Getting Through website launched
Module Overview
Farmstrong’s new Getting Through website has officially been launched by the Minister for Mental Health and ACC, Hon Matt Doocey.
The new website focuses on how farmers and growers impacted by the devastating cyclones and floods of 2023 managed the disaster and got through.
It was officially launched in Wellington last month by the minister, who said adverse weather events are an increasingly common reality for farmers and growers.
“It’s vital that people know they’re not alone and that they can get through this and come out the other side stronger,” Mr Doocey says.
“By compiling real experiences alongside professional psychological advice, Getting Through will help our farmers and growers build strategies and resilience to lean on when challenges arise.”
The new website includes videos, podcasts and interviews with affected farmers and growers talking about their experiences, how they got through the catastrophic events and ways they looked after their wellbeing.
There is also a range of practical wellbeing tools, tips, resources and advice from the experts to help support rural communities when times get tough.
Getting Through book also launched
In addition to the new website, Farmstrong also launched a complimentary, glossy 130-page book called Getting Through: What it Takes to Recover From Extreme Weather Events, which is available for free in a hard copy version or online.
In the book’s introduction, Farmstrong ambassador Sam Whitelock talks about visiting flood-affected farmers and growers and noticing how many people mentioned the importance of tapping into local knowledge.
“People who could put what had happened into some sort of perspective. People with practical advice you could follow on farm or orchard. People who could act as a bit of a roadmap or sounding board for what lay ahead,” Sam explains.
He says the main message of the book is a hopeful one.
“People can go through extremely challenging times. Families rally round, neighbours support one another, communities come together, and sector organisations act as essential advocates.”
The Getting Through resources were made possible with the support of Ministry for Primary Industries, Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora and Rural Support Trust.
Visit the new Getting Through website here. If you’d like to order a hard copy version of the new book, email info@farmstong.co.nz.
