'Let's Bust It'
'Let's Bust It'
Breaking down the barriers to men's mental health
Local Links - Stronger Communities -
LLCI022-002
The issue
In early 2016 we were in drought. Northern Slopes Landcare in conjunction with Carers NSW could see the need for our local landholders to have a night off the land. There was a lot of emphasis on the mental health of our farmers, as there had been a rise in suicide and depression with men on the land. We knew it would be a hard to get the men to attend an event to talk about any problems they were experiencing.
The solution
A 'Let's Bust It' dinner was organised. It was to be a night of dinner, dancing and romancing. As studies have shown men off the land have trouble reaching out if they are in need of help . It was decided that a less formal night where the men could gather amongst other farmers and casually discuss their issue's would attract a larger number of attendees. Our aim was to get as many farmers off the land to attend the event. This event was free to attend and featured a presentation by Rob Anderson, who spoke about his issue with depression and how he overcame it. We received financial support from Carers NSW, the Barraba Golf Club donated the venue and our local ambulance officer with our Local Landcare Coordinator organised the event.
The impact
'Let's Bust It' as the name states actually did produce a rainy night! The drought might not have broken but gee it did lift the spirits of the over 70 attendees. It was fantastic to see so many landholders attend the event and all having such a great time. The men were able to talk amongst other men that were in the same situation. The dinner was held on Friday June 15th 2016 at the Barraba Golf Club.
Key facts
- 70 local landholders attended the evening
- Talking about mental health