Friends of RAW network

ABOUT

Mental health and suicide is a public health issue that requires a combined effort from all levels of government, health care systems, frontline health, community workers, workplaces, schools and other educational settings, community groups and the media, as well as individuals, families and communities.

Friends of RAW network has been created in consultation with key industry stakeholders, to address an unmet need from frontline workers experiencing individuals sharing the harsh impact of situational stressors and mental health challenges.

Friends of RAW aims to help individuals navigate the day-to-day situations they find themselves in by equipping them with the skills to understand and set boundaries, have safe conversations and know how to Recognise the signs, Ask the questions and Work together.

The network is designed to empower individuals to bridge the gap and be a conduit to connecting people to RAW’s support services.

Friends of RAW is aimed at front-line workers, business owners, livestock agents, cropping contractors, farmers, local community and groups who are impacted by or will come in contact with others who are directly affected by drought and need support to navigate their way through it.

To kick-start involvement, we have a practical and tangible training session designed to upskill individuals to better navigate unexpected conversations and situations.


Learn more through the video below:


What our friends say
I get more support from RAW than I do from RA, they are such a big machine I don’t think they know what they are doing half the time but RAW really has the power to make a difference.
As a newcomer to Tasmania, RAW staff have been a friendly face at a lot of events that I have both facilitated and attended. Offering a personal insight into the important service RAW offers the Tasmanian agriculture industry.
The training provided by Friends of RAW has given me the skills to deal with challenging conversations and know when to seek additional support for people in need. It’s been invaluable in my role as a consultant working with farmers.
Upcoming Sessions
Join the network today
NETWORK FORM
To register your interest to join the network, please complete the following details. One of the RAW team will be in touch over the coming days with more information
Share with us about your field of work and why you believe you are the right fit for the network Eg: volunteer at a rural organisation, field service worker, etc.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
With thanks to the Tasmanian Government, RAW will be running free sessions at the following locations and dates. Please register your interest for one of the following sessions closest to you
Do you have any questions we can help answer when we get in touch with you?
FAQ's
What's involved?

The Friends of RAW network is designed to equip and empower frontline workers out in the field.


To kick start involvement, we have an practical and tangible training session designed to up skill individuals to better navigate unexpected conversations and situations.

Monthly:

  • Regular newsletters

Quarterly:

  • Optional online / in person training sessions

Annually:

  • Face to face networking
Target Audience?

We are looking for:


- Individuals who regularly engage with rural, remote and primary industry workers

- Individuals who work alongside rural, remote and primary industry community members (eg: field service workers)

- Individuals who find themselves engaging in indirect conversations around mental health and wellbeing

- People looking to be in a networking group with RAW

What kind of training is delivered?

Training delivered is tailored towards the situations being experiences day to day by people within the network.

Being a part of the network helps members be eyes and ears for RAW, to help increase capacity to support a greater amount of people through acting as a referral conduit.

This means that we want to ensure that members are equipped to deal with situations they may find themselves in.


We have likely each experienced someone wanting to talk about anything but the topic at hand, and often in rural and remote communities, conversations like suicidality, isolation and mental health are often bestowed on the front-line staff who have already built such a genuine and regular rapport.

Topics include, but are not exclusive to:

- Understanding situational stressors

- Recognising the signs

- Boundaries

- Engaging in safe conversations

- Referring to RAW support services


Topics will change and be adapted to the situations being experienced in real-time by network members.

What kind of support is there for me?

Through being a part of the Friend of RAW network, you will have regular access to RAW's support and help. You will also be a part of supporting your local community get the support they need during their challenging seasons.


*please note that this network does not replace your workplace EAP services or management. We will work in conjunction with you and your employer to ensure they understand the network's boundaries and purpose.


If you have any queries directly related to this please contact Lauren.

Friends of RAW is made possible thanks to:
Download
Contact us

Looking to get in contact with RAW directly?

"I'd like to contact someone specific"