SPCA to receive $300,000 to help with animal welfare

The SPCA is to receive $300,000 from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry to help assist and advise on animal welfare following this year's drought.
Agriculture Minister Jim Anderton announced the contribution at the SPCA conference over the weekend. The conference celebrated the national organisation's 75th jubilee.
Until now the only government funding SPCA receives is for training SPCA inspectors. SPCA's involvement in farm animal welfare work has increased recently, especially because of the drought.
There are around a hundred SPCA animal welfare inspectors, many of whom are voluntary. Last year they received and investigated eleven thousand complaints about animal mistreatment, and laid nearly 200 charges against 84 defendants. The value to the government of SPCA's animal welfare enforcement is estimated at $5 million a year.
"One impact of the drought that hasn't had as much attention has been the effect on animals," Jim Anderton said.
"Stressed farm conditions can put pressure on animal welfare conditions. At the very least it puts a higher priority on us to get out into the community and support farms to maintain a high standard of care for their animals. The SPCA has a leading role in this.
"I think this funding signals the Labour-Progressive Government's commitment to ensuring that the valuable work of the SPCA in making a difference to animal welfare in New Zealand is supported and continues."
The funding for SPCA will come from savings within existing MAF baselines. MAF officials are due to meet with the SPCA on 13 May to finalise details of how the funds will be utilised.

Contact Jim Anderton on 021 777 680
www.beehive.govt.nz/anderton www.progressiveparty.org.nz

Light at end of Tunnel - National Bank

Media release
For immediate release
2 May 2008
Light at the end of the tunnel for farmers, says National Bank
Farmers affected by drought may take up two years to recover financially, says Charlie Graham, General
Manager of Rural Banking, National Bank.
But they are a resilient group who are very good at adapting to changing conditions, planning and putting in
place strategies to protect their business, he says.
“Farmers’ resourcefulness can never be underestimated. We take a long term view of farmers’ viability and
we are confident in their capability to work through a difficult season like this one, and recover strongly now
the rain has arrived,” said Mr Graham.
The financial consequences of this drought will be significant particularly for sheep farmers. “However
farmers are in a much better financial position to handle this drought than previous droughts because of their
strong equity positions,” says Charlie Graham. “REINZ figures show the median farm sale price is up 41%
from a year ago.”
The National Bank has a positive outlook for the rural economy – international demand for food is set to
outstrip supply, and while input costs have increased there have been strong price increases for a broad
range of commodities. “Prices for meat protein are finally improving.”
Charlie Graham says that the psychological impact of drought is an important factor to bear in mind. “For
affected farming families, the Rural Support Trusts provide valuable support. Many of us find it difficult to ask
for help, but that’s what the Trusts are there for.”
“Often the most debilitating aspect in these situations is that personal goals are not being met. It becomes
hard to focus on the next the season and look ahead. But past experience tells us this is what we need to
do – focus on the light at the end of the tunnel.”
Charlie Graham suggests farmers assess their current positions, put a recovery plan in place, and then
continually monitor and review the plan. “A farm budget and cashflow should be prepared for the next one to
two years to understand the financial impact the drought has had. The process will help crystallise a sound
plan. It may be necessary to re-evaluate livestock policies and farm management systems. From there you
will know what financial accommodation you may need.”
Corporate Affairs
23 – 29 Albert Street
Private Bag 92210
Auckland Mail Centre
Phone: (+64 9) 3744 235
Fax: (+64 9) 3744 250
www.nationalbank..co.nz
If you do not receive all pages please telephone or fax immediately.
Financial actions that can be taken include re-financing seasonal debt to core term debt, and changing to
interest only loans. It may involve additional borrowing to finance capital expenditure that reduces the
exposure of the business to droughts in the future.
“We encourage people to talk to their bank as soon as possible and tell them how you see your position.
Examine all options and seek advice from those you respect and trust.”
The National Bank is New Zealand’s largest rural lender, and with a 400-strong team, well equipped to assist
farmers work through the financial implications of the drought.
“Our primary focus is to work with affected clients to help them understand and assess their financial
position, and support them through the current difficulties,” said Mr Graham.
- ends -
For more information contact:
Jess Malcolm
External Communications Manager
The National Bank
09 374 4235
0272 752 834

Government Assistance Measures Available for the Drought

GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE MEASURES AVAILABLE FOR THE DROUGHT
Information and communication Status of Assistance
0800 numbers
providing
information and
advice
Inland Revenue has an Emergency Helpline to help
anyone with tax queries and disseminate advice.
Inland
Revenue
Inland Revenue’s Emergency Helplines are open
Monday to Friday 8am – 8pm, Saturday 9am – 1pm.
0800 numbers
providing
information and
advice
MSD has a Government Helpline for anyone wanting
information and access to services such as financial
assistance, stress counselling and other advice.
MSD MSD has activated the Government Helpline 0800
779 997.
As at 12 April, the line has received a total of 78 calls
since its activation on 14 February. For the week,
Monday 14 April to Saturday 12 April, the line
received 23 calls.
Media
communications
Costs are met to enable dissemination of key
information to the media for publication/broadcast.
MAF MAF has prepared a drought brochure. This was
included as a two-page insert in the March 18 edition
of Rural News. This brochure is also being
disseminated through the Rural Support Trusts.
MAF will be developing a 2-page spread on pasture
management and publicising this through the
Farmers Weekly / Rural News. This information will
include tips for farmers on what to do/not to do, best
ways of re-establishing permanent pastures on easy
& hill country and contact numbers for further advice.
MAF has released a media statement on animal
welfare. This will be included in the 22 April edition of
Farmers Weekly.
Individual and family support Status of Assistance
Late election of
provisional tax
estimates
Inland Revenue accepts late estimates of provisional
tax from those significantly affected by an adverse
event.
Inland
Revenue
Currently available. Recent feedback from Inland
Revenue suggests this assistance is the tax support
most requested by farmers.
Income equalisation
accounts
Enables farmers to smooth taxable income from year
to year by making deductible deposits to an income
equalisation account. Inland Revenue has several
discretions, including late deposits and early refunds
on a case-by-case basis.
Inland
Revenue
Currently available.
Self Assessed
Adverse Events
Income Equalisation
Scheme
Enables individuals who have money deposited in the
income equalisation scheme to make an early
withdrawal or deposit funds arising from forced sale of
livestock.
Inland
Revenue
Currently available.
Additional flexible
tax provisions
Inland Revenue can look at tax relief to taxpayers on
a case-by-case basis, including:
• Financial relief if the taxpayer is in ‘serious
hardship’. This allows taxpayers to enter into
instalment arrangements of Inland Revenue to
write off underlying tax in certain circumstances.
• Waiving penalties on late tax payments and
returns.
• Allowing taxpayers to make late re-estimations of
provisional tax.
• Waiving use-of-money interest on late tax
payments.
Inland
Revenue
Currently available.
Working for families Inland Revenue can look at instances where the Inland Currently available.
Tax Credits income has reduced or changed to ensure the
farming family received the correct entitlement, and
whether the frequency / date of the payments can be
changed.
Revenue
MSD
New Start Grants A one-off grant for families to permanently leave
commercial farming activities where the farm is no
longer viable.
MAF Under assessment.
Rural Assistance
Payments
This assistance is available to individuals who derive
the principal income directly or indirectly from a landbased
industry and are not producing sufficient
income to meet essential living costs. Individuals must
be either exiting the land-based industry or
considering its ongoing viability. Income and assets
tests apply.
MSD To date, 12 Rural Assistance Payments have been
provided (Central North Island:1, Waikato: 9, Bay of
Plenty: 1 and Canterbury: 1).
Psychosocial
recovery
Psychosocial support such as counselling can be
made available.
MSD Funding of $50,000 has been approved for Victim
Support to provide psychosocial support.
Local qualified and experienced counsellors are
available to talk to people affected by the drought.
These services are free and are administered
through Victim Support.
Benefit payments Financial assistance may be available to individuals
who meet certain criteria. For example, the
Unemployment Benefit for people who are
unemployed and available for work, or an Emergency
Benefit for people who meet an income and asset test
and are in hardship.
MSD This assistance is currently available.
Special Needs
Grants
This is a one-off payment for an essential need e.g.
food, clothing
MSD To date, 11 Special Needs Grants have been
(Central North Island: 4, Waikato: 5 and Taranaki: 2).
Other financial
assistance
Depending on individual circumstances other financial
assistance may be available
MSD This is assistance is available on a case by case
basis. Assistance provided to date includes offers of
alternative seasonal work and childcare.
Job search support MSD can assist farmers, their spouses and workers in
allied industries affected by the drought find off-farm
employment.
MSD This assistance is currently available.
Local Recovery Assistance
Assistance activated
Grants to Rural
Support Trusts
Grants to assist Rural Support Trusts in providing
support to primary producers.
MAF MAF is engaging with the Rural Support Trusts in the
Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Taranaki, Manawatu, the
East Coast, Nelson / Marlborough, North Canterbury,
South Canterbury, Otago and Southland.
Technology
Transfer Grants
Grants to provide assistance for education and
technical advice on recovery options relating to
financial and contingency planning, including animal
welfare. The grants can be used for activities such as
technology transfer workshops and brochures and
advice material.
MAF MAF has provided funding for Meat and Wool New
Zealand drought management seminars, and have
directly funded some Individual seminars/field days.
Dairy NZ has been very active carrying out a number
of field days on drought management, and is shortly
to start another round advising on winter
management.
MAF is currently in discussion with Rural Women NZ
for them to provide some localised seminars for
farming women.
Funding for shed
meetings and
morale boosting
events
Funding can be made available to assist with local
community events aimed at boosting morale.
MAF provided assistance for transport to the Tui
‘Drought Shout’ in the Wairarapa held on 9 April.
MAF is liaising with Rural Women of New Zealand to
potentially fund 2 of morale-boosting events in
Waikato and Canterbury.
Agricultural
Recovery
Coordinators
The Government will provide funding to Rural Support
Trusts for Agricultural Recovery Coordinators as
needed. The coordinator’s main role is to co-ordinate
MAF There are Agricultural Recovery Facilitators in:
• North Canterbury.
(regional) the response and recovery initiatives.
• South Canterbury.
• The East Coast.
• Taranaki.
• Manawatu.
• The Bay of Plenty Waikato (6).
• Southland.
• Wairarapa.
Agricultural
Recovery Facilitator
(national)
The Government may appoint an Agricultural
Recovery Facilitator at the national level. The
facilitator’s main role would be to work with MAF and
help to co-ordinate the response and recovery
initiatives.
MAF Les Hill is the appointed National Agricultural
Recovery Facilitator.
Rural Case
Managers
Work and Income has identified Rural Case Managers
to proactively engage with farmers and industry
workers in all drought affected regions.
MSD The Rural Case Managers are mobile.
Volunteer costs Costs are met for volunteer travel and accommodation. MAF Under assessment.
Financial and
business planning
advice grants
The National Drought Committee discussed the need
for these grants and decided they were not required
at this stage.
Feed availability Assistance activated
Feed survey MAF commissioned a national feed availability survey.
• MAF may also have a role in ensuring the
continuity of the feed supply.
MAF The final analysis has been completed and the
results are available on the website. The analysis
has also been provided to all grain companies.

Jim Anderton - Years to recover fully from drought

It will take years to recover fully from this year's drought, even though recent rains have restored soil moisture in many parts of the country, agriculture minister Jim Anderton told a field day at a South Canterbury Monitor Farm today.
A national drought meeting yesterday reviewed the latest information on the drought and Jim Anderton said there were good news stories at last.
"The good news is that soil moistures around most of the country have improved.
"Though the rain has fallen now, and though the ground is wet again, these times are still tough. Many farmers cut stock levels early. Conservative decisions helped to reduce pressure on feed but it takes time for those stock levels to recover.
"The most serious concern now will be feed over winter. Because the drought has already tolled, feed levels will be low. Prices for feed could rise and inflict new pain.
"Far beyond the economic costs there are also human costs. There are stressed farmers out there and I recognise we need to do what we can to support them. We need to be strong enough to care about others."
Jim Anderton said the network of rural support trusts worked well in supporting communities through the drought.
"I am pleased that last year I took a decision to gain extra funding for rural support trusts in the budget. We provided extra strength just as it was needed.
"The support networks are pushing on to try to ensure everyone who is stressed from the drought receives help they need. There are some farmers who haven't accessed support or been to the community briefings. We can still reach them. Information is being sent through every channel we can think of."
Contact Jim Anderton on the road via Kevin Steel on 0298 940 609 www.beehive.govt.nz/anderton www.progressiveparty.org.nz

National drought - key contacts

National drought – key contacts

MAF Regional Contacts

For assistance and advice, the following MAF regional contacts are available:


Hamilton
Phil Journeaux
07 957 8314
029 957 8313

Rotorua
John Vaney
07 921 3400
029 921 3407

Hastings
Gillian Mangin
06 974 8814
029 974 8811

Wellington
Rebecca Williams
04 894 0100
029 894 0680

Nelson
Chas Perry
03 543 9182
029 943 1025

Christchurch
John Greer
03 943 1703
029 943 1706

Dunedin
Trish Burborough
03 951 4700
029 951 4716


MSD Regional single point of contact

Bay of Plenty
Jacqui Arstall
07 921 8061

East coast
Alan Boult
06 974 8246

Waikato
Julie Dolan
07 957 1553

Taranaki
Terry Curran
06 968 6640

Central
Michelle Reiri
06 9521429

Nelson
Mere Wetere
03 9897069

Canterbury
Nicki Goss
03 9614305

Southern
Teesh Payn
03 9487722


MSD Drought Case managers

Waikato
Glenview
Lance Taylor
07 957 6748
029 237 9057

Waikato
Hamilton East
Vicki Dance
07 957 6683

Bay of Plenty
Rotorua
Helen Rastrick
07 921 8087

Bay of Plenty
Tokoroa
Lyn Savage-Morris
07 901 8564

Bay of Plenty
Tokoroa
Bev Norton
07 901 8552
029 273 6575

Bay of Plenty
Regional
Gerry Brons
07 921 8187
029 200 6220

Bay of Plenty
Regional
Julie Hill
07 921 8005
029 257 8385

Bay of Plenty
Opotiki
Marie Rolls
07 922 9401
029 275 0221

Bay of Plenty
Whakatane
Roberta Ripaki
07 922 6320
029 242 6701

East Coast
Waipukurau
Sally Araipu
06 904 5522

East Coast

Waipukurau
Mary Collins
06 904 5526

Taranaki
Regional
Terry Curran
06 968 6640
0292495341

Taranaki
Regional
Linda Paterson
06 968 6703
0296500105

Taranaki
Regional
Malcolm Carson
06 965 8014
0292818376

Central
Masterton
Graeme Roberts
06 946 9129
029 251 7754

Central
Masterton
Lisa Kerr
06 946 9151
029 200 3405

Central
Masterton
Tina Hemi
06 946 9132

Central
Feilding
Dave Wilson
06 952 9014
029 287 7176

Central
Horowhenua
Kevin Salmons
06 949 8723
029 650 0541

Central
Horowhenua
Lynn Currie
06 949 8738
029 274 6048

Central
Dannevirke
Marie Streeter
06 901 4082

Central
Palmerston North
James Etuale
06 952 0316
029 284 2779

Nelson
Regional
Mark Berthelsen
03 989 7070
0292006235

Canterbury
Rangiora
Michael Friel
03 909 0479

Southern
Alexandra, Queenstown
Annette Harris
03 901 6911

Southern
Timaru
Kerry Lundy
03 956 7807
029 238 4553

Southern
Balclutha
Karen Bird
03 904 0883

Southern
Gore
Sue Moseby
03 902 0656

Southern
Southland
Glyn Emmerson
03 948 7754

Drought Seminar, Taihape 23 April 7pm

As per my last e-diary there is a DROUGHT SEMINAR (A LONGER TERM VIEW) this Wednesday night, 23rd April, at the Fire Brigade Hall (Kuku Street) Taihape starting at 7pm.

Even though there has been a bit of rain in the region feed is still very short and farmers need to keep thinking about the long term situation.

Unless we get significant growth in the next few weeks feed covers are going to be lower going into winter. To reduce stress, farmers, if they aren’t already, need to plan how they are going to get through winter.

This seminar on Wednesday night will give farmers a range of information to assist them to plan and manage their situation.

Speakers:

David Baker – Baker & Associates Wairarapa will talk about what farmers can do to manage through the drought situation. From the East Coast, David has a lot of experience in dealing with droughts so has a wealth of information that farmers in this region can learn from.

Paul Hughes – Taihape Vets will speak about feed budgeting. Paul will show farmers how to simply assess their current feed situation and project out what feed demand & supply situation they may be faced with over the coming months. In completing a feed budget farmers will be better able to plan any decisions that may need to be implemented – such as purchasing feed, destocking, applying fertiliser, etc.

Anthony Oswald – Taihape Vets will cover off animal health issues that may arise with the moisture and how to manage these.

Thanks to support from MAF, Taihape Vet Services, M&WNZ, Farmers Weekly.

Please encourage your neighbours & friends to come along too.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Government Assistance - Drought Fact Sheet April 2008 -

drought 2008
FACTSHEET
April 2008

DROUGHT RELIEF
This factsheet describes the range of government assistance available to farmers and farm workers affected by drought.
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) co-ordinates the Government's response to drought. MAF is monitoring conditions throughout New Zealand on a weekly basis and is working closely with the government agencies and other organisations providing support to farmers affected by drought. MAF chairs the National Drought Committee, which co-ordinates the activities of all industry, community and government organisations involved in drought preparedness, response and recovery initiatives in drought affected regions.
For further information download a copy of our drought brochure from our website,
www.maf.govt.nz, or contact your local Rural Support Trust representative:
Waikato/Hauraki/ Coromandel
Neil Bateup
0800 787 254
bateupn@xtra.co.nz
Bay of Plenty
Nigel Billings
07 578 5520
nbillings@fedfarm.org.nz
Gisborne
David Scott
06 868 4840
treescapefarm@xtra.co.nz
Hawkes Bay
Hugh McPhail
Mike Adye
06 858 4361
Mike@hbrc.govt.nz
Manawatu/Rangitikei
Tararua District
Margaret Millard
Chris Southgate
06 329 6860
millard@manawatu.gen.nz
06 374 9862
cwsouthgate@xtra.co.nz
Taranaki
Neville Hagenson
Peter Adamski
025 273 7588
n.c.hagenson@xtra.co.nz
06 751 4217
p.k.adamski@xtra.co.nz
Wairarapa
Bruce Watkins
06 378 6895
hmebw@xtra.co.nz
Marlborough/Nelson/ Tasman
Colin Gibbs
03 541 8435
gibbs@ts.co.nz
Nth Canterbury
Mid Canterbury
Sth Canterbury
Dorothy Oakley
Alan Baird
David Hewson
David Williams
03 318 1742
spudfarm@clear.net.nz
Allan.baird@xtra.co.nz
03 612 6367
hewson@farmside.co.nz
027 297 4454
williams_tepuni@slingshot.co.nz
Otago
Irene Scurr
Bev McCaw
03 454 6198
scurbiko@xtra.co.nz
03 434 0459
beverleymccaw@slingshot.co.nz
Southland
Russell Falconer
027 431 8173
Russell.f@sld.quik.co.nz
Animal Welfare
Under the Animal Welfare Act 1999, the responsibility for ensuring the health and welfare of animals rests with the owner or the person in charge. Farmers are urged to make timely decisions to avoid problems and to seek advice to ensure they meet the welfare needs of their stock. Advice is available from Federated Farmers, vets, stock and feed agents and farm advisers.
To report on animal welfare issue or make a complaint call 0800 327 027, all calls will be treated in confidence.
Animal Welfare helpline: 0800 327 027
Inland Revenue
Tax relief and income assistance is available for farmers affected by the drought. Inland Revenue has a range of measures to help, depending on your personal circumstances. If you are concerned about tax payments, changes in income, refunds or filing dates, contact your tax agent or Inland Revenue’s emergency helpline 0800 473 566.
Tax assistance could include late deposits or early withdrawals from the income equalisation scheme, late re-estimates of provisional tax, extensions of time for filing, instalment arrangements, and remission of penalties. We’ll also review any Working for Families Tax Credits to check you’re getting the right amount at the right time, if your income has changed.
Talk to Inland Revenue about:
• The Income Equalisation Scheme Farmers who have money deposited in this scheme or the Adverse Event scheme may be able to make an early withdrawal, or deposit funds from forced sale of livestock.
• Late election of provisional tax estimates or refunds You may be able to send a late estimate or re-estimate of provisional tax, if your circumstances have changed due to the drought. We could also arrange early refunds if provisional tax has been overpaid.
• Tax outstanding Inland Revenue will consider instalment arrangements for outstanding tax in some circumstances.
• Late filing and late payment Extensions for some income tax returns may be available. Extensions can’t be granted for GST and PAYE returns, but any penalties for late filing may be remitted. Penalties charged for late payments caused by the effects of the drought may also be remitted.
• Working for Families Tax Credits If your income has reduced or changed, we will make sure you now receive the correct entitlement, and you may be able to change the frequency/date of your payments.
• Child Support If you will have trouble making payments by due dates, please contact us on 0800 221 221 to discuss the situation.
Other tax provisions could also help:
• Deductions for losses on farm when certain improvements are destroyed or irreparably damaged
• Livestock or materials donated because of an adverse event may be treated zero-value
• Payments or donations from charities are not taxable or liable for GST
• Tax treatment of insurance payments depends on what the payments are compensating for – eg insurance for loss of capital assets is non-taxable, but income-replacement insurance may be taxed
• If you need to borrow money to keep your farm going, the interest may be deductible.
Inland Revenue’s Emergency Helplines are open Monday to Friday 8am-8pm, Saturday 9am-1pm.
Inland Revenue emergency helpline: 0800 473 566
Inland Revenue child support line: 0800 221 221
Ministry of Social Development – Work and Income
The Ministry, through Work and Income, can provide a range of financial assistance to both farming and non-farming families whose incomes have been affected by drought. This financial assistance can include:
• Unemployment Benefit The Unemployment Benefit provides income support for people who are looking for work or training for work.
• Emergency Benefit The Emergency Benefit is an income and asset tested benefit payable to people who are in hardship and who are unable to earn enough income for themselves (or any dependent family) and cannot receive another benefit.
• Special Needs Grants Special Needs Grants provide non-taxable, one-off recoverable or non-recoverable financial assistance to people to meet immediate needs. A person does not have to be receiving a benefit to qualify for a Special Needs Grant.
• Recoverable Assistance Payments The Recoverable Assistance Programme provides non-taxable, interest free, financial assistance to non-beneficiaries to meet essential immediate needs for specific items or services. This assistance is recoverable (eg will need to be paid back at a later stage). The person must be able to identify a particular immediate need for an essential item or service.
In addition to the range of financial assistance available, we can assist farmers and their partners to find off-farm employment as well as access to personal support services such as stress counselling. We can also provide financial and job search assistance to workers in allied industries who are unable to work because of the drought (eg shearers).
Rural Assistance Payments
Farmers may be eligible to receive Rural Assistance Payments. They are applicable to farmers who are in financial hardship and who have made a decision to sell their property or who are actively evaluating the ongoing viability of continuing in the industry.
Farmers must also meet additional criteria that apply to these payments, including an income test, personal (non-farm assets) and cash asset test.
These payments are currently available to drought affected farmers in the territories of the following local authorities:
North Island
• Carterton District
• Central Hawkes Bay District
• Gisborne District
• Hastings District
• Hauraki District Council
• Horowhenua District Council
• Kapiti Coast District Council
• Kawerau District Council
• Manawatu District Council
• Masterton District
• Matamata-Piako District Council
• Napier City
• New Plymouth District Council
• Opotiki District Council
• Otorohanga District Council
• Rangitikei District Council
• Rotorua District Council
• South Taranaki District Council
• South Waikato District Council
• South Wairarapa District
• Stratford District Council
• Tararua District
• Taupo District Council
• Thames-Coromandel District Council
• Waikato District Council
• Waipai District Council
• Wairoa District
• Waitomo District Council
• Wanganui District Council
• Western Bay of Plenty District Council
• Whakatane District Council
South Island
• Ashburton District Council
• Central Otago District Council
• Chatham Islands Council
• Clutha District Council
• Gore District Council
• Hurunui District Council
• Kaikoura District Council
• Mackenzie District Council
• Marlborough District Council
• Queenstown Lakes District Council
• Selwyn District Council
• Southland District Council
• Tasman District Council
• Timaru District Council
• Waimakariri District Council
• Waimate District Council
• Waitaki District Council
Work and Income also has mobile case managers who can attend shed meetings and make home visits where required.
Call the Government Helpline 0800 779 997 to find out how the Ministry can help.
Government Helpline: 0800 779 997

Stress counselling
Local qualified and experienced counsellors are available to talk to people affected by the drought.
These services are free and are administered through Victim Support, who has a list of counsellors available in your area. Please call them on 0800 842 846 or contact your nearest police station to speak to your local Victim Support representative, or contact your local Rural Support Trust.
Victim Support: 0800 842 846