Whenever and wherever you are, it could be the woolshed at smoko, ‘Checking-in’ is a collaborative new rural wellbeing recovery project delivering bite sized tools, videos and in-person events to rural communities.
The project aims to help rural communities across the North Island impacted by the tough season to come together through a series of in-person events and programmes this summer.
Rural people across New Zealand are also invited to subscribe to the ‘Checking-in’ tools and tips email series. Delivered weekly, the 15-part series of short videos is about making the hard stuff manageable – like supporting people through challenging times, managing emotions and enjoying the good times.
Taira–whiti sheep and beef farmer and community leader, Sandra Matthews, is one of those spearheading the campaign. She has witnessed first-hand the compounding pressure on farmers in her region, from Cyclone Hale followed by Cyclone Gabrielle and the relentlessly wet weather.
“The results have been astronomical on mental health and physical health for farmers in our community. I didn’t think twice about being involved, I felt in my heart we needed to help people, and help them put strategies in place to build the ongoing strength needed to carry on.”
For Matthews, it’s about finding the strength within, tapping into tools and tips from people who have been through tough times. The top paddock, or top two inches, is the most important thing we have, she says.
“From a farming point of view, we are constantly onfarm and the damage is there – every day. Being in that position myself, it does wear you down. Personal connection from getting involved in events or watching the videos, it’s going to give you the tools to get through and realise you are not alone.”
Along with Matthews, the series features rural leaders and resiliency experts Steve Kearney (Chief Mental Health Officer for the NZ Defence Force), Michelle Ruddell (Ngati Tu–wharetoa, dairy farmer and chair of the Northland Rural Support Trust) and Dr Lucy Hone (director of the NZ Institute of Wellbeing and Resilience).
‘Checking-in’ is run by the Agri-Women’s Development Trust, Rural Women New Zealand and Farmstrong, with support from the Rural Support Trust. The project is funded by the Ministry for Primary Industries as part of the NIWE (North Island Weather Event) response.
Find local events and sign-up for
a tools and tips email series at checking-in.co.nz
