Together we thrive: Rural Aid highlights the importance of connection for mental health in the bush
Ahead of World Mental Health Day on 10 October, Rural Aid is highlighting the importance of connection for the mental health and wellbeing of people living and working across rural and regional Australia.
This year’s theme, “Together we thrive”, recognises the role strong communities play in supporting people through life’s challenges. For many people in the bush, isolation, distance and limited access to services remain significant barriers to getting support.
Rural Aid’s Pulse of the Paddock survey found 94 per cent of farmers identified their community as important to accessing services, while 38 per cent identified barriers to accessing services for themselves and their families.
Farmers and rural communities can experience a range of pressures, including drought, floods, fires, disasters, biosecurity threats, rising costs and uncertainty about the future. These challenges can have a significant impact on mental health and wellbeing.
Rural Aid Mental Health Manager Myf Pitcher said having access to a team of qualified counsellors who understand rural life is important for farmers and their families.
“Rural people often face unique pressures, and having someone to talk to who understands those pressures can make a real difference,” Ms Pitcher said.
“Reaching out for support is an important step in looking after yourself and your community.”
As part of Mental Health Month, Rural Aid is getting the country moving with a simple dance activity encouraging farmers, rural communities and supporters and the wider Rural Aid community to take part.
The activity is designed to celebrate the importance of movement, connection and looking after wellbeing. Whether people join in with their team, family, friends, colleagues or on their own, the focus is not on getting the moves perfect, but on creating moments of connection, having a laugh and starting conversations about mental health.
From offices and events to farms and rural communities, everyone across the Rural Aid community is encouraged to get involved and share in the message behind this year’s Mental Health Month theme, “Together we thrive”. Check out our socials for the tutorial and videos
For dairy farmer Jason Cousins, from Singleton, NSW, Rural Aid’s support has reinforced the importance of speaking openly about mental health.
“Being an old-school farmer, you’re always taught to bottle things up and not show emotion,” Mr Cousins said.
“What I’ve learned is it’s okay to tell someone how you feel, and it does give you some relief.”
Mr Cousins said asking for help does not make someone any less capable.
“It doesn’t make you any less of a person to open up to someone. It’s worth taking that step.”
He said Rural Aid’s support provides more than practical assistance.
“The help Rural Aid provides is a lifeline. It’s not just the practical support like hay and water, it’s the mental health support too.”
This World Mental Health Day, Rural Aid is encouraging people in rural communities to check in with one another, start conversations and remember that support is available.
Farmers and their families can access Rural Aid’s mental health support at no cost by contacting 1300 327 624 or visiting www.ruralaid.org.au.
About Rural Aid:
Rural Aid is Australia’s leading charity supporting farmers, their families and rural communities. Rural Aid delivers practical assistance during drought, fire, flood and other disasters, helping farming families stay on the land and protect their livelihoods. Through disaster relief, mental health support and community development programs, Rural Aid works with partners, supporters and volunteers to strengthen rural communities and ensure farmers have the support they need to recover, rebuild and remain connected.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Daniel Brown
Media and Communications Officer
0447 116 757
daniel.brown@ruralaid.org.au