From our farming through the fog feature.

Mid Canterbury mental health advocate Craig “Wiggy” Wiggins has been working to provide mental wellbeing support to rural communities since the COVID Lockdown in 2020 when he noticed farmers feeling disconnected from their friends and neighbours.

“During Covid times, we started up Zoom meetings for farmers called Whatever With Wiggy because we realised that farmers were really isolated now the front gate was actually locked shut, and they couldn’t get off their land, “says Wiggins.

After losing friends to suicide, Wiggins realised the value of connection and took the Zoom calls further to create a wellbeing campaign called Lean On A Gate Talk To A Mate.

The campaign aims to create stronger people through stronger communities by developing a support network throughout New Zealand and giving people the tools to know how and when to help someone who is struggling.

Wiggins also runs AgriConnect, a campaign that aims to empower rural professionals with the ability to understand when someone needs help and the tools and avenues to access help if they are worried about a client or colleague.

“In the rural service industry, they can see their clients under a lot of pressure and struggling at times, and they have their own issues as well.

“They are under pressure to meet targets and KPIs.”

Wiggins said farmers often open up to rural professionals.

“There’s also a trust between a farmer and a stock agent or agronomist that can mean a farmer will talk to them when something isn’t right.”

Wiggins runs AgriConnect seminars around the country.

“Rural service industries are under a lot of pressure at the moment, and we will do whatever we can to help them.”

Getting through the hard times

Connection is essential when navigating tough times in the agriculture sector, Wiggins said.

“It’s the age-old adage of sharing the load and making sure that you talk to people within your tribe.

“You’ll find you aren’t the only one in the boat at the moment.”

Wiggins says the best thing you can do to improve your mental health is to help someone else.

“Get involved in your communities as much as you can, and stay connected within those communities.”

Wiggins suggests joining a sports club, getting involved with volunteer organisations such as A&P societies, joining a book club, or even meeting friends for a meal.

“If you just keep looking at the inside of your four walls, nothing ever changes.

“You’ll never know what good stuff is out there.”

Facing your financial worries head-on is essential.

“Don’t hide away from your financial advisors or your bank manager.

“Try to talk to them about how you think things are going.

“Be as proactive as you possibly can.”

Family Farming Trust Events

Coffee and Burger catch ups:

Hinds - August 20` 11-1pm, Southern Rugby Club, 103 Peters st, Hinds

Dorie - August 21 11-1 pm at Dorie Hall, 1356 Mainwarings rd

Thompson Track & Methven Highway - August 28 -11- 1 pm, Thompsons Track intersection with State Highway 77

Mayfield - 29 August - 11-1 infront of PGG Mayfield, 1995 Inland Scenic Route 72

Family Day on Ice:

Craig Wiggins is also co-founder of the Farming Family Trust, which began in response to the impact on the  Mid Canterbury community following the Mycoplasma bovis outbreak.

The Trust is holding a family day on ice on August 18 at 9 a.m. at the Staveley Ice Rink.

The free event is open to all children in Mid Canterbury, and a BBQ lunch will be provided.

Follow the Farming Families Facebook page for more information.

By Claire Inkson