A series of events which encourages young farming men and women to get together and talk about their mental health kicks off its North Island tour tonight.
The 'Speak Up' tour is part of the 'Will to Live' mental health campaign and was launched last year, in memory of a young shepherd named Will, who took his own life.
It was the brainchild of the 21-year-old's girlfriend, Elle Perriam.
The 'Speak Up' tour was funded by a PledgeMe campaign, and starts a seven-location North Island tour tonight in Wairarapa.
Perriam said the idea for the campaign came after the death of Will last year which was unexpected and devastating.
"We put our heads together and thought what is this demographic not getting out of the mental health system?" she said.
She said it was challenging for those in rural areas to get help.
"Counselling is not easy to access in rural areas, and it can take weeks to get appointments," she said.
"It is also hard to get days off in the middle of lambing or shearing."
The 'Speak Up' tour includes the change to talk about mental wellness with experts and those who have experienced depression.
The events are described as a casual evening of talks and tips on the topic of getting through the tough times while living in isolation, and how to navigate the storms together as a community."
"Bring your dogs, enjoy the feed, "share a beer or raspberry & coke, and make sure to show of your dance moves with the local live band."
Where to find help and support:
Need to Talk? - Call or text 1737
Lifeline - 0800 543 354 or (09) 5222 999 within Auckland
- Youthline - 0800 376 633, text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat
- Samaritans - 0800 726 666
- Depression Helpline - 0800 111 757
- Suicide Crisis Helpline - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
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