Workshop and toolkit helping communities beat the drought

“Much of the debate and activity so far has been about the circumstances of the impacted farmers and finding ways to support them,” Stephanie Robinson CEO of Lifeline Central West said.

“This is entirely appropriate and necessary and there is much more to do, but there is another important side to this situation that also needs our attention.

“In towns all across regional NSW many businesses derive much of their income from farmers and the flow on effects are causing significant financial pressure right across communities.

“Businesses and organisations in all sectors and industries are dealing with difficult situations and making difficult decisions.”

“In addition many people in their daily work or volunteering are interacting with the people and families of those directly impacted by the drought.

“This can be emotional and stressful and when combined with uncertainty is affecting the wellbeing of many.

“We know that being strong and battling through adversity are qualities that are admired in people in our regional and rural communities.

“We also know that people can be reluctant to talk about the pressure they are under and acknowledge that they need help.”

Lifeline Australia has developed a Drought Toolkit that is a guide with practical strategies to help people get through the drought. To get the Drought Toolkit into the hands of people in all our communities Lifeline Central West has with the generous support of Clubs NSW printed 200,000 copies of the Toolkit. 

“The key message we are sending with this toolkit is that seeking appropriate care and support is always a positive step,” Ms Robinson said.

The distribution of the Toolkit has been followed up by a number of workshops run by Lifeline Central West. These workshops are for anyone who would like to learn more about wellbeing, mental health and how to support others.