What is Mental Health?
Mental health relates to our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others and make choices.
Positive mental health allows people to:- Realize their full potential
- Cope with the stresses of life
- Work productively
- Make meaningful contributions to their communities
The breeding industry is a lifestyle, not a job
The NZTBA want to start conversations and improve education around mental health and wellbeing which will bring about long-term change in the industry. The end goal is to build awareness and education, for people to not only look after themselves better, but also those around them and to develop clear and easily accessible pathways for those needing support.
We need to value the people in our industry as much as we value the horses and by improving mental health and wellbeing in the workplace, we will also address some of the issues that prevent us from recruiting and retaining staff.
When working within the Health and Safety Act (2015) employers need to take responsibility for the physical safety of their staff and their mental health.
Mental Health & Wellbeing Workshop
Research has shown that one of the best ways to improve mental health and wellbeing is to increase awareness and education. The NZTBA have developed a one-hour workshop that introduces the idea and what it means for those working in the thoroughbred industry.
The cost is $80pp, venue hire and catering will be at an additional cost if required.
The workshop works best with between 5-20 people and is designed to be delivered on farm sitting around a table or similar informal setting. Farms can combine to make up the numbers if needed. The option is also there to open the workshop up to family and partners (18yo+).
The workshop is facilitated by Helen Bingham and Amie Best, both have been long-term participants in the thoroughbred industry as employees, owners and breeders.
Helen is a registered nurse with a Masters in Advanced Nursing in Mental Health and Addiction, as well as an adult educator and Mental Health First Aid Trainer.
Amie has a Masters in Psychology, has worked in the mental health sector and is passionate about improving the mental health and wellbeing of breeding industry participants.
This workshop is specifically tailored to those working in the thoroughbred industry so it is relatable and engaging. It isn’t about telling people they shouldn’t be working long hours and putting themselves under stress, it is about what stress is normal and how to spot the signs when stress is becoming overwhelming and how to increase the selfcare aspects of our lives to balance it out.
Starting the Conversation
The one hour workshop is based on research that shows building awareness and education around mental health and wellbeing is one of the most effective ways of getting positive results.
The workshop is designed to be relevant and relatable to everyone in the thoroughbred breeding industry, from those new to the workforce right through to managers and hobby breeders.
The workshop covers:
- Stress/Anxiety and why it’s not all bad
- How to identify stress and how to manage during busy times
- Barriers to asking for help
- Myths and truths of suicide
- Having a conversation with someone you are concerned about
- Early intervention and selfcare tools
- Where to go for further support
Register for Workshop
Helpful Resources
When you need access support there are a number of options in New Zealand, both online and via phone.
Rural people helping rural people
The NZTBA are running a pilot partnership with the Waikato-Hauraki-Coromandel branch of the Rural Support Trust. Rural Support Trusts have local, rural people who know from experience that pressures can mount up. Our networks and training can help with all kinds of situations, and help you get through your current challenges.
Call 0800 787 254 to get in contact with the Rural Support Trust who can help with everything from mental health and wellbeing challenges to budgeting and employment issues.
HELPLINE - Need to Talk, call or text 1737
SUICIDE CRISIS HELPLINE - 0508 828 865
Farmstrong
Groov
Mindshift App
Beating The Blues
SPARX
Just A Thought
Mental Health Crisis Contacts
If someone is at immediate risk of harming themselves or others, or has attempted suicide contact your local crisis line:
Northland (Topuni to North Cape) Whangārei 0800 223 371
Waitematā (Wellsford to North Shore) West Auckland and North Shore 09 487 1414, After Hours 09 486 8900 (ask for North Crisis team)
Auckland Central Auckland 0800 800 717
Counties Manukau (South Auckland to Te Kauwhata) South Auckland 09 261 3700
Waikato (Coromandel, Hamilton to National Park) Hamilton 0800 505 050
Bay of Plenty (Tauranga, Whakatane to Te Kaha) Tauranga 0800 800 508, Whakatāne 0800 774 545
Tairāwhiti (Hicks Bay to Gisborne) Gisborne 0800 243 500
Lakes (Rotorua, Taupō, Tūrangi) Lakes 0800 166 167
Hawke’s Bay (Wairoa, Napier, Hastings, Waipukurau) Napier, Hastings 0800 112 334
Taranaki (New Plymouth to Waverly) New Plymouth 0508 292 467
Whanganui (Ohakune, Whanganui to Bulls) Whanganui 0800 653 358
Mid Central (Palmerston North to Waikanae) Mid Central 0800 653 357
Wairarapa (Masterton to Martinborough) Te Haika 0800 745 477
Hutt Valley (Lower and Upper Hutt) 0800 745 477
Capital & Coast (Kāpiti to Wellington) 0800 745 477
Nelson Marlborough (Top of South Island to Hanmer Springs) Nelson 03 546 1421, After Hours 03 546 1800, Marlborough 03 520 9907, After Hours 03 520 9999,Golden Bay 03 525 7647
Canterbury (Kaikōura to Ashburton) Ashburton 0800 222 955, Christchurch 0800 920 092
West Coast (West Coast, South Island) Greymouth 0800 757 678
South Canterbury (Timaru, Mt Cook, Tekapo, Temuka, Waimate) 0800 277 997
Southern Dunedin (Milford Sound South to Stewart Island) 0800 467 846 - Press 1 for Southland, Press 2 for Otago
