On 6 May, the Rural Support Trust (RST) released the Rural Support Impact Report highlighting its important work supporting rural communities and the positive impact it has had across New Zealand.
In 2024, over 1500 people reached out for support, and this is projected to increase to over 2000 yearly for the next five years.
“The report highlights the increasing number of calls driven by mental health, exhaustion and overwhelm, farm management challenges, animal welfare, financial pressures, relationship issues and policy changes. This is compounded by the rising number of adverse weather events faced by primary producers,” says Michelle Ruddell Chair of RST.
“We provide a vital service. Results from an anonymous survey showed 94 per cent of those who used our service felt less stress. Feeling that you are not alone and are supported is so important,” she added.
“To have someone hear you, then help you all with the innate understanding of what being a farmer is, was for us, immeasurable. We still use the advice given to us during the darkest days and just knowing that that support is there should we ever need it, makes life a hell of a lot easier,” said one client.
“Our ongoing work in destigmatising mental health challenges and normalising asking for help is critical to building strengthened rural communities. We want people to feel comfortable to reach out early before things feel out of control and we’re here to support regardless of the situation,” says Michelle.
RST focuses on providing confidential, impartial and free practical and emotional support to farmers facing challenges and change. In particular they offer support around mental health, financial stability, employment, rural isolation and adverse weather events.
“We are the only national organisation that sits around the table face-to-face with farmers, working through the issues and connecting them with the right professional support. This approach makes our services unique and effective,” says Michelle.
Michelle says RST is committed to enhancing its services to meet the evolving needs of rural communities.
“As the need for our support increases, a large part of our work is making sure our team can support the demand while building connections in the wider support needed.”
B+LNZ recognises the importance of the support RST provides farmers and communities and provides in-kind support on some of their work.
You can find more information or talk to someone at your local RST branch here.
Download the reports
Download the:
- Rural Support Impact Report – Summary version (PDF, 431KB)
- Rural Support Trust Report – Full version (PDF, 1MB)