In the Know
A mental health literacy workshop for farmers and the agricultural community.
In the Know is a mental health literacy program designed specifically for farmers, their families and those who are involved and/or support the agriculture sector. Through this free, four-hour workshop, participants will cover the topics of stress, depression, anxiety, substance use and how to start a conversation around mental well-being. The workshops are facilitated by one of CMHA’s mental health professionals using ‘real-life’ examples from agriculture.
Source: National Survey of Farmer Mental Health, Submission to the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food: Strengthening Canada’s Agricultural Sector – A Canadian Network for Farmer Mental Health by Dr. Andria Jones-Bitton, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph (2016)
How It Started
In the Know was developed at the Ontario Veterinary College (University of Guelph) to educate the agricultural community. The workshop was created in collaboration with stakeholder groups, including various agricultural sectors, mental health literacy trainers, government and representatives from social work, psychology, epidemiology, and education.
An evaluated pilot of In the Know training in 2019 showed the course increased participants’ mental health knowledge and confidence in recognizing mental health struggles, speaking about mental health, and helping others who are struggling. Spearheaded by Dr. Briana Hagen and Dr. Andria Jones-Bitton of the Department of Population Medicine at the University of Guelph, and a stakeholder team from farming and mental health backgrounds, In the Know aims to build mental health knowledge and increase help-seeking among farmers.
The agriculture community faces unique challenges that cause increased rates of stress, mental health issues and suicide among farmers, compared to other professions and industries. CMHA Ontario is committed to working with agriculture industry partners, organizations, and passionate individuals to provide education, resources and tools for better well-being.
Interested in joining a Workshop?
To sign up for a workshop near you, please view the calendar of events. Looking to book a workshop for your company, organization, or group? Contact us below.
Community Sessions:
No community sessions are scheduled at this time. To bring In the Know to your community, please reach out to Rebecca Posthumus at rposthumus@ontario.cmha.ca or Erica Sayles at esayles@ontario.cmha.ca.
Provincial Sessions:
These sessions are run virtually monthly and are open to anyone to attend.
May 15, 2024
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Virtual
Click here to register
June 5, 2024
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Virtual
Click here to register
July 8, 2024
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Virtual
Click here to register
Aug. 12, 2024
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Virtual
Click here to register
Sept. 18, 2024
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Virtual
Click here to register
Contact us
If you are interested in hosting a workshop or would like more information on the program, contact the provincial In the Know team:
Program Coordinator, In the Know
Rebecca Posthumus at rposthumus@ontario.cmha.ca
Program Outreach Coordinator, In the Know
Erica Sayles at esayles@ontario.cmha.ca
Program Partners
