COMET

COMET™ is a two-hour program offered by UW – Madison Division of Extension educators for the agricultural and rural communities in Wisconsin. The program can be offered in-person as a standalone workshop, attached to a larger conference, or on a virtual platform. The maximum number of participants for any of these formats is 30. The program is a gentle introduction to supporting friends and neighbors in a vulnerable space to help them shift their mental health trajectory back to a place of wellness and away from the path of a mental health crisis. This program was developed by the High Plains Research Network Community Advisory Council specifically for rural communities.   

COMET™ helps people take the next step after noticing someone might be struggling. It empowers friends and neighbors to be more prepared to support others’ mental health needs – especially before a crisis. This training empowers people to feel comfortable initiating a supportive but potentially emotional conversation using a conversational seven-question guide. It provides an easy way to start a conversation, teaches you 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 University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension is partnering with Farm Well Wisconsin and the High Plains Research Network Community Advisory Council to offer COMET™ training to rural and farming communities in Wisconsin. It is supported by USDA-NIFA 2020-70028-32728 through the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network funding.  For more information or to request a training for your local organization, contact Danielle Sander (608-355-3256 or danielle.sander@wisc.edu).  

EIGHT WAYS TO WELLNESS

Wellness is often categorized into several interconnected dimensions. It’s a holistic integration of physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. During these interactive workshops, participants will learn more about each of the eight dimensions along with ways to help create harmony with the dimensions they choose to focus on. There are 8 workshops in total, but participants can choose what session they want to join and how deeply they want to connect with the material. The more you learn, the greater you can impact your holistic wellness. 

All of the sessions are interrelated; we recommend all eight sessions to get the most out of the topics. However, each topic may be done independently, or choose a mix that is best for you!

• Occupational Well-Being: Personal satisfaction and enrichment derived from one’s work
• Physical Well-Being: Recognizing the need for physical activity, sleep, and nutrition
• Intellectual Well-Being: Recognizing creative abilities and finding ways to expand knowledge and skills
• Environmental Well-Being: Good health by occupying pleasant, stimulating environments that support well-being
• Spiritual Well-Being: Expanding our sense of purpose and meaning in life
• Emotional Well-Being: Coping effectively with life and creating satisfying relationships
• Financial Well-Being: Satisfaction with current and future financial situations
• Social Well-Being: Developing a sense of connection, belonging, and a well-developed support system

All sessions are 60 minutes in length.