The Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP) will have boots on the ground at the Henty Machinery Field Days from 17-19 September.
The program emerged in 2007 during drought and while it has evolved and broadened its community reach, it continues to have a specific focus of supporting people and communities who depend on primary production and agriculture, alongside other priority populations at greater risk of mental ill health.
With Coordinators based across regional, rural and remote NSW, RAMHP works hard to strengthen rural communities, so they are prepared and equipped to cope during tough times.
Murrumbidgee Local Health District RAMHP Coordinator, Faith Rogers, says farming has a lot of moving parts and stress can have a major impact on your ability to make important choices.
"We can often become overwhelmed during times of rural adversity. It is important to remember that when things feel out of our control, there are some choices we can make. Remember, I choose wellbeing, I choose self-care, I choose connection, I choose me," said Faith.
"There are so many things people can't control, so making the right choice can be a challenge. It's about prioritising yourself, your family and your business to choose what is best. Looking after your wellbeing is so important and self-care is the best way to ensure you have capacity to keep up with all the aspects of your business and lead by example."
Faith and fellow RAMHP Coordinator Aimee Makeham encourage anyone attending Henty Field Days to come by site 14, block A to say hello and have a chat.
"The Henty Machinery Field Days provides a unique and valuable opportunity for those in rural communities to come together and connect," said Faith.
"Aimee and I look forward to the opportunity to educate, encourage and connect people to mental health support."
ENDS
About RAMHP
The Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP) has 20 Coordinators based across regional, rural and remote NSW who inform, educate and connect individuals, communities and workplaces with appropriate mental health support and respond in times of natural disasters and adversity. RAMHP is a state-wide program managed by Grand Pacific Health and funded by the NSW Ministry of Health.
