Mental Health & Wellbeing Support
Staying Healthy & strong
STAYING HEALTHY
Your health & wellbeing matters
Fonterra is invested in the health and wellbeing of our farmers, their families and teams. All Fonterra farmers, immediate family and on-farm teams have access to a range of free expert mental health and wellbeing support services through leading rural support networks and services, practical tools and handy tips to keep our people and communities thriving.
If you need to talk to someone now.
Rural Support Trust
If you're worried about personal or business issues and need to talk to someone now RST can help. Call 0800 787 254
Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
If you need to need to talk about employee or employer work-related challenges, EAP can help. Call 0800 327 669
RURAL SUPPORT TRUST
RST provides a wide range of services
The Rural Support Trust have trained, trusted local rural people who know from experience that pressures can mount up. Their professional network can provide 1:1 support 24/7 behind the farm gate giving confidential support and connection to further necessary specialist support if needed.
Mental health facilitators
The RST team are trained to recognise signs of burn out, stress and dspression and will always support you in a caring & confidential way.
Employee Support
Employees should feel supported and appreciated, the RST team are always available to chat about your employment situation or your wellbeing.
Employer Support
Sometimes you need a bit of extra support in creating strong working relationships. Rural Support Facilitators can help you build healthy working relationships.
Financial challenges
If you’re feeling financially stuck, RST might be able to offer another perspective in a confidential environment. You also might qualify for our specialist advice fund.
Support in adverse events
The Regional Trusts are directly linked into local Civil Defence and can provide information and assist you in getting immediate or on-going help in case of emergencies.
Events to connect off farm
It’s always good to get off farm and connect with others in our industry so keep an eye on our events page or sign up for our emails for the latest news and notifications.
EAP
Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
The Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) provides FREE professional and confidential support through personal and work-related challenges.
The team of experienced professionals can support with:
- Anxiety, stress or depression
- Family or relationship issues
- Parenting challenges
- Conflicts at work
- Pressures from work or personal situations
- Serious illness, trauma, grief or bereavement
- Challenges with change or uncertainty.
Learn more about EAP and how to contact them
Visit the website to book an in-person, phone, video or online counselling appointment. Appointments can be made 7.30am - 7.30pm Monday to Friday with some extended weekend support.
FARMSTRONG
Practical tips, advice and tools
Farmstrong provides range of resources and tools online to help you live well on farm. They share practical farmer-to-farmer tips, advice and tools to help farmers and their families cope better with the ups and downs of farming.
Five ways to happier wellbeing
International research found that people who thrive have five things in common.
Eat well
The right kind of food provides fuel for energy levels and a positive mood throughout the day.
Healthy thinking
Some people are inherently better at coping through tough times.
Sleep well
Being well-rested can significantly enhance your productivity, both on and off the farm.
Farm fit
Building in regular physical movement each day means you can be match-fit for busier times, like calving.
Time out
Research shows that taking breaks and time off farm makes a huge difference to your overall wellbeing.
Stress & burnout
Burnout is your body saying "I've hit the wall". Your mind and body give out early warning signs.
Health Check
Often farmers are great at knowing their numbers around pasture, machinery and stock, but not so good at knowing their own vital statistics.
CONNECTING OFF-FARM
Connecting with the community
It can be difficult to get off farm but there a huge benefits to taking a break and connecting with others in the community.
Surfing for Farmers
Surfing for Farmers provides an awesome break in routine for farmers over the summer months with meet ups throughout NZ. Farmers can get involved in a laid back surfing lesson followed by a yarn and a BBQ.
Local Farm Source Store events
Your local Farm Source stores have a range of local events and get togethers like our famous Pie-Day Fridays! Join your local Farm Source Facebook page to stay up to date with the latest happenings at ‘your place'