Otago Rural Support Trust

Otago Rural Support Trust

The Otago Rural Support Trust - supporting rural people through challenging times

We know that living and working rurally can be a challenge and sometimes things can get a bit too much. If this is you or if you’re concerned for someone then please get in touch.

The Otago Rural Support Trust is a charitable organisation set up to assist rural individuals and their families to get back on their feet following challenging circumstances such as financial, personal or climatic adverse events.

The Trust has trained and experienced Rural Coordinators who are called on to provide one-on-one support in a free and confidential environment.  Our Coordinators are happy to travel to where they are needed, so will meet at a place that suits you.

Our Trustees, administrator and two Coordinators are all farming and/or rural professionals connected to the farming industry, offering a wide range of experience and knowledge in dealing with challenging rural situations.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us any time for a confidential chat about you, your business, the weather, your finances, or a neighbour, partner, friend, family member, or worker.

Email Us

Call The Otago Rural Support Trust now on 0800 787 254

If calling from an Otago landline you will automatically go through to our Administrator.
If calling from a mobile please then select option 3, then option 5.


"Getting in touch with Lindsay from The Otago Rural Support Trust was one of the best decisions we have ever made. 
Having someone that we could talk to who "got it"  at such a stressful time in our lives was a huge relief.
He knew the right people to help us get information that we needed, he was right there beside us, and we always felt supported. Thank you so much."

Our People

  • Lindsay Purvis, Coordinator
  • Joc Kinney, Coordinator
  • Andrea Ludeman, Administrator

    Please click on our coordinator's images to learn more about them.
     

Our Trustees

  • Mike Lord, Chair, Taieri
  • Tom Pinckney, Deputy Chair, Cromwell
  • Grant Bradfield, Trustee, Catlins
  • Joanne Paterson, Trustee, Ranfurly
  • Maryanne Kane, Trustee, Gore
  • Amy Francis, Trustee, Oamaru
  • Gareth Isbister, Trustee, Oamaru
  • Keith Cleave, Trustee, Kurow
  • Phill Hunt, Trustee
Rural mental health cases spike in Southland - Story by Federated Farmers in the Farmers Weekly

Rural mental health cases spike in Southland - Story by Federated Farmers in the Farmers Weekly

A combination of financial pressures, flooding, employment issues and isolation took a toll on Southland farmers’ mental health at the end 2023.  

Southland Rural Support Trust wellness coordinator Rachael Nicholson says the organisation received 31 new cases between August and November, twice as many as in the same quarter a year before.  

January 12, 2024 0 Comments
FMG Spot Check Roadie with Melanoma New Zealand

FMG Spot Check Roadie with Melanoma New Zealand

The FMG Spot Check Roadie kicked off last year and visited four locations around the country, for the full results.  And this year they're heading out again with their partners Melanoma New Zealand. If you've got a spot you're concerned about, come and see them to get it checked and receive life-saving information to help you and your family look after...
October 20, 2023 0 Comments
Five Ways, Five Days – Make it happen for you!

Five Ways, Five Days – Make it happen for you!

Just like physical health, we all need to actively look after our mental health. Mental Health Awareness week (18-24 September) is run each year by the Mental Health Foundation.  

September 18, 2023 0 Comments
Shear 4 a Cause 24-hour Shearathon

Shear 4 a Cause 24-hour Shearathon

The Southland and Otago Rural Support Trusts were involved in this amazing event, which was held over Waitangi Weekend 2023.  

February 12, 2023 0 Comments

Upcoming Local Events

Help and resources available to you...

Regional Information and Resources

Otago Rural Support Brochure

Follow us on Facebook to keep up to date with news and events

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5-Ways to Wellbeing with Sam Whitelock (brough to you by Farmstrong)

National

DairyNZ
0800 4 324 7969

Beef + Lamb NZ
0800 733 466

HORTNZ
0508 467 869

NZ Young Farmers
0800 699 346

Federated Farmers
0800 327 646

Dairy Women's Network
0800 396 748

OSPRI/NAIT
0800 482 463
 

 

Lifeline
0800 543 354 or 09 522 2999 or Free text 4357 (HELP)

Youthline
0800 376 633

Samaritans
0800 726 666

Alcohol Drug Helpline
0800 787 797

Gambling Helpline
0800 654 655

Rural Women New Zealand
0800 256 467

Rural Employee Scheme
0800 694 121

Rural Support Trust NZ

DONATIONS TO THE OTAGO RURAL SUPPORT TRUST

The Otago Rural Support Trust is a voluntary Charitable Trust and welcomes donations.

Thank you for helping us to continue support rural people through challenging times.

You can make a donation via bank transfer as follows, using your name as reference:

The Otago Rural Support Trust
03 - 0937 - 014524 1- 00

Please email OtagoRST@gmail.com to enable us to acknowledge your donation and send a tax receipt.

Thank you for your kindness.

 

Follow The Otago Rural Support Trust on Facebook and Instagram
to keep up to date with local news and events.


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With thanks to our Principal Sponsors
 
Thanks to our Time Out Tour partners