM Introductions/ Welcome
11:30–12:30 PM Moderated Panel, with three speakers on stressors in agriculture and rural areas, and how to provide aid.
12:30–1:30 PM Lunch
1:30–2:30 PM Keynote Speaker
2:30–3:00 PM Table Discussions
3:00–3:30 PM Wrap up/ Social
For more information, including a full list of all Western Fair District agricultural events and initiatives, please visit
www.westernfairdistrict.com.
Dates & Times:
April 24, 2019 from 10:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Location:
The Carousel Room at the Western Fair District
865 Florence St, London, ON
N5W 3V9
Admission Pricing (includes all taxes and fees)
$35 - Lunch included, tickets can be purchased at:
Source : westernfairdistrict