Beyondblue receives a boost for mental health support in rural Australia

LEADING Animal Health company Zoetis has once again raised $100,000 for mental health in rural Australia through its partnership with beyondblue, bringing the grand total of money raised for this initiative to $300,000 since 2016.

By donating $5 from each sale of its cattle, sheep, pig, poultry and goat vaccines and drenches, Zoetis has been able to reach their $100,000 goal for the third year running.

The funds raised have gone directly to the beyondblue Support Service providing advice and support for people 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Beyondblue chief executive officer Georgie Harman thanked Zoetis for their efforts in supporting this important cause.

“We are very grateful to have support from Zoetis for the third year running,” Ms Harman said.

“This $100,000 will go a long way in ensuring people with mental health issues in rural Australia get the support they need.

“Our support service is there for people day and night – via phone, web chat or email – whenever they need someone to talk to.

“It is a potentially life-changing service for many people, especially those who don’t have friends, family members or support services close by.”

The beyondblue service costs on average $48 per contact and people can reach out to counsellors by phone, webchat or email.

This means to date the funds donated by Zoetis, with support from the local community, has helped 6250 people at a critical time in their lives.

Zoetis Vice President, Australia and New Zealand, Lance Williams said that they are very passionate about supporting hard-working Australians.

“Our staff travel more than two million kilometres each year to Australia’s most remote locations supporting farmers, agricultural stores and veterinarians with needed animal health supplies.”

“It is a great honour for us to once again achieve our fundraising goal with beyondblue for this great initiative.

“At Zoetis, we recognise the importance of improving mental health in rural areas where the rate of suicide is about 50 per cent higher than in major cities.” Mental health professionals are available 24/7 at the Beyond Blue Support Service – 1300 22 4636 – or via beyondblue.org.au/get-support for online chat (3pm-12am ADST) or email (within 24 hours).