Funding to develop mental health networks
in rural communities

Tuesday 6 March 2007

The University of Newcastle's Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health (CRRMH) has received $58,000 to continue a program which helps farmers with mental health problems.

The CRRMH will use the funding from the Australian Rotary Health Research Fund to evaluate linking rural services more closely together to increase the mental health care available to farmers and their families.

CRRMH Director Professor Brian Kelly said the program acknowledged the critical role played by agricultural support workers, health workers and welfare workers as primary contacts for farmers in distress.

The CRRMH is using activities such as mental health first aid training and mental health gatherings to highlight the importance of support networks in NSW farming communities.

The CRRMH, located at Orange, is a major rural initiative of the Faculty of Health at the University of Newcastle and NSW Health.

For interviews: CRRMH Director, Professor Brian Kelly on 02 6360 7990.