HOW TO DO MORE

Be A Champion For Mental Health In Your Community

HELPING RURAL COMMUNITIES START THE CONVERSATION

Welcome to the Community Fund Resource Hub—everything you need to bring mental health literacy to your rural or agricultural community.

The Community Fund provides agriculture communities across Canada access to mental health education and literacy at low or no cost. Having tools and training to support ourselves and one another through any and all mental health challenges develops robust individual and community mental wellbeing.

ACTION

Action for awareness, education and breaking the stigma. These are the first steps to making a real & lasting impact for mental health. We take action for increased knowledge and understanding.

COMMUNITY

Community activates a sense of belonging and hope. When we feel connected, we’re more likely to reach out, show up, and support one another. We work with local leaders to foster spaces where conversations around mental health are welcomed, and where people feel seen, heard, and valued. Together, we grow strength for support, inclusion, belonging, and resilience.

RESOURCES

Mental health services & supports are hard to access in rural and remote locations. We aim to help bridge the gap by connecting those who need resources with those who provide them.

COMMUNITY WORKSHOP OPTIONS

Talk Ask Listen

Talk Ask Listen was created by The Do More Agriculture Foundation and has since been delivered to over 2,413 individuals since the program's inception in 2019.

There are several workshops that focus on mental health training, however primary producer feedback from year one of the Community Fund indicated there was a gap between general mental health education, & mental health education that was specific to the unique needs and experience of our Canadian agriculture producers.

Talk Ask Listen is delivered exclusively by a network of mental health professionals recruited & trained to deliver the workshop, all of whom have lived agriculture experience.

Workshop Length: 4 hours
Delivery: In-person or Virtual
Participants: Min 8

Mental Health First Aid

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), developed by the Mental Health Commission of Canada. Facilitated by a Certified Instructor, is training for people to understand the help required for a person developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. Just as physical First Aid is administered to an injured person before medical treatment can be obtained, MHFA is given until appropriate treatment is found or until the crisis is resolved.

The MHFA program aims to improve mental health literacy and provide the skills and knowledge to help people better manage potential or developing mental health problems in themselves, a family member, a friend or a colleague.

Workshop Length: 3.5 hour sessions x 2 + 2 hours pre-work
Delivery: In-person
Participants: Min 8, Max 25

SafeTALK

SafeTALK equips people to be more alert to someone thinking of suicide and better able to connect them with further help. Using a simple yet effective model, SafeTALK empowers everyone to make a difference. The training is specific for suicide help. The program teaches participants how to reach out to someone thinking about suicide and help them keep safe by promptly connecting them to further support.

Workshop Length: 4 hours
Delivery: In-person
Participants: Min 8, Max 30

In The Know

In the Know is a mental health literacy program designed specifically for farmers, their families and those who are involved and/or support the agriculture sector. Through this four-hour workshop, participants will cover the topics of stress, depression, anxiety, substance use and how to start a conversation around mental well-being. The workshops are facilitated by one of CMHA’s mental health professionals using ‘real-life’ examples from agriculture.

Workshop Length: 4 hours
Delivery: In-person or Virtual
Participants: Min 8, Max 30

Interested? Reach out to book a session by contacting us or register for an existing session by visiting our Events Page.


COMMUNITY CHAMPION HANDBOOK

For more information on hosting your community event, see our Community Champion Handbook — your step-by-step guide to hosting and promoting a workshop in your area.

  • You’ll be the main organizer and point of contact for your event, with financial and strategic support from The Do More Agriculture Foundation. This includes choosing a workshop and date, coordinating logistics, and spreading the word.

    ➡️ Full list of responsibilities on page 4 of the Community Champion Handbook.

  • Choose a time that avoids busy agriculture seasons and aligns with other community events (e.g., ag fairs or local fundraisers) to boost attendance. Allow at least 6–8 weeks to plan, promote, and engage community partners.

    ➡️ See tips on planning timelines for local alignment on page 5 of the Community Champion Handbook.

  • Make sure the space has internet access, a screen/projector, speakers, and room for participants to sit comfortably. You’ll also need tables, pens, and light refreshments. Consider accessibility and comfort to make the event feel inviting.

    ➡️ See the Venue Checklist on page 5 of the Community Champion Handbook.

  • These are local allies—like agricultural groups and organizations, service clubs, media, or small businesses—who help spread the word and sometimes offer in-kind or financial support. Partners can share your event in newsletters or sponsor things like catering or printing.

    ➡️ See partner suggestions on page 6 of the Community Champion Handbook.

  • Promotion takes time and creativity. Use Facebook events, local bulletin boards, radio or newspaper announcements, and enlist community partners to amplify your message. Personal outreach and word-of-mouth often go a long way in rural settings.

    ➡️ See the advertising checklist and more ideas on pages 6-7 of the Community Champion Handbook.

COMMUNITY CHAMPION ZOOM SESSION

Missed the live Community Champion Info Session?
Watch the recording to hear answers to frequently asked questions and learn how your community can get involved with the Community Fund for mental health training.

THANK YOU!

The Community Fund for Mental Health Education, an initiative of The Do More Agriculture Foundation, is proudly presented in partnership with Farm Credit Canada, with generous support from our national partners and many local businesses.

Thank you to our Funding Partners for being champions alongside us!

Your support helps us:
🌾 Raise awareness and break the stigma
🌾 Build strong, connected communities
🌾 Support research to deepen our understanding

Together, we’re changing the culture of agriculture—for the better.