TV presenter turned sheep and beef farmer Matt Chisholm is bringing his Time Out Tour to Massey University, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa on July 15.
Chisholm signed on as the trust’s inaugural ambassador in 2022 and has been on a nationwide tour talking about mental wellness and resilience. So far, he has visited 30 rural communities and connected with more than 4000 people.
Chisholm started the tour in Southland and Stewart Island in June 2022, then headed to the Bay of Plenty, Top of the South, Gisborne, Ashburton, Otago and Taranaki.
Last year saw him travel to Waikato, Omihi and he recently headed to the top of the North Island.
Chisholm has openly shared his mental health struggles. Through the tour, he has been talking about his personal experiences and how he found a way through.
The feedback from those who attended the Time Out Tour events across the country has been overwhelmingly positive.
Chisholm’s battles are documented in Imposter, a book he published in 2021, and in documentaries Like a Man and Man Enough, both supported by the Mental Health Foundation.
Speaking of his ambassadorship role, Chisholm said: “I like the good work the Rural Support Trust does – largely behind the scenes. I want people to understand how the trust can help them in their communities, so more people can access their services when they need it most.”
Chisholm said his key message to anyone struggling with such pressure was to ask for help.
“Instead of having a conversation with yourself, go and talk to someone. Take that first step and life will change. Life can be infinitely greater than what it feels like now. Often the best of times come after the worst of times.”
Brought up in Otago, Chisholm left TVNZ in 2019 to go farming on a 29 hectare block at Chatto Creek, near Alexandra in Central Otago.
“It’s been beaut returning to my rural roots. I’ve started a Southdown sheep stud and I’m going to breed some Speckle Park cattle. Life’s busy with my TV work and a young family, but I want to be able to give back where I can,” he said.
To register for a Time Out Tour event near you, register on the Rural Support Trust website.
Suffering from depression or stress, or know someone who is? Where to get help:
Rural Support Trust: 0800 RURAL HELP
Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757
Lifeline: 0800 543 354
Need To Talk? Call or text 1737
Samaritans: 0800 726 666
Youthline: 0800 376 633 or text 234
