Mid Canterbury Mental Health advocate and founder of Lean on a Gate Craig Wiggins says the time for talking about health is over – and it’s time for action.

“Communities want a trusted model, with support behind it,” Wiggins says.

A  new partnership between MATES in Construction New Zealand (MATES) and grassroots rural mental health initiative Lean on a Gate is set to meet that needs -bringing life-saving mental health training to rural communities.

“We’ve spent two years listening, and now with MATES analysing rural needs, we’re confident this will be huge for rural New Zealand.”

The collaboration, announced at Parliament in August, marks the beginning of a significant rollout across rural New Zealand.

The first community to benefit will be Mid Canterbury, where the official launch will take place in October.

Building on grassroots connections

For Wiggins, the partnership is the culmination of years spent listening to rural people.

“Slade McFarland, Jason Herrick and I have been out on the road for the last four years running Lean on a Gate. Everywhere we went, people told us they needed more support and more training in mental health,” Wiggins says.

“With the help of MATES, we now have a proven, accredited programme that can be delivered in rural communities: from awareness sessions through to Connector training and suicide assist. That means rural service professionals like stock agents, vets, agronomists and farm staff, as well as everyday people in schools, sports clubs and businesses, will know how to identify when someone’s struggling, and how to safely connect them with help.”

Why MATES fits rural NZ

MATES in Construction was established in 2019 to tackle high suicide rates in the construction sector. Their model combines workplace-based awareness training, connectors who are trained to spot and respond to signs of distress, a 24/7 support line, and ongoing case management.

John Chapman, chief executive of MATES, says extending the programme into rural communities through the new “Mates of MATES” initiative is a natural fit.

“We know rural people care deeply for one another. Working alongside Wiggy and Lean on a Gate allows us to foster this care and pair it with life-changing and life-saving skills,” Chapman says.

Wiggins agrees, noting the crossover between rural and construction work.

“When you think about contractors building irrigators, laneways, sheds and fencing: that’s construction. The industries are closely connected, and the challenges are similar.”

Starting in Mid Canterbury

Mid Canterbury was chosen as the starting point because of concerning mental health statistics in the region.

“We’ll be starting here because we’ve already built trust and relationships in the community, and sadly the need is very real,” Wiggins says.

“But this isn’t a trial, it’s a full launch. From here we’ll expand into other communities, and importantly, we’ll keep reconnecting with trained connectors to support them.”

The aim is to train at least 60 people in Mid Canterbury in the first round. Wiggins says the ripple effect will be powerful.

“Imagine 60 trained connectors spread through schools, sports clubs, rural businesses and farms. The flow-on impact across the community will be enormous.”

Collaboration is key

For Wiggins, the partnership represents more than just training. It’s about knitting together existing networks.

“We’ve always invited the Rural Support Trust, GPs, police and local mental health providers to be part of our Club Connect sessions. There’s no silver bullet coming out of Wellington, but we have great people in our own communities who can help. By working together, we can make a real difference.”

The next step will be expanding the programme nationwide, supported by industry and community partners.

Wiggins hopes businesses, corporates and sports organisations will get behind the initiative, helping to fund training for community groups and volunteers who might otherwise miss out.

“Our vision is simple: empower people to identify when their friends, whānau, colleagues or clients need support - and know how to journey with them until the right help is found.”

Want to Get Involved? For more information or to register interest in training, contact [email protected].

By Claire Inkson