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Peer-driven support for Ontario’s ag community
The Guardian Network offers free suicide prevention and life promotion training for agricultural industry professionals, both virtually and in-person and available in both English and French.
The purpose of this network is to build a supportive community of mental health advocates within Ontario agriculture by offering free suicide prevention and life promotion training.
Build knowledge about mental health in the agriculture industry.
Learn how to identify signs of mental distress and suicide risk factors.
Build confidence in having conversations about mental health and suicide.
Gain awareness of resources and how to access support.
Guardians are passionate and caring people who live, work or volunteer in the agriculture community and want to be there for their neighbours, family, co-workers, clients and friends.
Life promotion is a strengths-based approach that acknowledges Indigenous practices that focuses on emphasizing life purpose — the things that add value and meaning to the individual and the groups they are part of.
It teaches participants the ways in which the community plays a role in not only preventing suicide, but also building resiliency with mental health and promoting sustainable and healthy living practices.
The training provided by the Guardian Network is comparable to the mental health equivalent of first aid and CPR training.
Although this training provides skills on how to have difficult conversations, it is not equivalent to the skills and education required to be a mental health worker or therapist.
Participants will receive a training manual and resources, a certificate of completion upon successful participation and will be invited for continued engagement, learning opportunities, networking and support as part of the Guardian Network.
Supporting mental health in agriculture is ongoing work. Guardians benefit from continued learning, regular connection and access to support.
Guardian Network Connects are designed to provide continuing education. Through monthly virtual touchpoints, Guardians have opportunities to learn together, share experiences and stay connected to the Guardian community. These sessions offer education, networking and space for reflection in a supportive environment.
In addition to Guardian Network Connects, Guardians have access to:
Staff support from the Agriculture Wellness Ontario team for debriefing and ongoing guidance
The Farmer Wellness Initiative, offering professional counselling and urgent support when needed
In-person opportunities, including symposiums and regional events that foster deeper learning and connection
Together, these supports help ensure Guardians remain confident, connected and supported in their role within the agricultural community.
“The Guardian Network program has taught me to identify and react compassionately and professionally to individuals in need within our agricultural communities; offering support services before one may fall deeper into mental sorrow. This program has also taught me to be more mindful of my own needs and emotional mindfulness. I would encourage others to attend the Connects conferences and engage in healthy and rewarding opportunities.”
If you are interested in hosting a workshop or would like more information on the program, contact the Guardian Network team:
Connect with fellow Guardians in-person either at the Guardian Network symposium or a regional event near you. Support each other with shared lived experiences, learn new tools and resources and listen to mental health professionals discuss their experiences with mental health in the ag community.
Includes compensated travel, hospitality and meals in show of appreciation for each Guardian’s dedication to this network.
Need more information? Here’s what people often ask us about becoming a Guardian.
Hosting a workshop in your community, sharing FWI and AgWO resources, attending Connects and the annual symposium/regional event.
No! The purpose of the Guardian Network is to connect with folks within your own network (family, friends, neighbours, colleagues, clients, etc.).
Trained Guardians are across Ontario, from the northwest to the southeast. Many awesome friendships have developed with likeminded individuals who care about their farming communities.
Whatever works best for you! Some folks take the training and stay connected by having conversations within their own network, whereas others attend monthly Connects as they can, host their own Guardian Network trainings, have AgWO resources available at their workplace and events, etc.
Connect with the AgWO team and we will mail you a package of our paper or digital resources for free and will replenish as needed!
Find resources to support you as a trained Guardian through the Guardian Network hub.
(Requires password to access)
