Farmstrong celebrates 10th birthday!
Module Overview
Farmstrong celebrated its 10th birthday in true rural style with a special event at the National Fieldays at Mystery Creek in June.
The birthday bash was attended by Farmstrong ambassador Samuel Whitelock, the Farmstrong team and key supporters.
Farmstrong was founded in 2015 by FMG and the Mental Health Foundation, with ACC joining as a strategic partner in 2016.
Rugby great Samuel Whitelock became a Farmstrong ambassador in 2016 and is a firm believer in Farmstrong, encouraging farmers and growers to share their stories and take steps to improve their wellbeing.
“What I like best about Farmstrong is that it’s so practical. It shows how people can adopt simple habits and ways of thinking that make them better equipped to deal with tough times. It also comes up with solutions that genuinely work for rural people,” Sam says.
“Being Farmstrong is actually about enjoying farming, looking after yourself and your team and recognising that you’re the business’ number one asset.”
Measurable improvements in wellbeing
Farmstrong is proud to have helped countless farmers and growers cope with the ups and downs of farming by sharing the things they can do to look after themselves and the people in their business.
Because of a collective effort, 14,000 to 18,000 farmers and growers every year attribute improvements to their wellbeing to Farmstrong.
FMG CEO Adam Heath also attended the birthday celebration, saying Farmstrong’s mission to support farmers is just as relevant today as when it was launched.
“The pressures aren’t going to disappear. We want as many farmers and growers as possible to use Farmstrong’s tools and resources to help them perform at their best, manage pressure and stay well.”
Tailored solution key
Farmstrong Programme Lead Gerard Vaughan was also in attendance.
“Farmstrong was started as a result of the founding partners seeing that the unique set of challenges that impact on the wellbeing of people working in agriculture and horticulture needed a tailored solution. One that was personally relevant and delivered within the day-to-day reality of farmers and growers,” Gerard says.
With a decade under its belt, Farmstrong is now a well-established part of the landscape shifting the way rural communities talk about mental health and wellbeing.
And over the next five years, Farmstrong aims to expand its reach to more farmers and growers and different sectors and strengthen its partnerships to ensure continued support for rural communities.
