Rural Support demonstrates strong impact for rural communities

A new social impact report demonstrates the impact of the Rural Support Trust to support and strengthen rural communities. 

The report, supported by Fonterra and conducted by the Ākina Foundation, showed that for every $1 invested into the delivery of Rural Support services,  a social value of $4.60 - $5.50 is created. National Chair Michelle Ruddell says the report outlines the positive  outcomes and achievements  Rural Support delivers to rural communities.

“Our purpose is to empower primary producers, their families and our rural communities with the support, tools and networks necessary to foster social connection and build business and personal resilience.” 

“I am proud of the work Rural Support has achieved and this report validates and proves the ongoing impact that we have.  We are immensely grateful to our Foundation Partner Fonterra who made this project possible.”

Fonterra’s Group Director Global External Affairs Simon Tucker says the Co-operative is grateful for the Rural Support Trust’s ongoing support of rural communities.

“We know the ups and downs that come with working on the land and the stress that goes along with it. This report demonstrates why access to wellbeing services is vital for our rural communities across New Zealand. We’re proud to partner with Rural Support Trust and want to thank them for continuing to show up for farmers and their families when they need it most.” In 2024, Rural Support had over 1500 people reach out for support, with around 51% of cases also requiring additional specialist support networks.

Results from an anonymous survey showed 94% of those who engaged with Rural Support felt less stress and on average a client’s mental wellbeing improved by 5.4 points on a 10-point scale. At the same time, 84% of those who had previously engaged with Rural Support had more knowledge about where to find external support when they needed it. 

Michelle Ruddell noted that whilst it was good to see such a positive impact on a person’s wellbeing through their involvement with Rural Support it was concerning that an improvement of 5.4 points meant that many were getting into some dark places before reaching out for help. 

“Our ongoing work in destigmatising mental health challenges and normalising asking for help is critical to building strengthened rural communities.  We want people to feel comfortable to reach out early before things feel out of control and we’re here to support regardless of the situation.”

Michelle also noted that the increasing complexity of cases means Rural Support is often walking alongside people for a much longer period of time. 

“Our important role as a connector means our teams nationwide are widening their networks all the time to ensure suitable connections are readily available to support our farmers and growers.  As the need for our support increases, a large part of our work is making sure our Rural Support team can support the demand while building connections in the wider support needed.”

For further information please contact:

Michelle Ruddell, 021 230 9713

Maria Shanks, 021 964 785

About Rural Support Trust

Rural Support focuses on providing confidential, impartial and free practical and emotional support to farmers and growers facing challenges and change.  In particular they offer support around mental health, financial stability, employment, rural isolation and adverse events.

About the Ākina Foundation report

The three key themes of the impact report:

Rural Support’s role in bringing a sense of relief for primary producers going through tough times, its role in helping them gain the skills and confidence to better manage future challenges and how Rural Support can contribute to a cultural shift to reduce the stigma of seeking support.