A mental health scheme tackling suicide and depression in rural communities will shut down on Friday after losing its bid for government funding.
Rural Health Alliance chief executive, Michelle Thompson Photo: Supplied
The Rural Health Alliance Aotearoa has 47 members including Federated Farmers, local councils, rural medical practitioners and elderly support groups.
Its request for $600,000 to make up a funding short-fall has been turned down.
Chief executive Michelle Thompson says the alliance needs the money to continue its projects, including research on farmer suicides.
She said the government may look at giving it money in the future, but that will be too late.
Ms Thompson says she is standing down and the scheme will stop operating for now.
