A helping hand

Proactively fencing the top of the cliff, rather than parking an ambulance at the bottom, is a focus for New Zealand’s Rural Support Trusts.

Made up of 14 independent but connected Trusts around New Zealand, Rural Support Trusts are there for the rural community during adverse events like floods, earthquake or fire, plus its ongoing ‘peacetime’ operations.

In 2016 a National Council was formed which helps unite Trusts in strategic work and funding across the country.

In everyday operations, Trusts arrange community events, run GoodYarn mental wellness training, run skills transfers and wellness initiatives, and give rural people free and confidential access to trained facilitators, whatever the issues facing them.

Trust chairman, Neil Bateup says community events and GoodYarn workshops are a good place for farming people to identify the signs of trouble.

‘‘It is that chat, the place to hear what is going on, what others are having to cope with. And it is a good place to get help, or to hear there is someone there to help,’’ says Neil.

‘‘Often it is the place where one farmer or farmer’s spouse or partner hears something that triggers a concern. It may be about a family member or a neighbour and it’s great to get that voiced.’’

The first port of call if there are signs of stress, depression or need of any help at all – is to call 0800 787 254.

The phone is answered by a trained administrator who will chat to you, assess what the problem is, and get the ball rolling. With your permission, your contact information is passed to a suitable facilitator to call you, and if you agree, to book a face to face chat at the time and place that suits you.

The facilitators are rural people, farmers, or ex-farmers who understand the unique challenges that rural people can face. ‘‘Often all that is needed is just someone who understands and can listen, acknowledge and suggest some ways forward,’’ says Neil.

‘‘Every person is different and their needs dictate what support or help is called for and what the next step will be. This is discussed and agreed between us both and then we are alongside them as they go to the appropriate services and through.’’

Trusts deal with a varying scale of issues; some are complex, while others can be dealt with quite quickly.

Clients may be stressed, tired, overwhelmed and exhausted, and their problems can be financial, legal, contractual, or personal.

Trusts work with industry, local and government organisations to get the solutions needed.

‘‘During adverse events –natural disasters or biosecurity incursions for example – we scale up our involvement. During the recent flooding we arranged events to give information to farmers and rural communities and with support from MSD, to arrange extra help with clean-up using an initiative called Enhanced Taskforce Green.’’

The response to Micoplasma bovis is a current event Trusts are dealing with, and Rural Support Trust facilitators are being further trained to be able to support farmers through the control and depopulation processes and beyond into recovery. They are with the farmers every step of the way.

If you or someone you know needs help call 0800 787 254.