WITHOUT strong mental health, everything else just crumbles away.
In cities and towns, the stresses of modern demands can be alleviated by readily accessing a range of mental health services, but in remote and outer-remote regions of Australian, these vital supports are out of reach.
Partnering with Beyond Blue, Zoetis – a leading animal health group- has raised over $600, 000 to date and aim to raise another $100,000 this year to support rural communities with the ensuing mental health crisis following years of drought, flood, bushfire and on-going COVID related issues.
Exacerbated by isolation, financial hardship and stigma related to poor mental health, rural and remote Australians face a devastating suicide rate, sixty percent higher than in major cities.
The good news, however, comes with the relief provided by funds raised by the Zoetis/ Beyond Blue partnership, with Zoetis senior vice president and cluster lead, Lance Williams saying, “To date, thanks to Zoetis donation, over 12,000 people have been able to get the support they need…”
Acknowledging the famed resilience of rural communities, former president of the NSW farmers Association, Derek Schoen (who also sits on Beyond Blue’s board of directors) says, “We want everyone to know that support is available and encourage people to seek advice. Asking for support is a sign of strength-not weakness.”
People can support the Zoetis initiative at www.zoetis.com.au from October 18, 2022 and can obtain more information about depression and anxiety at www.beyondblue.org.au
