Building resilience in drought-stricken Tamworth

07 November 2018

Tags: Media

Health and wellbeing company Australian Unity is joining forces with its community partner The Resilience Project to help tackle drought-related stress and anxiety at the local level in Tamworth.

Health and wellbeing company Australian Unity is joining forces with its community partner The Resilience Project to help tackle drought-related stress and anxiety at the local level in Tamworth.

A community session will be held at Tamworth Capitol Theatre on Thursday 22 November from 6pm to 8.30pm as part of a joint initiative between the two organisations to inspire attendees to be proactive and take care of their mental health and wellbeing.

Australian Unity’s Head of Community Benson Saulo said farmers in regional and remote NSW, including large regional centres such as Tamworth, have been severely impacted by drought which also affects their mental health.

“Drought is a major source of stress and anxiety for farmers and the local community,” Mr Saulo said.

“Drought not only has a devastating impact on a farmer’s livelihood and mental health, but has a flow-on effect on family wellbeing and community vibrancy.

“As a mutual company that has championed the wellbeing if its members and their communities for more than 175 years, Australian Unity is committed to helping build and promote positive mental health strategies for people affected by the drought.

“We believe prevention is just as important as treatment in mental health, and that resources should be directed at targeted preventative measures.”

The Resilience Project’s Martin Heppell said remoteness and isolation can mean people have poor access or limited engagement with social networks that are essential for building resilience.

“Even where appropriate services are available, there may be a reluctance to call out for assistance due to social stigma associated with mental illness in some rural and remote communities,” Mr Heppell said.

“So we want to empower people to talk about their struggles and share their stories.

“We will deliver an emotionally engaging presentation that provides practical mental health strategies to build resilience against the difficulties that the drought brings.”

For further information and registration click here. Ticket costs are five dollars with all proceeds going to the Australian Red Cross’ Disaster Relief and Recovery Appeal to help Australian farmers and communities living in severely drought-affected regions.

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Further information:
Ashley Oliver, Australian Unity, External Communications Manager
0438 729 694 aoliver@australianunity.com.au

Penny Moodie, The Resilience Project, Communications and Community Partnerships Manager
0417 488 805 penny@theresilienceproject.com.au

About Australian Unity and The Resilience Project
Australian Unity and The Resilience Project have been collaborating since 2017, working together to help Australians thrive through the practises of gratitude, empathy and
mindfulness. For more information visit https://www.australianunity.com.au/resilience.

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