Saturday, 18 June 2016 15:55

More funds for rural mental health

Written by 
Health Minister Jonathan Coleman. Health Minister Jonathan Coleman.

Rural mental health has been given a funding boost of $600,000.

Health Minister Jonathan Coleman and Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy were joined by Prime Minister John Key at the Fieldays to announce the extra funding for Rural Mental Wellness, a continuation of last year's investment.

"The Government recognises that rural life goes in cycles, with ups and downs. We are committed to supporting our rural communities," says Dr Coleman.

"The Rural Mental Wellness initiative is the right mix of further raising awareness of mental health issues within rural communities, coupled with practical help to improve the skills of the health professionals who work alongside the rural sector.

"This joint investment will help to ensure we maintain the momentum achieved last year, while also putting a plan in place for the future."

Guy says the new funding will help to strengthen local networks for farmers, workers and families in rural communities. It will provide more suicide prevention workshops and employ coordinators to work with Rural Support Trusts.

"Farmers and their families are not alone," he says. "There is a wide range of good advice and support from organisations like Rural Support Trusts, Farmstrong, and Dairy NZ.

"While this season may be tough for some, it's important to keep a focus on what we can control and to remember the long term outlook for the dairy sector is bright."

More like this

Farmstrong marks 10 years of rural support

Nationwide rural wellbeing programme, Farmstrong recently celebrated its tenth birthday at Fieldays with an event attended by ambassador Sam Whitelock, Farmers Mutual Group (FMG), Farmstrong partners, and government Ministers.

Editorial: Agri's mojo is back

OPINION: Good times are coming back for the primary industries. From sentiment expressed at Fieldays to the latest rural confidence survey results, all indicate farmer confidence at a near-record high.

Featured

National

Machinery & Products

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Overbearing?

OPINION: Dust ups between rural media and PR types aren't unheard of but also aren't common, given part of the…

Foot-in-mouth

OPINION: The Hound hears from his canine pals in Southland that an individual's derogatory remarks on social media have left…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter