This tax time, Rural Aid is calling on every Australian to take action to support farmers.

Its No Farmer Stands Alone campaign asks Australians to make a donation to help fund programs critical for ongoing mental health services, offer crisis counselling, and ensure farmers have someone to turn to when it matters most.

“This isn’t just about farming - it’s about securing a future where farmers and their families feel supported through challenging times,” the organisation said.

Rural Aid believes that in the heart of rural Australia, farmers are silently battling mental health struggles.

They are carrying the crushing weight of droughts, floods, skyrocketing costs, and isolation.

Rural Aid said this is concerning, given statistics show Australian farmers are dying by suicide at rates 59 per cent higher than the national average.

Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said these aren’t just statistics - they are lives lost, families shattered, and communities forever changed.

And yet, support is not so easily accessible.

“Access to mental healthcare in rural areas is often limited or non-existent,” he said.

“Many farmers simply don’t have the support they need to cope with the challenges they face daily. We need to address this critical gap.

“While 75 per cent of farmers say they would reach out to a counsellor, 38 per cent report difficulty accessing services.

“Rural Aid’s mental health team is working to close that gap, but we need the public’s support to help more farmers.

“We’re asking Australians to stand up to help ensure No Farmer Stands Alone.

“A donation this tax time will help to deliver free, professional mental health support to rural Australians who need it most.

“It’s a chance to show our farmers that they’re not alone.”

Rural Aid’s free mental health programs deliver:

• One-on-one professional counselling via on-farm visits and regular check-in calls;

• Community mental health workshops that open up conversations and reduce stigma around talking about personal wellbeing; and,

• School programs that build resilience in rural children and teens

To support mental health in rural Australia and make sure No Farmer Stands Alone, please donate at https://taxtime.ruralaid.org.au/.

• Anyone requiring crisis support can contact Accessline on 1800 800 944, Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14, BeyondBlue on 1300 224 636 or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800. Resources and pathways to help are also available at www.denimentalhealth.org.au.

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Sunday, 1st December 2024

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