In recognition and celebration of World Mental Health Day, the Do More Agriculture Foundation has launched the 'Walk With Me' campaign in partnership with BASF Canada Agricultural Solutions to promote mental health awareness in the agriculture industry.
The campaign runs from Oct. 10 to Oct. 20.
"In co-ordination with World Mental Health Day, we have launched 'Walk With Me', which is a movement and campaign that started in the UK. A farmer, Chris Manley, was the one who came up with the idea," explained Megz Reynolds, executive director of Do More Agriculture.
"We are the idea of 'walking with me', which is about getting out, going for a walk, and inviting a friend to come along or phoning a friend to check in. We want people to be having those conversations, talking about mental health and getting real about where we're all at. It's also a walk for if you've lost someone in your life to suicide, to honour and remember them, or perhaps in support of yourself or someone else who is struggling."
Do More Ag encourages participants in the Walk With Me campaign to invite others along, share stories, and create or reinforce community connections.
"I regularly walk and journal, and created a short poem called 'Walk with me' that outlined the many feelings that someone might have when their mental health is low. I thought to myself how lucky I am to have support, and wouldn't be terrible if someone felt alone, particularly on a farm?" explained Chris Manley, founder of the campaign. Manley is a beef and sheep farmer in East Devon, England who started the movement as a response to managing his own depression.
He started Walk With Me by posting a video of himself walking while reciting his poem and is enthusiastic to see the idea spread and for the partnership with the Do More Agriculture Foundation in Canada.
BASF Canada Agricultural Solutions will match donations up to $10,000 for the Walk With Me campaign.
"No one should ever have to feel alone in their struggles, and having access to mental health support and resources is essential for those working in agriculture," said Tabetha Boot, head of communications and industry relations for BASF.
"Mental health in agriculture is one of BASF's main focuses and we're very appreciative of everything they're doing in that space," said Reynolds. "We're very much encouraging people to post on social media for this campaign to help raise funds and awareness, whether that's a video talking about why they're walking and their own experiences, or a photo with a bit of a write-up.
"We know that when we're open about our own experiences and we share and we're vulnerable, that that allows people to connect with what's going on for themselves and understand they're not alone. And it might be the catalyst that makes someone feel safe enough to reach out and get the help they need."
Reynolds shared how to get involved with the 'Walk With Me' campaign:
- Go for a Walk
- Walk and talk with a friend in person or over the phone. Use the hashtag #WalkWithMe and tag @domoreag online to share your experience on social media.
- Honouring others
- Share the stories of those who have lost someone to mental illness. By honouring their memory, we raise awareness and promote understanding of the challenges faced by individuals and families affected by mental health challenges.
- Share Your Story
- Share your thoughts, experiences, and stories about mental health. By sharing, you can inspire hope, create a sense of community, and support members of the agriculture industry.
- Donate
- Your generous donations directly support our three key pillars: awareness, community support, and mental health resources in the agriculture industry. Visit our website to make your contribution at www.domore.ag. With BASF matching donations up to $10,000, your generosity will have double the impact in supporting mental wellness in our community.
- Participate in the "Walk With Me" Workshop on Oct. 10
- A starting point for more inclusive and supportive conversations around mental well-being in agriculture. Megz Reynolds will guide participants through the objectives of the "Walk With Me" Campaign and elaborate on various ways to get involved. Register now through the Do More Ag website or at Eventbrite.
