Latest news with #RuralSupportTrusts
Scoop
a day ago
- Health
- Scoop
Government Backing Rural Resilience And Wellbeing
Press Release – New Zealand Government Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson says the package reflects the realities of rural life and the need for practical, locally driven support. Hon Matt Doocey Minister for Mental Health Minister for Rural Communities The government is boosting support for rural resilience and wellbeing announced by Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey and Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson. 'We're backing Rural Support Trusts by committing $3 million over the next four years, to help improve rural communities' access to primary mental health services and specialist services,' Mr Doocey says. 'A range of services already exist, this is about making them easier to access, better connected, and focused on delivering support that makes a difference for people in rural communities. 'Whether it's help on the farm, over the phone, or at a local event, we're ensuring rural people know where to turn and can get support when they need it.' This funding is on top of the ongoing funding of $3 million over the next four years allocated to Rural Support Trusts through the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). 'The Government is also investing $2 million of Health funding in the Rural Wellbeing Fund. Building on from Budget announcements this means the Rural Wellbeing Fund will double to $4 million over the next four years,' Mr Doocey says. 'The Rural Wellbeing Fund will be specifically focused on supporting the wellbeing and resilience of hard-working New Zealanders who live outside of the major centres.' Mr Patterson says the package reflects the realities of rural life and the need for practical, locally driven support. 'I am delighted that we are bolstering funding to support those who need help the most – living rurally presents a unique set of challenges which include isolation and lack of services. When added pressures arise, rural people can find themselves facing challenging situations in need of mental wellbeing support. 'This is about investing in the people who drive our primary industries — and making sure they're connected to the right support, whether it's peer networks, wellbeing initiatives, or expert advice,' Mr Patterson says. 'It's about building resilience and supporting rural New Zealand to stay strong, stay productive, and keep powering the country forward.' 'When rural communities mental health and wellbeing are supported, economy is stronger for it,' Mr Doocey says.
Scoop
22-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Budget 2025: New Fund To Back Rural Wellbeing Programmes
Hon Todd McClay Minister of Agriculture Minister for Rural Communities The Government is investing in the wellbeing of rural communities through a new fund that backs practical, on-the-ground programmes designed to build resilience and support the 360,000 hard working men and women who power our primary sector. Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says Budget 2025 provides $2 million over four years for a new contestable Rural Wellbeing Fund to back farmers to back themselves. 'When rural communities thrive, all of New Zealand benefits. The food and fibre sector is the engine of our economy, and that means backing both production and the hardworking people who drive it,' Mr McClay says. Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson says the fund builds on the Government's Budget 2025 investment of an extra $1 million over four years to boost the work of Rural Support Trusts and other providers that support farmers and growers. 'This is about giving rural people the tools and connections they need to stay supported. 'Initiatives that bring people together through events, advice, or peer networks, are a key part of building long-term resilience across the sector,' Mr Patterson says. The fund will be administered by the Ministry for Primary Industries, with successful applicants selected by a governance group including industry representatives.
