The Tasmanian organisation first opened its doors in 2009 as a way to raise awareness of rural Tasmanians and their health and wellbeing. 

Rural Alive and Well chief executive Liz Little said the organisation has put in a bid in this year’s state budget for increased funding to the service. 

She said without this funding, Rural Alive and Well’s Rural Outreach Program may have to close its doors. 

Ms Little said changes to state funding could go on to affect those in the North and North-West significantly. 

The rural outreach program is funded through a mix of federal and state funding, as well are the organisation’s own fundraising efforts and donations.

“Really it’s the only service of its sort in rural communities,” Ms Little said. 

“At the moment, most of the Australian government money is spent down in the South of the state, with the exception of Break O’Day.

“The Tasmanian government funding covers the North of the state, the West Coast and the islands.”

Ms Little said the service, which has saved many lives, was too important to the Tasmanian community to lose its funding.

“This organisation was actually set up by farmers and rural people … 30 per cent of the people that come either come because they chose to come or their families get them to come,” she said.

“We’re actually out on people’s farms, we’re out where they are, and that’s the real big difference. It’s completely unique and it’s completely Tasmanian.” 

Treasurer Peter Gutwein said since 2014, the state government had invested around $1.5 million into the organisation.

“There is a budget bid in the system at the moment and we'll obviously consider that through the budget process,” Mr Gutwein said.

“Rural Alive and Well are an important statewide organisation … we’ve supported them in the past and we’ll consider their application.” 

Greens primary industries spokeswoman Andrea Dawkins said funding must be continued. 

“The service RAW offer to farmers and rural Tasmanians is immeasurable,” Ms Dawkins said.  

“Rural Alive and Well is a service the state can't afford to lose.” 

If you, or anyone else you know, need help, contact Rural Alive and Well on 1300 4357 6283.