Rural Minds Matter Peer Support Training

Rural Minds Matter Peer Support Training
Helping you, help yourself.

Rural Minds Matter – Peer Support Training for Rural and Farming Communities

“Peer support is a supportive relationship between people who have a lived experience in common.” (MHCC) The Stigma-Free Mental Health Society is offering Rural Minds Matter Peer Support Training to individuals in rural and agricultural communities. These trained Peer Support trainers will then be able to start support groups in their communities. You will be able to find support for your mental health, from people who understand your way of life.

In partnership with:

Next 2-Day Training:

Jan 24 and 25, 2026

10:30am – 5pm CST

Click Here to Register Today

Click Here for More Info About What You’ll Learn in Rural Minds Matter Peer Support Training

Training has a one-time $50 fee to the Stigma-Free Mental Health Society.

The Rural Minds Matter Peer Support Training is valued at $375, but a $50 fee (no donation receipt) is required for administration.

If the $50 admin fee is a barrier, please contact us to discuss fee waiver options.

What is Peer Support?

“Peer support is a supportive relationship between people who have a lived experience in common. The Rural Minds Matter Peer Support Training provides emotional and social support to others who share a common experience. But despite evidence of the benefits, for both individuals and families, peer support programs have yet to receive the focus, funding, and attention needed.”

– Mental Health Commission of Canada

Values of Peer Support:

1. Self-determination and equality: Peer support is person-focused and empowering.

2. Mutuality and empathy: Peer support emphasizes the importance of shared lived experience that creates an accepting mutual relationship.

3. Wellness: Peer support focuses on the individual’s overall wellness.

Why is Peer Support Helpful for Farming and Rural Communities?

Peer support is led by trained people just like you who have lived experience with mental health challenges, but also get what rural living and working in agriculture is like. Since there aren’t many mental health services in rural communities like psychologists or counsellors, peer support is a great option. Peer support can also be done over video chat, so you can keep it personal and private.