Financial pressure is still among the key factors affecting the mental health of people across the rural sector.

As part of Mental Health Awareness Week, which takes place from September 23-29, The Central App caught up with Otago Rural Support Trust coordinator Lindsay Purvis to find out how busy the service had been so far this year.

“It’s actually been a little bit quieter than normal,” he said.

He could not determine exactly why that was, but said the need was definitely still there.

Lindsay, who answers calls from people across North Otago and, at times, Central Otago, connects them with the services that could best assist them in their time of need.

He also pointed out that the problem was much wider than what the service sees as others turn to other service providers for assistance.

Of those he works with, the majority are dealing with stress created by financial pressures.

Otago Rural Support Trust coordinator Lindsay Purvis. PHOTO: Supplied

Lindsay has been working with the Rural Support Trust for the past seven years, offering a supportive voice, often at the end of the phone.

“Our role is to talk to people and connect them with somebody who can help, and I like to think we do make a difference. Another view and another set of ears can be helpful to people.”

He said during his involvement, stress has grown in people’s everyday lives.

“There’s more mental health . . . a bit more pressure has come on with high interest rates and compliance with low commodity prices and high input prices.”

The Rural Support Trust works hard to assist people, often one-on-one, but has also created a range of events, alongside other organisations such as Beef + Lamb, to benefit the wider community, in a group capacity.

Among those is its Time Out Tour, which stopped in Omakau last April.

Its aim is to get people across the rural sector off the farm to socialise and listen to a group of speakers, who each have their own mental health story to share.

“There are events being put on and I would encourage people to go to those events and have a listen,” Lindsay said. 

“If you go to an evening like that and you take home one thing, it’s worthwhile.”

The Time Out Tour is still travelling throughout Otago, with the next one being held in Weston on October 16.

To learn more about the Rural Support Trust, click on their listing via The Central App.

The latest The Outlet podcast also features discussion around mental health, thanks to Sally Booth, of WellSouth.

Read more: Mental health strengthened by community