Rural Aid has appointed a counsellor to Ipswich to offer rural counselling services to farmers in the Scenic Rim, South Burnett and Lockyer Valley regions.
The rural charity has chosen Lisa Brinton to take on the role.
“Lisa has a strong affinity for life on the land after growing up surrounded by sheep and dairy cows in the sprawling New Zealand hills,” said Rural Aid CEO John Warlters.
Ms Brinton has already begun work and has visited farmers in the three regions.
“I’m proud to work with Rural Aid to offer counselling services to communities that may have fallen through the cracks,” Lisa said.
“We reach out to those who have no access to counselling services.”
Mr Warlters said Ms Brinton has experience across a wide range of life events and challenges.
“She is especially passionate about guiding others through grief and bereavement.”
“Rural Aid is so lucky to have amazing counsellors like Lisa working to improve the lives of rural Australians.
“Lisa’s passion for helping others is clear. She is driven to help others realise and achieve their goals.”
Mr Warlters said Rural Aid’s counsellors were mental wellbeing specialists who counsel, teach and refer clients to higher levels of care.
“We know people who live regionally have poorer access to health professionals and are more likely to struggle with their mental health.
“Farmers and rural teenagers have more than double the rate of suicide compared to urban populations. Rural Aid is desperately trying to change that.”
“Our counselling program has been highly successful; making a real difference to the farmers that Rural Aid supports. Our counsellors work with their community to create and implement vital mental health programs and strategies. Rural Aid counsellors build trusted relationships with their local communities. Our counsellors also attend field days, events and natural disaster sites.”
Ms Brinton is also planning to appoint ten additional counsellors Australia wide to address gaps in regional mental healthcare at a cost of $3.75 million.
