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East Coast Rural Support Trust
The East Coast Rural Support Trust offers support to rural people in Wairarapa during difficult times.
Help from the trust is independent, strictly confidential, free, and available.
Rural people often face adversity and are challenged by a raft of factors; including on farm operations, health, personal concerns, business, employment, financial, and climatic challenges.
Often it is a combination of things at once that can cause distress.
The trust also assists rural people during and after extreme weather and other declared adverse events.
The service is available to all those in the rural community including farmers, rural employers, horticulturists, forestry, contractors, rural professionals, and family members.
The trust’s support staff all come from rural backgrounds and have a good understanding and empathy for the issues facing rural people.
In addition, they have experience or specialised skills which equip them to effectively help people with a range of challenges.
Staff are mobile and are happy to come to visit people.
People are encouraged to, if they recognise distress in others, ask them if it is okay if someone from the trust contacts them – as people feeling distressed often find it hard to initiate contact themselves.
- If you are struggling with depression or feeling suicidal, or know someone that is, contact the East Coast Rural Support Trust on 0800 787 254.
- More information can be found on www.rural-support.org.nz
Wairarapa contacts
John Roberts – 027 200 0851
Sarah Donaldson – 021 504 089
Steve Thomson – 06 372 3877
Jane Tylee – 027 367 3672
Where to get help
If you are worried about your or someone else’s mental health, the best place to get help is your GP or mental health provider.
However, if you or someone else is in danger or endangering others, call 111.
For mental health services, phone 0508 432 432.
Free Helplines, online and text support:
TE HAIKA: 0800 745 477
NEED TO TALK? call or text 1737
DEPRESSION HELPLINE: 0800 111 757
LIFELINE: 0800 543 354
SAMARITANS: 0800 726 666
YOUTHLINE: 0800 376 633 or text 234
KIDSLINE: 0800 543 754 (under 18yo)
WHAT’S UP: 0800 942 8787 (for 5–18yo).
SUICIDE CRISIS HELPLINE: 0508 828 865
HEALTHLINE: 0800 611 116
DEPRESSION HELPLINE: 0800 111 757 or free text 4202
OUTLINE NZ: 0800 688 5463, sexuality/gender identity
THELOWDOWN.CO.NZ – or free text 5626
Supporting youth in times of need
Anna Cardno
Let’s face it, it’s not easy growing up these days.
Our young people need a lot of support, and luckily, we do have some great services in Wairarapa to assist when help is needed.
We are getting better at providing age-appropriate support too.
Online, text, and phone services can be less threatening and more accessible for youth, and the new PIKI app is a great example.
PIKI supports young adults (18 to 25-year olds) towards better health and well-being through strengthened support services online, by phone, peer support navigators, and by talking face-to-face with therapists.
See piki.org.nz.
Exams are looming and stress is high – it is important for parents to recognise the anxiety that their student may be feeling at this time of the year when the pressure is on.
Each of our colleges have a school counsellor/nurse who are available for students.
They are trained to help youth cope with the high-pressure exam environment.
If you notice your child is beginning to wear the strain of exams, feeling anxious, or showing signs of depression – do act.
Ask them if they are okay and offer avenues to help.
There are lots of services and helplines listed here to choose from, or you can always see your GP or call Healthline on 0800 611 116 for free health advice.
- Anna Cardno is the Wairarapa District Health Board communications manager.
