Book a COMET™ ‍ Workshop

Many people can recognize when a friend, family member, neighbour, or colleague is not quite themselves. The challenge is knowing what to do next.

COMET™ (Changing Our Mental and Emotional Trajectory) is an evidence-based training program that helps people recognize when someone may be struggling and provides a simple framework for starting a supportive conversation before a mental health crisis occurs.

Designed specifically for rural communities, COMET™ builds on the strengths that already exist in agriculture and rural life: looking out for one another, noticing changes, and offering support when it is needed.

COMET™ does not train participants to be counsellors or solve someone else's problems. Instead, it empowers them to be more prepared and comfortable initiating a supportive but potentially emotional conversation using a seven-question guide. It provides an easy way to start a conversation, teaches how to exit the conversation in a supportive way, and offers resources to share with others if they need more than a listening ear.

The primary learning goals of the program include:

• Recognize signs that someone may be in a vulnerable space or experiencing emotional distress.

• Understand the importance of early intervention and supportive conversations.

• Use the COMET™ seven-question guide to have a meaningful conversation.

• Listen effectively and respond with empathy and confidence.

• Exit conversations in a supportive and respectful manner.

• Connect individuals with resources when needed.

• Contribute to a culture of care and support within rural and agricultural communities.

Length: 90 minute interactive workshop (with a break)

Format: In-person or virtual

Cost: Free for participants. There may be costs for booking a venue, food/beverages, and travel for the facilitator.

COMET™ was developed by the High Plains Research Network in partnership with rural communities and is delivered in Canada by AgWell Alberta through a partnership with AgrAbility at the University of Colorado.

How is this different from In The Know? COMET™ focuses on recognizing early signs of distress and starting supportive conversations before a crisis develops. In The Know provides broader mental health literacy and skills for recognizing and responding to mental health concerns.

To schedule a workshop, contact us at rebecca@agwellab.ca.