RFDS hosts mental health workshops in Blackall through dog training

A workshop in regional Central Queensland allowed locals to work with dogs to develop a range of mental health skills to assist themselves and others.

Steve Elliott and RFDS Mental Health and Wellbeing Consultant, Cath Walker.

A weekend working with dogs at Blackall has allowed locals to develop a “toolbox” of mental health skills to assist in navigating life’s challenges and supporting others.

The Queensland Section of the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) teamed up with renowned working dog trainer Steve Elliott to deliver the unique mental health workshop.

The two-day workshop involved attendees training young dogs to become working dogs at the Blackall Showgrounds on July 17 and 18.

RFDS Outback Mental Health clinical lead Dr Tim Driscoll said the two activities had a natural synergy.

“An event like this aimed at developing skills in working dog training, while also aiming to develop skills to get through those dog days, or help someone else through, provides a great opportunity,” Dr Driscoll said.

“The connection people form with working dogs can deliver huge benefits for their overall mental health.

“The positive impact animals can have on people’s mental health is well documented.

“There is often a strong sense of trust and connection formed with working dogs.”

RFDS Outback Mental Health Clinical Lead Dr Tim Driscoll.

Throughout the weekend, participants took part in mental health toolbox talks, during which they learnt skills and techniques to help support good mental health.

“Anxiety and depression are common challenges faced by Australians,” Dr Driscoll said.

“With around one in five of us experiencing a mental health disorder in any one year, these conditions do not discriminate and can affect anyone.

“The better equipped we are to understand and deal with these challenges, the better chance we have of building our resilience and supporting those around us.

“Even those simple strategies to assist with sleep can make a huge difference to a person’s day and their overall mental and physical health.”

Diamantina Performance Dogs owner and lead trainer, Steve Elliott, said the mental health element of the weekend would complement his working dog training.

“Before any dog goes to work, we have to break them in, similar to a horse,” he said.

“This is a process of building trust in each other, and trust plays a huge role also in addressing mental health.”

Mr Elliott said he was keen to team up with the RFDS to create more opportunities for men in particular to access mental health assistance and education.

“Mental health issues are not something only people in the bush deal with,” he said.

“But this is where I live, and these are the people I know.

“If it wasn’t for my dogs, I know it would be a lot harder for me to get out of bed in the morning, so hopefully this can help other people find that connection also.”

Originally published as RFDS hosts mental health workshops in Blackall through dog training