Blueprint for Learning secures Rural Wellbeing Fund support 

Blueprint for Learning is delighted to announce it has been awarded funding through the Rural Wellbeing Fund from Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), to deliver training to communities impacted by severe weather events. 

The announcement was made at the Central Districts Fieldays in Feilding on 19 March, as part of a nationwide initiative backing eighteen projects focused on strengthening rural wellbeing. 

Through this funding, Blueprint will deliver five Weathering the Storm online workshops, with the first scheduled for late April. These workshops provide practical tools and strategies to help individuals and communities manage stress, build resilience, and stay connected in the face of ongoing weather-related challenges. 

Patrice Dennis, Blueprint’s manager, says, “We are absolutely thrilled to receive this funding, which enables us to bring our Weathering the Storm workshops to communities that have been significantly impacted by severe weather events. Supporting people to build resilience and connection during challenging times is at the heart of what we do.” 

The Rural Wellbeing Fund reflects a growing recognition of the long-term impacts of extreme weather on rural communities and the importance of accessible, community-based support. 

Project lead Lotta Dann will oversee delivery of the workshops and welcomes any enquiries about the training. The first online workshop funded by the Rural Wellbeing Fund will be delivered over two sessions on 30 April and 1 May from 2.30 to 4.30pm. 

Learn more about  Weathering the Storm  

Photo: Representatives from funded organisations and sector partners at the announcement. Government ministers: Suze Redmayne, Todd McClay and Carl Bates, Federated Farmers, and wellbeing initiative leaders, including Charlotte Heather, Blueprint’s learning and development advisor.