In this episode, we dig into the mental health challenges facing farmers and rural communities, and ask: is the support on offer actually working?

Matt Doocey, New Zealand’s first dedicated Minister for Mental Health, joins us to discuss what’s changing, what still needs to, and whether rural voices are truly being heard.

Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford shares what rural people are telling him they really need, the barriers that still exist, what support services need to look like on the ground, and the role farming leaders must play in driving change.

Where to get help

If you or someone you know needs support, free help is available 24/7 by calling or texting 1737 to talk to a trained counsellor.

You can also call Rural Support Trust on 0800 RURAL HELP or 0800 787 254. 

Farmstrong is another great place to go for practical tools and strategies for managing workload, stress and pressure, and to hear other farmers talk about mental health.