Robbie Shefford, with his race tractor and caravan, is touring the country to start conversations about mental health positive thinking and well-being
Mental health is a critical issue that affects millions of people worldwide. The stigma surrounding it often prevents people from seeking help, leading to devastating consequences. However, one man from Geraldine is taking a different approach to address the issue.
While Robbie Shefford may not be an immediately familiar name, his trademark ginger mutton chops and Gooserooter nickname are perhaps more likely to strike a chord of recognition.
Robbie has also been on several TV shows, done many write-ups in newspapers and magazines both here and in Australia, and is a regular voice on several radio stations. He’s passionate about connecting with people on the importance of mental health, especially in the trucking, construction, and rural sectors.
Towering in at six foot four, his personality is just as immense. Geraldine-born and bred, Robbie has amassed quite the social media following for his The Gooserooter at Truck This and Truck That page, where his down-to-earth personality and raucous sense of humour sees him connect with a diverse audience, from truckies and contractors to farmers and mechanics.
From a background including farming, engineering, firefighter, scout leader, truck driver, and mechanic, his distinctive Kiwi personality refuses to pander to popular opinion, and his straightforward attitude to most problems in life have seen his appeal spread with tens of thousands of online followers and becoming an increasingly well-recognised face (and voice) at truck and machinery shows, tractor pulls, and many rural events around the country as the emcee and guest speaker.
One man, one plan, and one caravan
Robbie understands the loneliness of being on the road for 14 hours a day and sometimes talking with no one for hours at a time, so two years ago, he acquired a caravan and used it as a mobile office.
He filled it with tea and coffee and headed to the roadside to talk to truckies about mental health and positive thinking.
This was the beginning of his ‘A Man with a Plan and a Caravan’ initiative.
The response has been overwhelming, and people have been open and receptive. Robbie has been to about 75 rural, machinery, and A&P shows over the last two years and talked with nearly 8000 people. The costs incurred sit near $100,000, but he knows what he’s doing, and the way he’s doing it is making a valuable difference in people’s lives.
An incredible team of friends, family, and his loving partner Sandy help out with driving and office work, so he can focus on what he does best — talking. Through open and honest conversations at the grassroots level, he’s connecting with people and helping many navigate through their darkest days.
National tours
Last year, Robbie journeyed through Canterbury attending many events, and that was just the beginning.
This year has seen him through Southland and the West Coast, before his most recent sojourn to the North Island, where he engaged with various trucking companies, including Fonterra, Alexander Group, Hart Haulage, and the ERoad Fleet Day in Hamilton.
Robbie has also been talking with Lions and Young Farmers Clubs along the way, where they hope to inspire others to say it’s okay to not be okay and promote mental health awareness and positive thinking. By sharing his story and experiences, Robbie hopes to reduce the stigma around mental health and encourage more people to seek help when they need it. Mental health is not an easy topic to discuss, but Robbie’s caravan offers a relaxed and friendly environment that encourages conversation.
Robbie’s plan is a great example of how one person can make a significant difference in promoting mental health and positive thinking. With his caravan as a symbol of his hope and commitment to mental health, Robbie is bringing his message to the people, making it accessible to anyone who wants to talk to him.
Although Robbie’s Mind Matrix is a registered charity, it’s mostly self-funded and relies on donations. People support his cause by buying a coffee mug, hat, or a copy of his recently published book. His mission is simple: to travel around New Zealand and stop to talk to as many people and groups as he can about the importance of mental health and well-being, sharing his personal experiences and insights to encourage others to take care of their mental health.
For more information, contact Robbie at 0275524624 or robbiesmindmatrix@outlook.co.nz