Helping communities with the highs and lows
As a dairy farmer for 22 years, Michelle Ruddell knows the challenges of navigating through the highs and lows of farming.
The groups have recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to strengthen their collaborative efforts to support and empower rural NZ.
Under this MOU, both organisations have committed to working together to leverage their respective strengths and expertise and will seek to achieve several vital objectives.
The partnership aims to enhance access to and raise awareness of the mental health services provided by NZYF and RST, along with improving connections between young people in the industry and the support they need for positive outcomes.
“We believe that by combining our efforts with Rural Support Trust, we can make a meaningful impact on the lives of young people working and training in the food and fibre sector,” says NZYF chief executive Lynda Coppersmith. “This collaboration aligns perfectly with our mission to support and empower the next generation.”
RST general manager Maria Shanks echoed these sentiments, saying that they were delighted to partner with New Zealand Young Farmers.
“Our shared commitment to improving mental health and wellbeing in rural communities makes this partnership a natural fit and we look forward to the positive outcomes it will bring.”
By focusing on the mental health and wellbeing of young people in the food and fibre sector, the two organisations’ goal is to strengthen rural communities by creating resilient and supportive communities that contribute to the overall well-being of their members.
NZYF says that the signing of this MOU marks a significant step forward in addressing the mental health challenges faced by young people in New Zealand’s agriculture and rural sectors.
Both organisations say they are deeply committed to the well-being of young individuals in these industries and recognising the importance of working together to achieve positive outcomes.
