Rural people are saying the same thing - times are tough, challenges are everywhere, and the future looks bumpy. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed. How about talking to someone who understands the pressures of rural life?
Rural Support Trust knows from experience how finances, relationships, and work pressures can all mount up and affect your well-being.
The local Top of The South Rural Support Trust (TOSRST) is part of a nationwide network that works with rural individuals and their families, to help solve problems or personal challenges.
“We support all rural people – owners, managers, staff, and contractors, and to take care of yourself, one of the best things you can do is talk,” local farmer and TOSRST trustee Evan Baigent says.
Evan explains that with rising challenges, the trust has strengthened its toolkit to help rural people now and in the future.
“Rural Support Trust networks and training can help with all kinds of situations, it can help you get through your current challenges.”
Evan has been involved in the trust for the past four years.
“It’s a way for me to give back and that’s something I enjoy. I also feel that the foundation of our society is to have healthy rural people which creates vibrant, motivated communities, and the trust helps achieve that.”
Orchardist, farmer, past Tasman District Mayor, and TOSRST chair, Richard Kempthorne, says that it’s a common time of the year to be feeling overwhelmed.
“Anxiety and depression are common at this time of the year, some call it the ‘holiday blues,’ and even though many in the rural sector won’t be taking a holiday they can still experience the stress associated with the holiday period,” he explains.
Richard says that financial pressure from buying Christmas gifts, hosting meals, interacting with extended family, and looking after children while school and childcare facilities are closed can all be contributing factors to feeling overwhelmed in the months following Christmas.
“It’s a really busy time on the farm and when you have these extra pressures on top of an already stretched workload it can easily start to become overwhelming, and that’s where getting some free support can really help you through.”
If you, or someone you know, has worries or are feeling overwhelmed, find someone to talk to.
This might be a neighbour, friend, or the TOSRST.
The local team are here to help rural people, themselves rural people with knowledge and experience who can listen and work beside you to achieve positive outcomes for you, your property, and your family. Don’t feel alone if you identify with this message – help is available.
Call Rural Support Trust on 0800 787 254 (0800 RURAL HELP)
Other contacts for information, help or support:
• 1737 Free call or text 1737 any time, 24 hours a day to talk or text with a trained counsellor.
• Lifeline Phone 0800 543 354 or 09 522 2999 or text HELP (4357) any time
• Youthline 0800 376 633 or free text 234
• In an emergency call 111
