Health and Wellbeing

Health and wellbeing

Working on the land can affect your health, both physically and mentally. If you need support, it is always important to talk to your GP or healthcare professional. If you or someone you know are in need of support, there are countless services available across numerous platforms (via phone, online, face-to-face). Browse through the health and wellbeing services below to find a support provider that best suits your needs.

PHNs have been established with the key objectives of increasing efficiency and effectiveness of medical services for patients, particularly those at risk of poor health outcomes, and improving coordination of care to ensure patients receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time. See below to find a PHN service in your area:

HSNs are community service professionals who can help people understand and navigate the oftenchallenging pathways to accessing mental health services, utilising a within a stepped care approach. It can be the first point of call to evaluate what mental health supports are available in a particular region and how that support could be funded.

HSN works with people to find the right service, with the right person, at the right time. RHealth is a dynamic and innovative Primary Health Care Organisation that has HSNs engaged in the Western Downs, Southern Downs, Goondiwindi, South Burnett, Cherbourg and Somerset regions. Click to read ‘Everything You Need To Know about HSNs’.

Your mental wellbeing is the unique way that you handle your emotions, respond to stress and also your general outlook on life. Having a healthy sense of mental wellbeing has many benefits. Discover ways to strengthen your mental wellbeing utilising these online resources from the Queensland Government:

Access 24 hour support via the various helplines listed below (if it is an emergency always call triple zero [000]):

  • The Queensland Government’s Mental Health Access Line is a confidential mental health telephone triage service that provides Queenslanders first point of contact to public mental health services. A 24/7 service that links callers to the nearest Queensland Public Mental Health service:

  • VIRTUAL Psychologist is Australia’s first text counselling service delivered by qualified mental health professionals, offering FREE psychological services to all Aussie farmers and those who live in regional or rural areas via text to 0488 807 266 (24/7 support). A revolutionary psychological service providing counseling via SMS:

  • Lifeline are a national charity providing all Australians experiencing emotional distress with access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services:
    • Phone: 13 11 44
    • SMS Text line: 0477 13 11 14  (6pm – 12am, 7 days/wk)
    • Web: www.lifeline.org.au

  • Beyond Blue provides information and support to help everyone in Australia achieve their best possible mental health, whatever their age and wherever they live:

  • MATES provides suicide prevention through community development programs and by supporting workers in need through a 24/7 help line:

  • The Australian Men’s Shed Association (AMSA) is the peak body supporting almost 1000 Men’s Sheds and is recognised as one of Australia’s largest male based community development organisations. It acts as a central hub for information exchange:

  • ifarmwell is a free online tool kit to help farmers cope effectively with life’s challenges and get the most out of every day. ifarmwell’s mission is to equip farmers with new tools that reduce the negative impact that stressful situations have on their lives, so they have more time and energy to focus on the things that make them happy:

Access support for your Mental Health Awareness activities via the agencies listed below:

  • The role of the Queensland Mental Health Commission is to drive reform of the mental health and alcohol and other drugs systems in Queensland. QMHC’s work contributes to the Queensland Government’s objectives for the community – delivering quality frontline services, and building safe, caring and connected communities with a focus on mental health issues and alcohol and other drug problems:

  • Are you bogged mate? aims to boost awareness and start a conversation with the broader community about the rising issue of depression and suicide rates among men in rural areas. They are confronting the challenges that country men face on a daily basis, talking about mental health, and lighting the path to support:

  • R U OK? is a suicide prevention charity in Australia, reminding people that having meaningful conversations with loved ones, friends and colleagues could save lives. R U OK?’s vision is a world where we’re all connected and are protected from suicide:

  • The Black Dog Institute is the only medical research institute in Australia to investigate mental health across the lifespan. Their aim is to create a mentally healthier world for everyone:

  • Rural Minds is a holistic, integrated approach to mental health awareness and suicide prevention – designed for people living and working in rural Australia by people living and working in rural Australia. The suite of Rural Minds workshops combine practical, culturally-relevant information around risk factors, signs and symptoms, prevention tips / techniques, and where and how to get assistance:

  • Resource Minds raises awareness and understanding, reduces stigma, helps people to recognise problems in themselves, family and workmates and encourages everyone to take responsibility for their own mental health by talking to someone and seeking help early. Resource Minds provides specific support for managerial and supervisory staff who have the added responsibility for the health and wellbeing of their workforce:

  • 13YARN is run by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and provides crisis support 24/7. They will work with you to explore options for on-going support in a confidential, culturally safe space that focusses on your needs, worries or concerns. If you, or someone you know, are feeling worried or no good, we encourage you to connect with 13YARN and talk with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter today: