About the AgLife Network
In June 2023, the Province of BC announced funding to support the expansion of AgSafe’s mental health services in B.C.’s agricultural industry. With the funding delivered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC, AgSafe in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association, BC Division (CMHA BC) launched the AgLife Network.
The AgLife Network is a suicide prevention and life promotion initiative developed in collaboration and partnership between AgSafe and the Canadian Mental Health Association of BC (CMHA BC). This initiative will include organizing a network of trained volunteers who interact closely with farmers, producers, growers and ranchers through their work or community, to identify farmers and other agricultural workers who may be struggling with their mental wellness and connect them to professional help. Regional counsellors will provide follow-up support to both AgLife Network volunteers and participants.
The AgLife Network is influenced by the Guardian Network Program in Ontario and the award winning AGIR en Sentinelle pour la prévention du suicide program created by the Association québécoise de prévention du suicide (Suicide Prevention Association of Québec) and the Union of Agriculture Producers in Québec.
AgLife Network is a collaboration between AgSafe BC and the Canadian Mental Health Association of BC.
AgLife Facilitator
Matt Treble (he/him) has worked in the mental health field for many years and is excited to be bringing suicide prevention and mental health awareness to B.C. agriculture. He recently finished his Master of Counselling degree through Athabasca University and is very passionate about increasing accessibility to mental health resources and supports.
In his free time, you can find him out paddle boarding, spending time with his friends and family, or trying to find a new great show/movie to watch on streaming. He hopes to see you soon at an AgLife Connector training and to continue making new connections throughout B.C. agriculture.
