Empowering Rural Australians: Zoetis Supports Mental Health in Regional Australia Through Beyond Blue Partnership
In recent years, Australians in rural and regional areas of Australia have faced unprecedented challenges impacting mental health and well-being. Inflation, cost-of-living pressures, climate change, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have underscored the need for mental health support, especially for farmers and rural communities. Recognizing this critical need, Zoetis has partnered with Beyond Blue to champion mental health initiatives in rural Australia.
Zoetis has committed $800,000 over the past eight years to support Beyond Blue’s essential services, with more than 300,000 individuals seeking assistance in 2023 alone. In 2024, Zoetis aims to raise an additional $100,000 by the end of the year, donating $5 from each sale of its livestock, pig, and poultry vaccines and drenches.
“Our partnership with Beyond Blue is about more than financial support,” says Lance Williams, Zoetis Senior Vice President, Australia and New Zealand. “It’s about fostering a culture of hope and resilience, ensuring that those facing mental health challenges know they are not alone and that help is available.”
Over 3.4 million Australians deal with anxiety or depression, with nearly half the population experiencing mental health issues in their lifetime. Those living in rural and remote areas are disproportionately affected by stress and anxiety, facing significant barriers to accessing services.
Derek Schoen, a Corowa farmer and Beyond Blue board member, emphasizes the importance of maintaining hope amidst adversity: “Country people are resilient and tough, but the many challenges we face can take a toll on our mental health. The repeated extreme weather events we’ve seen at the start of this year have added to these stresses. I would encourage people to not lose hope and to seek support early.”
Research from the National Farmers Federation reveals that nearly a third of farmers have reported a decline in their mental health, citing weather-related disasters (47%), financial stress (36%), and inflation and cost pressures (35%) as top contributors. Alarmingly, close to half of Australian farmers have experienced thoughts of self-harm or suicide, with feelings of loneliness and limited access to mental health services exacerbating these challenges.
Beyond Blue’s Support Service has been instrumental in providing a lifeline to those in distress. After contacting the service, a significant majority of individuals reported feeling heard, understood, and less distressed, highlighting the positive impact of early intervention and support.
“Every act of kindness, no matter how seemingly small, carries immense significance,” said Mr. Williams. “Whether it’s a simple check-in with a neighbor, a supportive conversation with a friend, or a compassionate gesture towards a work colleague, these actions contribute to building a community where mental health is prioritized and stigma is dismantled.”
Zoetis remains committed to promoting mental health awareness and supporting initiatives that strengthen the well-being of rural communities. Together with Beyond Blue, Zoetis is harnessing the power of hope to navigate through difficult times and build a brighter, healthier future for all Australians.
People can support the Zoetis initiative between 15 July and 31 October 2024. For each sale of the company’s livestock, pig, and poultry vaccines and drenches, Zoetis will donate $5, up to $100,000, to Beyond Blue. Mr. Williams continues, “The money raised goes directly to the Beyond Blue Support Service to continue helping people living in remote areas. To date, thanks to Zoetis’s donation, over 15,500 people have been able to get the support they need through the service. Together we have made strong progress in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of those who live in rural Australia, and we are passionate about helping again this year.”
For more information on how you can help Zoetis raise vital funds to support mental health in rural communities through its partnership with Beyond Blue, please visit www.zoetis.com.au. For more information about depression and anxiety, visit www.beyondblue.org.au. The Beyond Blue Support Service offers free and immediate counselling, advice, and referrals via phone, webchat, or email. To talk to a mental health professional for free, contact the 24/7 Beyond Blue Support Service on 1300 22 46 36. Free web chat is also available 24/7 at beyondblue.org.au/support-service/chat, and you can join the online forums for free.
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