Farmers encourage to hit the court this weekend for wellbeing

Farmers across Mid Canterbury are encouraged to step away from the pressures of the paddock this weekend, and focus on connection, wellbeing, and a bit of friendly competition at the upcoming Tennis for Farmers event.

Hosted by the Mid Canterbury Rural Support Trust, the event will be held on Sunday, May 17, from 3-7pm at the Ashburton Trust Tennis Centre.

Organisers Tom Matteucci and Crystal Jewell are both third-year scholarship students from Lincoln University, and inspired by Surfing for Farmers, Jewell said “we really wanted to hit the active medium.” 

The afternoon will “get farmers off the farm,” Jewell said, combining social tennis, an outdoor barbecue, and a panel discussion aimed at supporting mental health in the rural sector.

Featuring guest speaker Doug Avery, author of ‘The Resilient Farmer’, alongside Dan Smith and a representative of the Rural Support Trust, the panel aims to “provide tools that farmers in the room can use,” Jewell told the Guardian.

“It’s about getting everyone together, and having a good yarn,” she said.

“We’re both from a rural background, and we know how huge mental health is in the ag-space.”

Jewell is particularly hoping to attract cropping farmers, many of whom have faced difficult conditions over the past year.

“We know they’ve had an incredibly tough year,” Jewell said.

The event is open to farmers and rural community members looking for support, connection, or simply a few hours away from the stresses of farm life.