It’s important to support the supporter - that was the message shared at a Mid Canterbury Rural Support Trust event.

The trust joined forces with cooperative Ruralco to host a Wellbeing for Rural Women event on Wednesday night.

Farmer, and mental health advocate Tyler Langford acknowledged the importance of helping loved ones with mental health challenges.

Her and local counsellor Anna Arrowsmith shared information aimed at “supporting the supporter” and showed the 80 women in attendance what a counselling session looks like.

Langford, wife of Federated Farmers president Wanye, has experienced first hand the struggles of rural mental health and now preaches the importance of caring for oneself and family.

She said the level of engagement and open conversations being had at the event were great to see.

Ruralco retail manager Tina Thompson said the event was a great way to expose the Rural support trust to rural women.

“It’s nice for our ladies to come off the farm, especially at this busy time of the year, and take some time out to relax and catch up with friends.”

“While we’ve had lots of ladies' nights, this is the first time we have had a specific wellbeing theme.”

Rural Support trustee Rochelle Castle-Wilson said wellbeing events help to build resilience in our rural communities.

“In times of difficulty, unity and support are key to that resilience. Events like this are a great way to develop these skills and it is a good fit with the core work we carry out in our community.”

“It’s great to continue building our profile alongside Ruralco.”

By Anisha Satya