Wednesday 3 June 2015
New Wellbeing Programme for Farmers Launched
Farmstrong, a new initiative to promote wellbeing for all farmers and growers across New Zealand is being launched
today.
The programme is a joint initiative between leading rural insurer FMG and the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand
(MHF).
Farmstrong will help shift the focus of mental health from depression and illness to one of wellbeing. In its first year
Farmstrong will aim to make a positive difference to the lives of 1,000 farmers.
“Farmstrong will help to highlight that farmers are the most important asset on the farm and that by taking proactive
steps to look after their mental and physical heath, they’re better prepared to run their business and support their
family, staff and community” says Chris Black chief executive FMG.
Research shows that farmers are great at looking after stock and equipment but often neglect their own needs. In a
recent online survey, farmers identified wellbeing and quality of life as being top of mind and said they wanted more
information on how to look after themselves.
Through www.farmstrong.co.nz farmers can access practical tools and resources that will help them take care of
themselves, with information on topics such as nutrition, managing fatigue, exercise, the importance of getting off the
farm and coping with pressure.
Farmstrong will also help farmers connect with each other and share experiences via its social media channels, through
regional farmer ambassadors and by attending local events such as Dr Tom Mulholland’s Healthy Thinking workshops, and
the Farmstrong Fit4Farming Cycle Tour.
“In the same way that farmers have a system for milking cows or shearing sheep for example, they need a practical system
to keep themselves in good shape too. By having this they’ll likely feel better, improve productivity, and be better
prepared to handle the ups and downs of farming” says Mr Black.
“Just making small behaviour changes over a period of time can help support big improvements in our mental and physical
wellbeing” says Judi Clements, chief executive Mental Health Foundation. “Every farmer’s performance is affected by
their level of health, fitness and happiness. We’re not born knowing how to maintain these – we need to actively
practise strategies that will improve our mental health. Farmstrong will help show farmers how they can do this,” says
Ms Clements.
Farmstrong funding has been provided by FMG and the charity Movember, via the Mental Health Foundation. “As a catalytic
funder of men’s health programmes globally, the Movember Foundation is a proud co-funder of this groundbreaking
collaborative programme. We believe Farmstrong is an innovative and powerful programme that will build on the strength
of NZ farmers and their community” says Robert Dunne NZ Country Director, Movember Foundation.
ENDS