Arnold-based primary producers Carly and Darren Noble of small farm business The Agri-Food Network recently launched a Mental Health Gift Hampers initiative aimed at bringing a smile to the face of fellow central Victorian farmers and small producers doing it tough during COVID.
The couple launched the program in late March after close friend and fellow farmer Tim attempted suicide due to the loss of his export contract with the closure of our borders.
“We sent him a hamper and before long we were delivering 20 plus hampers every week to members of our extended community suffering from mental health stress,” Carly said.
They have now delivered 118 hampers worth $5900 to members of four shires within central Victoria.
The couple said 50 + businesses had generously jumped on board to assist them to create the hampers with in-kind or financial donations, some of those anonymously.
“With the support of Beyond Blue, we have also assisted 48 business owners by promoting their products and services through our social media sites and list of stakeholders. They have supported us and we in turn are proud to support them,” Darren said.
The next batch of 100 hampers will be delivered to farmers over the next eight weeks.
“We would like to say a massive thank you to our volunteers including Helen O’Donoghue, Vanessa Parker, Suzie Jacobs and Justin Rourke for their support, giving up their time to deliver hampers for us and identify members of the community who need help,” Darren said.
They also send a very big to the amazing business owners for their continued support and donations including: Beyond Blue; Mill Duck Straw Bale B&B Bendigo Brittle; Bridgewater Berets; Nutfusion; Fusspots At Inglewood; The Fat Butcher in Inglewood; Snack Brands Australia; Spring Gully Foods; The Pinarroo Farmer; Hust Harvest; Horse World in Inglewood; Future Bake Australia; Ruth Barkla – Salvos; Shed Shaker – Castlemaine; Daylesford Cider; Collins Honey; Olives Olives; Salute Olives; Pink Museli; Get Farmed; Mini Care Mates; Brook Farm; Daylesford Country Retreats; Urban Alley Brewery; Bio Living; Bee Removals; GoldfieldWraps by Karen; True Foods – Maryborough; Springhill Farm; Table of Plenty; The Fermentary; The Australian Eucalyptus Oil Company; Farmer Jo; Cousin Jack’s Bakery in Inglewood; Tarnagulla Cafe; Food For Health; Coffee Basics; Australian Sweet Co; and Byron Bay Skincare.
“We also wish to thank another eight business owners for stepping in and assisting us financially. Without everyone’s support we would not be able to reduce the stigma associated with mental health stress since COVID-19,” the couple said.
If you are struggling during this challenging time there is support available contact LifeLine on 13 11 14 or visit beyondblue.org.au
