Connecting with our community

Across our region, our more recent connections and conversations with local business owners, growers, families and community groups reveal a common thread: it’s a tough gig right now.

Between rising costs, ongoing uncertainty and the day-to-day pressures of running a business or keeping things going at home, a lot of people are carrying more than usual. It’s not always something that gets talked about openly but it’s there.

You’re not on your own

We’re not mental health professionals, and it would be wrong for us to offer advice or solutions. But we are part of this community, and we think it matters to acknowledge what many are feeling. If things are weighing heavier, you’re certainly not on your own, and just making a small start can make a big difference:

  • Grab a coffee with a neighbour, a mate or a colleague
  • Go for a walk when you can, even briefly
  • Have a conversation you might normally put off

Extra support is on hand

If you or someone you know needs a bit more support, any connection is a good connection and there are excellent services available. We list several below, all of which are entirely free:

Rural Business Support

FREE. Supports businesses, farmers, landowners and communities in rural and regional South Australia with a wide range of servies aimed at helping build resilience and navigate challenging conditions.

  • Business and financial counselling
  • Drought and hardship support
  • Agricultural support
  • General wellbeing

Family & Business Mentor Service

FREE. Offers a listening ear and helps connect people with the right service, whether that’s wellbeing support, financial assistance or community programs.

  • One-on-one support
  • elp navigating services
  • Locally connected

Psychosocial Support
(formerly Country Wellness Connections)

FREE. Supports people whose mental health is impacting their daily life, with a focus on practical, non-clinical support and recovery.

  • Community-based support
  • Practical and personalised
  • Focus on recovery

iFarmwell

FREE. Designed for farmers and rural communities, iFarmwell provides practical tools to help manage challenges and maintain wellbeing over time.

  • Flexible, self-paced
  • Practical and relevant
  • Built for rural conditions

Medicare Mental Health
(formerly Head to Health)

FREE. Connects people with a range of mental health services and professionals, depending on their needs and circumstances.

  • Access to professional support
  • Clear pathways to care
  • Multiple service options

Beyond Blue

FREE. A well-known, trusted and highly-respected mental health organisation offering access to support, information and advice.

  • Phone and webchat counselling services
  • Community forums (shared lived experiences)
  • Mental health coaching

Further guidance from our B2B providers

In addition to the free services listed above, our B2B Support Program includes service providers who offer tailored wellbeing, coaching and mentoring services for businesses and their teams.

These fee-based services are  delivered by experienced professionals who understand the realities of running a business and supporting people in the workplace.

They are available to businesses at a subsidised rate through our B2B Support Program, or providers can be contacted directly for more information.

Valere People

Supporting you to stay well in business

Valere People is a Human Resources consultancy providing a supportive, practical space for business owners and leaders to talk things through with someone who understands both the people side of business and the pressures that come with it. Support can include:

  • Talking through complex matters in a calm, considered way
  • Approaching difficult conversations with clarity and confidence
  • Strengthening communication and workplace culture
  • Guidance on psychosocial compliance in a practical, manageable way

Meliora Coaching

Meliora Coaching helps you think through any issues or problems and then draw on your own expertise, values and understanding to take your next steps. This tailored, confidential approach allows you to move toward your goals whilst remaining true and authentic to yourself.

Helping you to:

  • Talk through and clarify your thinking
  • Identify options and ways forward
  • Commit to action

Programs To Fit

Programs To Fit delivers tailored coaching and mentoring designed to support both personal wellbeing and workplace performance.

Key program areas include:

  • Best You – tools and techniques to become the best version of yourself
  • Purpose – defining strengths and direction
  • Positive mindset – building and maintaining mental resilience
  • Capacity – understanding workload, priorities and pressures
  • Energy audit – improving performance, recovery and overall wellbeing

Need more hands-on support?

Our B2B Support Program offers access to experienced coaches and consultants who can work with you and your team in a practical, tailored way.

If you’re ready to take the next step in building or improving wellbeing, leadership or any other aspect of your business, we’re here to help.

A shared responsibility

Strong communities are built on connection, and looking out for one another. We’ll continue to share relevant services, programs and local initiatives through this page over time. If you’re aware of a service, a group or an initiative supporting businesses or people across our region, we welcome you getting in touch so we can help share it more broadly.