NDIS and mental health service provider, Wellways is hosting a free screening at the Hamilton Cinema of the widely acclaimed Western District made film, ‘Just a Farmer’ on Tuesday, May 21 at 6.30pm to about 9.30pm.

Just A Farmer is a dramatic feature film aimed at inspiring collective action to ensure no farmer faces the darkness of mental health challenges alone.

The film’s producer and one of the main actors, Leila McDougall from Tatyoon, will be in attendance on the night to speak to the audience and participate in a question-and-answer panel following the screening.

Ms McDougall featured on the ABC’s Australian Story recently talking about her life and how she came to make the film.

The film’s mission is to use the power of storytelling to illuminate the silent struggles within Australian farming communities, while raising awareness around the lack of comprehensive medical support in rural areas, fostering empathy, and driving the conversation around mental health.

Ms McDougall will be joined on a panel by other experts in mental health, including Wellways intake/community engagement officer and acting team leader of early intervention psychosocial support response, Kelly Marson.

Ms Marson said Wellways offered a wide range of individually tailored services designed to support people affected by mental health issues or disability.

Ms Marson said she could speak to the mental health challenges some people experienced in rural areas after growing up in Coleraine and working in shearing sheds for 14 years.

“I have had the observation of how mental health can affect the rural community due to isolation and the navigation of all the different services,” she said.

“I am hoping I can reach out to the wider farming community and bring awareness of the support available.”

She said Wellways was very committed to providing awareness around suicide prevention and mental health support and provided outreach support stretching from the Great South Coast catchment to Casterton including all small rural areas in-between thus the motivation to screen the film locally.

The panel will provide an opportunity for attendees to pose questions in a safe environment regarding mental health, or services that are available.

Wellways staff will also be available to provide any one-on-one support needed on the night.