Sometimes when you're feeling a little stressed and like the weight of the world is on your shoulders, it helps to have a cuppa and a chat. And that's exactly what Beth Holroyd is available for.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Beth is a Rural Adversity Mental Health Coordinator dedicated to helping people living in rural communities with her patch being right here in the Mid Coast region.
She's part of a team of 20 coordinators set up around the State ready to connect people with the services and support they need to get through adverse times like drought, floods and bushfires.
"People living in metro areas are twice as likely to access psychological support then those living in rural areas," Beth explained.
"That's where we step in."
RELATED: Drought resources in town
Beth will happily make the journey out to anyone's property to talk about their concerns. From there, she makes connections to the various support services available.
"It might be a cup of tea and just a chat," she said. "It's a service on the ground."
As people living in rural areas are more likely to seek help from people they trust such as their agents, suppliers, sales representatives, local community and sporting groups, Beth been busy making herself known to these groups across the region.
It's all about getting the word out about the service she provides.
"I also provide training for the workplace to identify stress, work on wellness and wellbeing, to change the things that you can, to stay connected, to help people get grounded and reduce stress," Beth said.
"I'm willing to partner with any service group or organisation to run an information session to explained the role."
Her goal to help build resilience as a community.
"Raising awareness increases resilience."
Understanding the state of your own mental health has been a big learning curve for many people during the past two years of extreme adversity from unprecedented drought to a global pandemic that has completely altered the way the world operates.
In tough times, if you recognise the signs of when things are getting a bit hard to handle all you have to do is pick up the phone and call Beth. She can be contact on 0437 268 325 or via email at Elizabeth.Holroyd@health.nsw.gov.au.
To find out more about the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP) visit, www.ramhp.com.au.
RAMHP is a statewide program, funded by the NSW Ministry of Health under a funding agreement with the Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health (CRRMH).
The program funds one or more RAMHP Coordinators in each of the rural NSW Local Health Districts.
It's one of the major projects of the Centre for CRRMH, which is part of the University of Newcastle.