The event is part of the National Mental Health Drought Initiative which is a collaborative project between beyondblue and the Australian General Practice Network (AGPN). The Initiative is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing and aims to build the capacity of rural, regional and remote drought-affected communities to respond to the psychological impact of the drought.

A beyondblue-accredited trainer with mental health qualifications will talk to invited community and business leaders about how to recognise the signs and symptoms of depression and how to assist a person to get appropriate help.

beyondblue CEO Leonie Young said: “We know that many country people are feeling stressed as a result of the drought, but it’s important to note that stress is not depression.

However, acute distress associated with ongoing tough times can occur and may be a risk factor for depression if it persists,” she said.

The workshops are part of beyondblue’s Don’t Beat About the Bush! campaign which aims to let people in rural and regional areas know that help for depression is available.

“We hope that the people who come to the sessions will be better equipped to talk to their colleagues, friends and families about where help is available in the community,” she said.

New England Division of General Practice CEO Sally Armitage said funding for a community support worker position has enabled the division to provide crisis counselling and referral, raise community awareness and provide access to education and training opportunities across the community.

Www.beyondblue.org.au also has information about services in the region. To access a list of medical and mental health professionals, click on Find a Doctor or Mental Health Practitioner. For the Rural Assistance Information Network (RAIN) Map which is a directory of health and welfare services, click on Get Help.