We’re a network of 14 independent but connected trusts with a mix of paid professionals and volunteers. The trust was specifically established to support farmers who, through no fault of their own, face challenges that bring hardship, stress and uncertainty to themselves and their families and businesses.
Farmers are recognised as being resilient people but they are dependent on self-motivation to manage the daily vagrancies of nature. The isolation of rural life and extra stress that sometimes arises when things go wrong is perfectly normal and can understandably overwhelm individuals.
The trust has been involved in the response to Mycoplasma bovis from day one.
While the road to eradication has been difficult for all involved it’s my view everyone’s doing their best to manage the disease and ultimately make New Zealand M bovis-free. For individual farmers affected, however, the bovis outbreak has severely affected their livelihoods, families and way of life.
The trust’s goal has been to provide support to affected farmers and help them to make their involvement as smooth as is possible. The first and most critical skill we can provide is someone with a sympathetic ear who will willingly listen to someone’s concerns.
That’s where our free and confidential service starts. The trust has such people available, many of whom are farmers, who possess the skills to listen without prejudice or judgment. They have a good understanding of the upheaval unforeseen changes can have on the normality of farm life.
Trust members recognise no two farms will be in the same situation. Our networks are strong and we can put you in touch with services and advisers to provide more help where needed.
While we are contracted to the Ministry for Primary Industries we ensure our people bring an independent voice to the rural community. We have the ability to raise questions with MPI and make representations on your behalf to deal with the more complex issues.
If you need to talk, remember we can help only if you ask.
Neil Bateup is the Rural Support Trust national chairman.
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