Mental health program for farmers extended

Two programs aimed at supporting the mental health of farmers have been extended.

Agriculture Wellness Ontario received notice recently that they will receive $10 million in new program funding will continue their Farmer Wellness Initiative and the Guardian Network, said Bethany Parkinson, manager of psychological support and education.

The programs are available across the province, said Parkinson, and used by farmers in the region.

“I do know that there are folks that call (the Farmer Wellness Initiative) from Northwestern Ontario and within the Guardian Network we do have quite a few awesome guardians from the Northwestern Ontario region.

“I know that there is a demand there, I think very similar to other areas within Ontario. Sometimes the stressors within agriculture and farming may be a bit different depending on weather and what type of farming is in each area, but I would say it's very consistent the need for mental health support across Ontario.”

The Famer Wellness Initiative is both a crisis and ongoing counselling line for farmers, farm workers and their families, that is free, unlimited and operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year, Parkinson said.

“Folks who are in crisis can call and speak to a counsellor immediately, and if folks are looking for more ongoing counselling support but aren't in crisis, they can call the line, they would speak to an intake worker who would take some of their information.”

Parkinson said the line is confidential, like seeing a family doctor, but it is not anonymous. Some information must be given.

“They would speak to a counsellor within two to five business days, either by phone, virtually, or if there's a counsellor available within their area, in person, if that's what they would like.”

It is a quick turnaround time, Parkinson said, adding that the service is not just for farming related issues but anything related to their life.