Respite cabin for farmers/first responders ‘solidy booked’ since it opened

Three Oaks Cabin raising money for mental health programs with tractor parade

Heather Wright/The Independent

It’s been a tough spring and summer for farmers, the organizer of the second Shifting Gears Tractor Parade for Three Oaks Cabin hopes the Aug. 17 can be a place the agriculture community can build community and ease frustration.

Diane and her husband, Al, and their family created the respite cabin in Dawn-Euphemia after the death by suicide of their son, Dalles. The young farmer and volunteer firefighter died in 2020. Research shows farmers and first responders are particularly vulnerable to mental health issues. The cabin in the woods allows farmers and first responders to take a break and re-evaluate their situation with self-guided mental health programs.

The doors to Three Oaks Cabin opened in May. “It’s been almost solidly booked which is wonderful, because people are seeking out help but it also testifies to the fact that a lot of help is needed, and that we have to keep being there for these people who need our help.”

That’s part of the reason for the Shifting Gears Tractor Parade; to raise money to keep the respite cabin going. “It goes directly to the mental health programming at Three Oaks Cabin, and the accommodations, like the upkeep on the building itself running, and the programming that we’re offering and the free follow up that we’re offering to our guests.”

Three Oaks has partnered with the National Farmers Mental Health Alliance to provide follow ups. Farmers and first responders staying at the cabin are told someone will call to check on them after their stay. Bergsma says that has led to many of the guest getting more help.

“Guests know that they’re going to get a follow up call and so they can warm up to the idea of speaking to a therapist if hadn’t done so previously.

“And they don’t have to pick up the phone and make that call that I’m so and so and I need help; for some individuals, that’s still a very hard phone call to make. So by bypassing that and still getting them the care they need, we’re hoping that more people will look into receiving mental health care. And so far, actually, the uptake on that follow up care has been tremendous. It’s worked out very well.”

Bergsma says it is hard for people to talk about their mental health. She’s hoping the Shifting Gears Tractor Parade might also help. “It’s building community. Many farmers in Ontario have had a very tough spring and summer, and sometimes getting together with others and sharing your story makes it feel like you’re less isolated and you’re not alone,” says Bergsma.

“And all those little reassurances are building community and we’re part of community and we’re here for each other will really flourish on days like this.”

WHAT: Shifting Gears Tractor Parade in Support of Three Oaks Cabin

WHEN: AUG. 17 @ 2PM

WHERE: 1035 Shetland Rd. Florence

THE ROUTE: The parade will leave the Wheatfield just north of 1035 Shetland Rd. travel north to Bentpath line, travel east to Davis Road, travel south to Bilton line, travel west to Shetland Road, travel south to Lambton Line, travel west to Florence Town Line and then into Florence to the Community Centre.

TO SIGN UP: www.threeoakscabin.com