nsure that no family feels cut off from essential support, no matter how remote their location said RWNZ national president Jane Te Rangi. Isolation can have serious physical and mental health consequences and this program is about connecting people to the help they need. The pilot scheme has already reached several communities in the South Island and northern regions of the North Island assisting hundreds of families. Services include general health check ups, mental health counseling and support for vulnerable groups such as older adults and single parent households. Local health authorities have welcomed the initiative noting that it complements existing government programs. Dr. Alistair McLeod, a public health official in Otago said the pilot fills a critical gap in rural healthcare delivery and allows for early intervention in mental and physical health issues that might otherwise go unnoticed. Funding for the program comes from a combination of government grants and private donations, and RWNZ plans to evaluate its impact before potentially expanding nationwide. Early results indicate a reduction in emergency room visits and improved access to mental health services in participating communities. Rural Women New Zealand a nonprofit organization established in 1925, has a long history of advocating for the welfare of rural families, particularly in areas related to health, education and community development. Source: Farmers Weekly