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More money to support rural mental health

Author
NZN,
Publish Date
Wed, 14 Jun 2017, 12:20PM
The government is putting extra money towards supporting farmer's mental health. (Photo \ Getty images)
The government is putting extra money towards supporting farmer's mental health. (Photo \ Getty images)

More money to support rural mental health

Author
NZN,
Publish Date
Wed, 14 Jun 2017, 12:20PM

The government says it understands the "ups and downs" of life on the farm and it's putting an extra $500,000 into rural mental health services.

This follows a release by Federated Farmers showing the suicide rate among farmers is higher than the national average.

Health Minister Jonathan Coleman and Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy announced the funding at the opening of Fieldays on Wednesday.

"Farmers are really good at looking after the land, animals and machinery but they aren't traditionally as good at looking after themselves," Guy said.

"Farming can be a very isolated occupation... it's important they and their families know they aren't alone if they need someone to talk to."

The money will go towards 20 workshops for rural health professionals treating people at risk of suicide and more support for younger rural workers.
Several government-funded programmes are already operating.

 

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