The tough financial times dairy farmers are facing due to the low dairy payout has members of the Bay of Plenty Rural Support Trust concerned about farmers and their families.

'Things are going to be tough for some time. We need to ensure that all farmers have someone to talk to if they find themselves in trouble,” Steve Bailey, the BOP Dairy Chair of Bay of Plenty Federated Farmers.

Farmers are not alone in this current financial crisis, help is available through the Bay of Plenty Rural Support Trust, says chairperson Sandy Scarrow.

Sandy Scarrow, the chairperson of the trust says it's well-placed to help after playing an important role in supporting kiwifruit growers affected by the vine disease Psa-V in recent years.

'We knew then the importance of working together as a community to ensure that no one fell through the cracks. We want to work with all those around us to ensure farmers and the people around them get the support they need.”

A recent meeting of the Rural Support Trust and others (including Federated Farmers, Dairy Women New Zealand, Fonterra and the Rural Health Alliance), discussed about ways in which to reach those farmers who need some help to get through.

Trust members urge anyone feeling under pressure because of the current situation to call the trust on phone 0800 787 254.

'You are not alone,” says Sandy.

'When an event leads to crisis, whether it's financial, climatic, or personal, a Rural Support Trust is ready to assist. Assistance is free and confidential.”

Rural Support Trusts have now been set up throughout New Zealand and their goal is to assist rural people and their families in the rural community during adverse events.

The Bay of Plenty Rural Support Trust was formed in 2004 when farms throughout the region were hit be severe floods began. Since then that trust has become the template for other support trusts throughout New Zealand.

'BOPRST provides such services as necessary to counsel, advise and assist rural people in adverse events, financial, emotional or otherwise.

'It has three facilitators at present for this purpose. The trust members are local people who have themselves faced the challenges rural life brings. The Trust has access to networks and services to help people get back on their feet.

'Help is available through specially trained trust facilitators who travel to where they are needed. Contact is one-on-one at a location of your choice.”

The Bay of Plenty Rural Support Trust is a charitable trust that encompasses the following District Council areas: Western Bay of Plenty, Tauranga City, Whakatane, Opotiki, Kawerau and Rotorua.

'Farmers - if you or your family are experiencing hardship in these difficult times the BOPRST may be able to assist,” says Sandy.

For this confidential and free service phone 0800 787 254.