Weather it Together campaign launches

A campaign led by farmers, for farmers, promoting ways to support mental health and wellbeing during challenging seasons launched at Yorke Peninsula Field Days, funded through the State Government’s $73 million Drought Support Package.

Weather it Together was developed by the University of South Australia’s ifarmwell team in partnership with Primary Producers SA, Grain Producers SA, Livestock SA, and SA Dairyfarmers’ Association. The initiative is helping regional communities stay connected and supported through tough seasons.

The initiative encourages 4 key behaviours proven to protect wellbeing:

• Keep connected
• Focus on what you can control
• Get active
• Ask for help

The campaign's built on over 15 years of research with farmers by ifarmwell, and developed with direct input from farmers to help restore a sense of pride, community and hope. Not only does it tie together existing wellbeing and drought support activities, its impact will also be measured by reach, engagement, and wellbeing outcomes.

This information will roll out across regional TV, radio, print and online channels, featuring real farmer stories and practical advice. Over coming months, the message will then spread into clubs and pubs, GP clinics, service stations, and regional community hubs.

This initiative comes as farmers face some of the toughest conditions ever experienced, with many regions enduring their lowest rainfall on record. While conditions may improve, it's acknowledged that the emotional and financial impacts of drought are expected to continue.

The initiative aims to help farmers prepare for that longer-term strain by encouraging open conversations and community connection.

The State Government is also supporting drought-affected communities through the Drought Mental Health Support Program, delivered by SA Health, PIRSA, and Preventive Health SA.

This program offers:

• community activities to build connection and reduce isolation
• individual counselling and group supports for families and communities
• culturally safe services for Aboriginal, migrant and seasonal worker communities.

More information

Visit weatherittogether.org.au for more information about the campaign and to access resources

For urgent mental health support, call the Mental Health Triage Service on 13 14 65, available 24/7.

Learn more about the the assistance available through the State Government’s Drought Support Package.

Image taken at the launch of the Weather it Together launch at the York Peninsula Field Days. From left to right are Steve Whillas, Ben Lehmann with Edie Lehmann, Annabelle Ottens, Kate Gunn, Caroline Rhodes, Jo Collins, Justine Drew, and John Gladigau.