Women invited to a free Minlaton mental health event

BREAKTHROUGH Mental Health Research Foundation is returning to Minlaton next month to host a free mental health event for women, following last year’s well-attended ‘Mates, Meals and Mental Health’ session for men.

The new event, ‘Fill Your Silo: Navigating the Tough Season’, will be held at the Minlaton District Community and Sports Centre, 11am-2pm on Friday, March 20.

A meal will be provided, and attendance is free.

The session is part of a statewide series supporting rural and isolated communities facing drought pressures. 

Organisers from BMHRF say rural life can bring unique pressures, whether working on the land, in town or behind the scenes. 

The event aims to provide a space for women to pause, connect and gain practical tools to support their mental health and wellbeing.

The program includes open conversations about mental health in rural communities, and insights into how stress affects the body and brain. 

Participants will also take part in a practical workshop led by clinical psychologist and farmer Steph Schmidt, who will explore the ‘Fill Your Silo’ concept — what drains energy, what restores it and how to manage wellbeing during challenging seasons.

Ms Schmidt lives and works on a South Australian sheep and cropping property and is founder of Farm Life Psych. 

She focuses on making mental health strategies practical and accessible for rural communities.

BMHRF community education and training manager Sharn Elder will also speak. 

Ms Elder brings more than 25 years’ experience across corporate and not-for-profit sectors and has a lived experience of mental illness.

Each attendee will receive a wellbeing resource pack and have the opportunity to connect with other women in the district.

Registrations can be made online via the Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation website.

The initiative is backed by the state government’s Drought Support Wellbeing Initiative through Primary Industries and Regions South Australia.