Within the farming community, we know that farmers face unique stressors and challenges, such as financial pressures, unpredictable weather conditions, and isolation. Due to the remoteness of farming, sometimes technical advisors or peers are the only people farmers see besides their family or farm staff. 

In an effort to support farming communities in coping with the many factors that affect mental health, Marbleseed is offering a Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) to farm technical advisors and those who work in farmer support roles. This is a full-day, in-person training that will give participants the skills they need to support farmers who may be developing a mental health or substance use challenge or experiencing a crisis. This includes understanding signs and symptoms of stress, anxiety, depression, or substance use that may be affecting farmers' well-being as well as knowing the appropriate mental health resources available to direct farmers to more support.

We know that technical advisors and people who support farmers in other ways may also experience their own mental health challenges due to the pressures and demands of their roles. Mental health first aid training provides tools and self-care strategies to manage participants' own mental health needs more effectively so they can better help farmers and be positive role models within their communities. 

About the facilitators, Nou Thao and Katie Bishop:

Nou Thao is a specialist of the LFPA program with Marbleseed. Mental health and wellness is near and dear to her. In the HMoob community she is a part of, mental health is stigmatized and very isolating. She is working hard to bring transparency with awareness to vocalize and movement to share the language we use in addressing mental health.

Katie Bishop, along with her husband Hans and her talented team, farm 400+ acres of organic vegetables and grain at PrairiErth Farm in central Illinois. In addition to facilitating Mental Health First Aid training, Katie is also a leadership consultant and coach for farmers who want strong teams and greater balance in their lives. In her free time she loves to ride her bike, hike and collect books she never gets around to reading
 

Additional information:

· Approximately 90-minutes of pre-work and a post-event learning assessment are required for all participants. Because space is limited, please register only if you are committed to completing all steps of the training, and please let us know as soon as possible if your plans change and you are no longer able to attend. 

· Assorted breakfast pastries, refreshments, and lunch will be provided.  

· Registration closes Monday, October 28.

· Any additional questions or interpretation requests, please reach out to Nou Thao, at nou.thao@marbleseed.org.