Victoria, BC - Rural Minds Matter: Leading Together For Resilience is an exciting mental health awareness campaign delivered by Stigma-Free Mental Health Society for rural and remote communities in Canada. Focusing on goals to reduce stigma, increase mental health understanding, and build acceptance through peer group connections during May Mental Health Awareness Month in Northern BC.

1 in 5 Canadians will experience a challenge to their mental health this year and those numbers rise further for people living in rural Canada. Nearly half of them will avoid seeking the support that could help them due to entrenched stigma in small or remote towns. SFMHS is committed to creating awareness, building understanding, and fostering acceptance around mental health in all communities, and is focusing on this pilot program in Northern BC with its inaugural Rural Minds Matter Awareness Campaign.

Throughout the month of May, SFHMS will spread its vital message through digital and social media platforms, supported by local media, local newsletters, posters and virtual presentations. Shifting from online to in-person experiences SFMHS will be a tradeshow participant in Prince Rupert at the NCLGA Annual Convention (May 12-15) as well as hitting the road that week to host community town hall events across cities in Northern, BC.

In partnership with AgLife and AgSafe BC, townhalls will be held in Terrace (May 13th), Prince George (May 14th) and Fort St John (May 15th). Be sure to register here for an event near you.

Rural Minds Matter represents an extension of the important resources offered in the SFMHS Rural Mental Wellness Toolkit. Fighting the devastating effects of isolation in remote communities, the pilot is a “Made in BC” solution to connect anti-stigma and mental health messages needed to move people to seek the tools and resources available to them while promoting care for others and connection to community with its rural peer supporter training program. Building on its successful Rural Peer Fundamentals Training, SFMHS will roll out a robust program to attract, connect, train and sustain peer supporters over time.

Andrea Paquette, President, and Co-Founder, SFMHS understands the impact of stigma and the reality of the sparse resources in areas where 20% of Canada’s population live today. She states, “"In rural communities, connection is everything. 'Rural Minds Matter' is about fostering a sense of belonging and empowering individuals to support one another in overcoming mental health challenges. Together, we can build stronger, more resilient communities."

“The nature of living and working in rural communities is commensurate with adversity and crisis can have profound effects. When people have the knowledge and resources they need to understand how to better cope, while accessing the supports that are available, they become more resilient.” said Wendy Bennett, Executive Director of AgSafe BC.

For more information about Stigma-Free Rural Minds Matter Awareness Campaign, and a town hall event near you, please visit: HERE