Mental health in the agriculture community just got another boost thanks to a new initiative spearheaded by the Do More Agriculture Foundation.
On June 20, 2023 Do More Ag announced the launch of AgTalk, a platform that provides peer-to-peer support for individuals in the Canadian agricultural industry. It’s available 24/7 and open to anyone who is 16 years or older.
AgTalk, powered by the Togetherall platform, is an online social media-style platform that users sign onto in order to connect with others with similar experiences, explore resources, and much more.
With 24/7 clinical moderation, the platform ensures a secure environment for open discussions on mental health in both English and French, notes Do More Ag Executive Director Megz Reynolds.
“Everything on the front end of the platform is anonymous. For example, you could pick a name like Peanut Butter Pie, and that’s how you’ll appear on the platform,” she says.
“It’s designed similar to a Facebook wall, where you can see posts from others and make your own. You can use hashtags to categorize your posts, making it easier for people to find and relate to them.”
AgTalk specifically caters to people in agriculture, which she finds particularly valuable.
“It allows you to connect with people who understand the challenges you face, without revealing your identity or knowing theirs. This anonymity creates a safer space and makes it easier to have conversations or seek support.”
Through conversations with farmers across Canada, Reynolds says Do More Ag realized the strong need for peer-to-peer support. However, many expressed a preference for connecting with someone outside their province who share their experiences.
“They wanted to reach out to individuals who wouldn’t know them personally. Having been a grain farmer myself, I understand the importance of finding support and sharing our journeys with others in the industry,” Reynolds says.
“We already use social media to connect with fellow farmers, seek support, and lend a helping hand through private messages. AgTalk builds upon this existing network and takes it a step further by providing a dedicated platform solely focused on mental health support.”
Partners in the project also included RBC, BASF and the McCain Foundation.
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