NZ Young Farmers: Get talking on mental health

Megan Bates from NZ Young Farmers. Photo / File

New Zealand Young Farmers is ramping up efforts to get young people talking about mental health.

It will run another five Good Yarn workshops across the country in Taranaki/Manawatu, Tasman, Aorangi and East Coast during October to equip people to identify the signs of mental illness and seek support.

Megan Bates, from NZ Young Farmers, says it is important people have the skills to recognise if a family member, neighbouring farmer or customer is struggling. Figures released last week show New Zealand's suicide rate has risen for the fourth year in a row.

The provisional statistics show 668 people took their own lives in the 2017/18 year. The highest number were in 20-24 age group.

"These figures are a tragedy. We need to keep educating people to spot the signs that someone close to them may want to take their own life," says Megan.

Suicides have increased in Southland, Canterbury, Hawke's Bay and Gisborne.

The Taranaki workshop is being held in Stratford on October 25 and the venue is yet to be confirmed.

Where to get help:

If you are worried about your or someone else's mental health, the best place to get help is your GP or local mental health provider. However, if you or someone else is in danger or endangering others, call police immediately on 111.

Or if you need to talk to someone else:

• Rural Support Trust: 0800 787 254.

• Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7)

• Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)

• Youthline: 0800 376 633

• Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 (available 24/7)

• Kidsline: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7)

• Whatsup: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm)

• Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 (available 24/7)

• Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155

• Samaritans 0800 726 666