A new series of practical, no-nonsense workshops designed specifically for rural men is rolling out across the South Island, aiming to strengthen wellbeing, resilience, and connection in rural communities.

The GrowUSwell programme, developed by Southland-based health coach Samantha McBride, is backed by the Government’s Rural Wellbeing Fund and will be delivered in partnership with Rural Support Trust.

McBride says the programme was built from real-world experience working alongside rural men.

“Traditional approaches weren’t a good fit for a lot of blokes. But when it’s practical, relatable, grounded in real life, and fun, they show up.”

Delivered as a three-part series, the workshops are designed to build trust over time while equipping men with practical tools to manage pressure, strengthen mindset, and make better decisions day-to-day.

Importantly, the sessions are informal and non-clinical, removing many of the barriers that stop men from engaging.

“These are frank and fun conversations, useful tools, and a chance to connect and grow with other men dealing with similar pressures.”

The programme has already been trialled in Southland, attracting positive feedback from participants.

The wider rollout will see workshops delivered across multiple rural regions, supported locally by Rural Support Trusts and industry partners.

McBride, who has a background in human physiology and was a co-founder of the Health Coaches Australia and New Zealand Association She has also started PhD research through the University of Otago to explore scalable ways to better support rural men’s wellbeing.

“This is about finding what actually works for rural men and building something that can be rolled out more widely across the country.”

Rural businesses and organisations are encouraged to get behind the initiative through sponsorship and partnership.

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