Fonterra Oceania partners with RAW to build mentally healthy communities
Fonterra Oceania has teamed up with Rural Alive and Well (RAW) to help build mentally healthy and resilient rural communities in Tasmania.
RAW is a not-for-profit organisation providing practical and tangible interventions to promote positive mental health, reduce stigma, address situational stressors and support people who may be hesitant to ask for help.
Fonterra Oceania’s donation is helping RAW to boost its Friends of RAW network, providing further education and support to their frontline workers.
Fonterra Oceania Farm Source Regional Manager Troy Franks, RAW Communications and Engagement Manager Lauren Harper, and Tasmanian dairy farmer and Fonterra supplier Damien Cocker on his farm in Sheffield.
This network, developed in collaboration with industry stakeholders, serves as a vital link to connect people in need with RAW's support services.
Recognising the unique challenges faced by rural communities, RAW Communications and Engagement Manager Lauren Harper emphasised one of the greatest barriers to people seeking support is feeling misunderstood.
“Our RAW team members are carefully selected from rural, agricultural, and primary industry backgrounds, including dairy, livestock, cropping, transport, seafood, and more,” Lauren said.
“This ensures that individuals accessing RAW's services feel understood and supported by someone who truly comprehends the nuances of rural life,” she added.
The Friends of RAW network comprises individuals who engage regularly with rural, remote, and primary industry workers. Trained and equipped to handle various situations, they serve as frontline support.
“In rural and remote communities, we found that conversations around suicidality, isolation and mental health are often bestowed on the frontline staff who have already built such a genuine and regular rapport with people.
“We want to make sure these people are equipped to deal with mental health conversations and feel supported in the work that they do,” Lauren said.
Nearly every day we sit across the table from our dairy farmers, and we need to be prepared for conversations around mental health and provide guidance on the support services and resources available.
Fonterra Oceania Farm Source Regional Manager Troy Franks and his team come face-to-face with local dairy farmers almost daily. Recognising the importance of being prepared for mental health situations, Troy has taken proactive steps to ensure his team are well-equipped.
“In addition to our financial support for RAW, our Farm Source team in Tasmania have recently completed training and are now part of the Friends of RAW network,” Troy explained.
“Nearly every day we sit across the table from our dairy farmers, and we need to be prepared for conversations around mental health and provide guidance on the support services and resources available.
“For more than four years, our business in Australia has worked hard to elevate mental wellbeing among its employees, farmers, families and our local communities. Through initiatives like our Healthy Minds program, we want to destigmatise mental health, making genuine conversations around the topic a part of everyday life.
“When RAW approached us for support, and we learned more about the great work they do, we were eager to get involved. Their work aligns perfectly with the goals we have set within our organisation,” Troy concluded.
If you’re interested in learning more or joining the Friends of RAW network, click here.
Need to talk to someone?
If you, or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please reach out for support.
- RAW (Tasmania only): 1800 RAW TAS or ruralaliveandwell.com.au
- Lifeline: 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au
- Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 or beyondblue.org.
- Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 or kidshelpline.com.au
- Headspace: 1800 650 890 or headspace.org.au