Hayden McFarlane || A love of the land and the water

*This episode discusses farming, suicide prevention and Ski for Life.

Hayden McFarlane has had a few different career changes in his time. He is now working on his family farm but has the best of both worlds by living 'in town'. Hayden's love for water skiing, teamed with his own challenges with his mental health, has seen him take part in Ski for Life.

Ski for Life events have been held over the long weekend in March for over a decade. Starting at Murray Bridge and finishing at Renmark, Ski For Life is a water-skiing relay held over 3 days.

Ski for Life Inc is an incorporated body whose members are committed to raising awareness and promoting mental health, wellbeing and suicide prevention. Their fundraising is enabling us to provide grants to groups undertaking projects which align with our mission.

This episode drop is perfect timing as Ski for Life are thrilled to announce the registration details for their 2025 event! After their biggest event yet in 2024, they’ve made some changes to keep things smooth, accessible, and safe. They’re capping the total number of boats at 40, including the chase boat. For more details check out their Facebook or head to their website, https://www.skiforlife.com.au/

If you are concerned about someone who is struggling and finding it difficult to see their way out of grief or mental challenges, then we highly recommend Question. Persuade. Refer. QPR training, which Emma and Lain talked about in the first episode of Season 1. You can access the training ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Type in the code CSA to take the training free of cost. This training is funded by Country SA PHN. We thank them for their support in the Suicide Prevention space- an area we believe is important to put energy towards.

We hope you enjoy this episode. Remember to subscribe so you don't miss any of the future MFEP+ME episodes!

*MFEP+ME is a project created within the program Mentally Fit EP (MFEP). MFEP aims to empower people to take charge of their lives and to build mentally fit, connected communities. We believe mental health is everyone's business!

Thank you to our NFP organisation, West Coast Youth and Community Support, for making MFEP a possibility! A rock star organisation with rock star staff!

Thank you to our Season 3 Sponsor, Lincoln Rural, for supporting Mentally Fit EP for many years through fundraising. Their efforts and dedication have supported the EP community in a variety of ways and for that we are grateful!

A big thank you to the Cummins and Port Lincoln Community Banks for supporting Mentally Fit EP through their grant programs.

Helpline Numbers and EP Counselling services are pinned to the top of the Mentally Fit EP Facebook page

Lifeline 131 114

Regional Access 1300 032 186

Suicide Call Back 1300 659 467