Support trusts field increase in calls

Rural damage like this during Cyclone Gabrielle was a major factor in the rise in call numbers to Rural Support Trust across New Zealand last year and that was only part of the story. East Coast Rural Support Trust response coordinator Vicki Crosswell said call numbers to this region’s trust were definitely steady throughout 2023 across a wide range of issues, not just the storm damage. File picture

It comes as no surprise that Rural Support Trusts across the country saw an increase in call numbers in 2023.

Nationally, overall call numbers to the 0800 number were up 53 percent — with areas hard hit by the weather events in the North Island receiving record numbers.

The trust’s national chair Neil Bateup said that was only part of the story.

“The Rural Support Trust profile has increased in our rural communities and with our team often being well-known members of their local community, they are regularly approached directly for assistance.

“We are also seeing an increasing number of cases come via other means, with farmers and growers also reaching out via e-mail and social media channels.”

Mr Bateup said the weather events around the country in 2023 had a snowball effect on many trusts, with little chance to recover from the January weather events before Cyclone Gabrielle hit.

“Ongoing wet weather all through winter meant delays to the clean-up, adding additional stress to farmers and growers.”

Northland RST chair and national trustee Michelle Ruddell said even now they were still seeing new cases coming forward.

“Many have not reached out previously but come along to an event and realise the support available and find the courage to ask for help.”

While the recovery from adverse events has been highly visible during 2023, there have been other challenges keeping the trusts busy, Mr Bateup said.

“Across the country, trusts are seeing a steady number of cases coming through where farmers and growers are feeling overwhelmed.

“While different sectors are facing slightly different challenges, there are consistent themes coming through with many farmers and growers citing pressures around staffing and financial challenges as impacting their wellbeing.”

The Farm Business Advice Fund, which provided support to farmers under financial pressure, received 157 applications from its launch in April 2020 until its closure at the end of 2023.

Half of the applications came in the past 12 months, as inflation and commodity price pressures impacted many sectors, Mr Bateup said.

“The trust is keen to see the fund reinstated and is investigating alternative funding streams to support the funding provided by the NZ Banking Association.”

There were a variety of reasons people got in touch with their local trust, he said.

“It may start as one conversation, but as we peel back the layers there are often a number of factors impacting on their mental health.”

He urges people to reach out early.

“We are here to help and the earlier we can provide support, the more options are available.”

The trusts were the only organisation providing one-on-one support at a place that suits.

“It’s easy to get buried in the work on-farm and become isolated from family, friends and communities. We encourage farmers and growers to take a break, come along to one of our local connection events or give us a call and have a chat.”

The Rural Support Trust can be contacted on 0800 787 254.