Mental health and wellbeing support

Look Over the Farm Gate program

The ‘Look Over the Farm Gate’ mental health and wellbeing grant program is available statewide to help communities come together and support farmers and farming families under stress.

The program provides grants of up to $5,000 designed to support local organisations to create events and initiatives tailored to their unique community. The focus is on activities that support mental wellbeing and bring people together.

The program is managed by the National Centre for Farmer Health on behalf of the Victorian Government. More information and an application form are available at the National Centre for Farmer Health.

National Centre for Farmer Health

The National Centre for Farmer Health is supporting primary producers through the delivery of initiatives to boost farmer mental health and wellbeing, including:

• Distribution of mental health resources and support information
• The 'Managing Stress on the Farm’ book explores the common causes of stressors on farms and offers practical ways to deal with them. It also includes the Steering Straight plan, to help individuals manage their mental health with practical, useful steps
• Support Hub – Resources for managing tough times.

More information is available from the National Centre for Farmer Health Support Hub.

Rural Financial Counselling Service Victoria West -wellbeing counsellor

• RFCS Victoria West wellbeing counsellors work hand in hand with their financial counsellors to ensure that the mental health of clients receives as much attention as their financial position.
• Support is free and confidential.
• The Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) wellbeing counsellor works directly with impacted families and tailors wellbeing supports to their individual needs.
• If neglected, the risks of short-term worries becoming long term health issues increases.
• To connect with RFCS Victoria West. You can also call 1300 735 578 or email admin@wswrcs.com.au.

Resource directory

Find out where you can get advice and support.

Contains a full list of contacts for health and wellbeing services to help you through the tough times. Visit our resource directory.