Free training to lend a helping hand

People working in horticulture are used to multitasking and finding solutions to problems, but providing emotional support to a colleague or friend going through a tough time isn’t always easy.

Help is at hand. Psychologist David Cherry has created The Occasional Counsellor, a program that equips people with the tools and strategies needed to provide appropriate support to someone who’s feeling stressed or anxious.

Mr Cherry, who has worked with the agriculture industry for more than 25 years, says the training has become particularly useful this year due to the unusual challenges facing the industry.

“I’ve worked with people through drought and bushfires, and you always know the outcome,” Mr Cherry said. “You know a drought is going to be over when it eventually rains.

“But this year is different. The outcome isn’t clear, it’s causing labour issues and uncertainty in the market that have never been experienced before, and this is adding to the complexities of the work and the feelings of distress.”

Agriculture Victoria is providing free sessions of The Occasional Counsellor training for anyone who works in horticulture or interacts with people in the horticulture industry in the course of their work.

Mr Cherry says the training is ideal for anyone who finds themselves needing to provide support, whether that’s a farmer, manager, agronomist, vet or financial adviser visiting a farmer or worksite.

The session teaches simple skills about how to listen, how to reduce feelings of uncertainty and isolation and how to provide constructive support.

“It’s about encouraging someone who is experiencing stress to focus on goals, outcomes, interests or concerns as opposed to feelings,” Mr Cherry says. “This helps them look at the present and then into the future, rather than focusing on the past.”

The sessions help people identify issues that are beyond their responsibility and control and learn how to be comfortable with this, as well as when they should refer people to professional help.

Agriculture Victoria’s Director Horticulture Services Sze Flett said the training was part of Agriculture Victoria’s support for the industry as it continues to meet the challenges brought about by the coronavirus pandemic.

“People in rural communities naturally want to help but sometimes they don’t know how,” Dr Flett said.

“This training will ensure more people working in horticulture have the confidence they need to lend a helping hand when it’s required.”

The free, three-hour webinar training sessions are on Monday May 17 from 1pm to 4pm, and Thursday June 3 from 10am to 1pm.

For information and to register visit: agriculture.vic.gov.au/supportand-resources/event-listing