Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation helps drought-hit farmers as new program rolls out across the state

Record-low rainfall has left many farmers on the brink of despair but a new program aims to provide some much-needed relief.

Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation executive director John Mannion. Picture: Supplied

Regional communities will be given tools to help both themselves and others cope with the mental strain of the record-breaking drought under a program to be unveiled across the state.

Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation will deliver free community programs and mental health first aid courses in at least eight regional towns over the next 12 months.

The foundation started the first of these programs in Mantung, in the Mallee, earlier this month and will continue to roll out events at various other drought-affected regions.

Breakthrough chief executive John Mannion said each region would host men’s and women’s events which aimed to normalise the conversation about mental health and suicide before offering official two-day mental health first aid courses.

“This isn’t a clinical service – it’s around building growth and mental health knowledge and understanding in the community and also, more importantly, providing the time to listen,” Mr Mannion said.

The Breakthrough programs are partly funded by a $2.5m mental health plan announced as part of the State Government’s $73m drought relief package.

The plan also includes $1.2m invested in expanding service providers including Centacare, Uniting SA, Mind and Skylight.

Health Minister Chris Picton said the package would put support directly into affected regions.

“Drought doesn’t just affect the land – it also affects the health of those living through it,” Mr Picton said. “This funding will ensure that they do not face this burden alone.”

Breakthrough Mental Health has also announced it will take its annual men’s meals and mental health dinner, which attracted 650 people to Adelaide Oval this month, to the MCG in October next year.

Originally published as Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation helps drought-hit farmers as new program rolls out across the state