PRESS RELEASE issued by the New Zealand Rural General Practice Network for immediate use, June 11, 2015
Mental health funding initiative well timed
Today's announcement of a $500,000 funding boost to support mental health initiatives targeted at rural communities
could not be better timed, says Dalton Kelly, New Zealand Rural General Practice Network Chief Executive.
Health Minister Jonathan Coleman and Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy announced the funding initiative at a
Fieldays breakfast this morning (June 11). While the details are still being worked through it is expected the focus
will be on the promotion, prevention and early intervention of rural mental health issues. The Ministry of Health and
Ministry for Primary Industries have each contributed $250,000 to the one off funding boost.
"This year is shaping up to be a tough one for farmers and rural communities off the back of lower milk prices, weather
extremes that include both droughts and flooding, job losses and an already high farmer suicide rate in some parts of
the country,” says Mr Kelly.
"The extra government funding is well timed and will be welcomed by rural communities and health professionals.
"With about 200 rural medical practices New Zealand wide we are already on high alert to deal with mental health issues
as they arise and we encourage farmers, their families and indeed rural people in general to come forward with any
mental health issues they may be experiencing."
Mr Kelly says there are many programmes and resources available through various agencies to assist people who are under
pressure through economic factors, depression, or who are feeling suicidal and “we encourage people in that situation to
come forward and seek professional help”.
The Network in conjunction with the Rural Support Trusts and Dairy NZ has issued a high alert notification to its
members in recognition of the pressure farmers are under economically, mentally and generally at this time.