Zoetis, working closely with rural Australia through interactions with the country’s farmers, agricultural stores, veterinarians and their families, has helped to raise $200,000 in the past two years by donating $5 from each sale of the company’s livestock, pig and poultry vaccines and drenches.

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

“The Support Service is there for people day and night – via phone, web chat or email – whenever they need someone to talk to,” said beyondblue CEO Georgie Harman.

“It is a free, potentially life-changing service for many people, especially those who don’t have friends, family members or support services close by. It is entirely funded by generous donations from the community and amazing partners like Zoetis and demand grows year on year.”

“The reality is there are twice as many suicides in remote areas compared to urban areas.”

Zoetis 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.

“We are very passionate about improving mental health in rural areas – and we are proud to once again partner with beyondblue to tackle these very real issues affecting rural communities and farmers,” Zoetis Vice President, Australia and New Zealand Lance Williams said.

“I recently shared with the team an article that appeared in the New York Times about Australian rural communities, about the paradox – that despite the overall state of the Australian agricultural industry being quite favourable, the country’s mental health is still a major issue in these areas.”

“So, we want to thank people in advance for supporting this cause and our drive to help those in need.”

The beyondblue service costs on average $48 per contact and people can reach out to our counsellors by phone, webchat or email. That means the $200,000 donated by Zoetis to date, with help from the local community, has helped 4,166 people at a critical time in their lives.

In addition to the Support Service, beyondblue’s online resources and support can help people turn their lives around, regardless of where they live.

More than 100,000 people use beyondblue’s online forums every month, tapping into an online peer support network.

These forums offer people connection and support from others who have been through similar experiences and can reduce the feeling of isolation and loneliness for many.

The forums are monitored by a team of moderators who are trained to identify people at high risk of distress and suicide and help them to access the support they need.

More than 1 million people in Australia experience depression and more than 2 million are living with an anxiety condition.

On average eight Australians take their lives every day and there are an estimated 200 suicide attempts every 24 hours.

“We are very grateful to have the ongoing support of Zoetis and look forward to working together so that more Australians can access the mental health support they need.” said Ms Harman

People can support the Zoetis initiative from August 1 to October 31, 2018. For every Zoetis cattle, sheep, pig, poultry or goat vaccine or parasiticide sold by Zoetis, the animal health supplier will donate $5, up to $100,000 to beyondblue. Visit your local rural or animal health supplier.

Mental health professionals are available 24/7 at the beyondblue Support Service – 1300 22 4636 – or via beyondblue.org.au/get-support for online chat (3pm-12am ADST) or email (within 24 hours).