Government to announce 20 new counsellors who will help farmers fight depression and anxiety

A FLYING squad of mental health workers will visit drought-stricken farming families across the state in a move to combat rising rates of depression and suicide. A new $6.3 million initiative will be announced by the government today/

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A “FLYING squad” of mental health workers will visit drought-stricken farming families across the state under a $6.3 million initiative to tackle depression and anxiety.

With the number of farmers seeking help rising rapidly, the state government will today announce 20 new “farm gate” counsellors who will visit ­farmers on their properties, in cafes, offices or even call them on the telephone.

Part of the NSW Emer­gency Drought Relief Package announced earlier this month, recruitment for the positions will be held over the coming weeks with the funding to be rolled out over two years.

Farmers seeking help is rapidly on the rise due to the severe drought across the country. Picture: AAP Image/David Mariuz

The challenging conditions continue to affect many farmers and their families. Picture: Dylan Robinson

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Fourth generation dairy farmer Steve Germon, pictured with daughter Jessica, was on the brink of taking his own life twice in the last three years. Picture: Supplied

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said individuals, families and businesses would have access to 44,000 hours of mental health support close to home under the initiative.

“The drought has increased mental health issues such as depression and anxiety in rural communities and households, which is why we’re putting boots on the ground in these areas to make sure help ­reaches those who need it most,” Ms Berejiklian said.

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“We have already committed more than $1 billion in drought support, and this is another way we’re helping our farmers and rural communities during these challenging conditions.”

Farmers will have access to 14 new farmgate counsellors, with the funding to also pay for five additional Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP) co-ordinators.

Some farming families were lucky enough to get some much needed rain. Ella Riley, 9, rolled in the water. But the sad reality is it’s still not enough. Picture: Dylan Robinson

Other farmers saw thunder and clouds rolling in, but unfortunately the rain never reached them. Picture: Dylan Robinson

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RAMHP program manager Tessa Caton said the number of people seeking care has risen by 50 per cent from January to June this year.

The number of people ­seeking advice on how to identify and support someone struggling with their mental health had also almost ­doubled, she said.

“We do know from previous droughts that there is a lag, that even if it was to rain substantially, it will take 12-18 months for communities to ­recover,” Ms Caton said.

The recent coastal rain and even the rain predicted for the coming week will not come close to breaking the drought.

NSW Minister for Mental Health Tanya Davies said there will also be “wellbeing events” held in towns across the state to help start conversations and reduce the stigma. Picture: AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said individuals, families and businesses would have access to 44,000 hours of mental health support close to home. Picture: Richard Dobson

Mental Health Minister Tanya Davies said the funding would also provide vital education for existing frontline support staff, together with 10 “local wellbeing” events to be held in towns across the state.

The events will be held in Dubbo, Yeoval, Narromine, Nyngan, Bourke, Coonamble, Walgett, Coonabarabran, Mudgee and Gilgandra.

“People with lived experience of life on the land will lend a hand at events to start those conversations that might not otherwise be had. This is about reducing stigma, providing hope and support, and most importantly recovery,” Ms Davies said.

A study published in the ­latest Medical Journal of Australia found farmers in NSW experience significant stress related to the impact of drought, especially those who were in outer regional, remote or very remote NSW.

Lifeline: 13 11 14.

For more information on mental health services contact the NSW Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511 or visit www.crrmh.com.au