Twenty years ago, Jessica Walker took her own life after a brief mental illness leaving her family shellshocked, wondering where it all went wrong. Now her sister Tor Benjafield and family friend Peita Burton Taylor are raising funds and awareness to help rural health workers get the skills they need to serve their own communities. The Hand to the Land initiative is a partnership with the Country Education Foundation.

Some highlights:

• The founding of Hand to the Land in memory of Jess
• Challenges faced by rural communities in mental health support
• Role of the Country Education Foundation in supporting rural youth
• Scholarships and mental health support for students in rural areas
• The importance of mental health literacy and awareness campaigns
• Impact of storytelling and personal stories in reducing stigma
• Community-led mental health initiatives and events
• Addressing stigma and encouraging open conversations about mental health
• Future plans and ways to get involved in supporting rural mental health