Local farmers are now able to get mental health support at no cost.
The Farmer Wellness Initiative from Agriculture Wellness Ontario provides Ontario farmers, farm families and farm employees with free, unlimited mental health counselling.
Michelle DeNijs, Communications Officer for Agriculture Wellness Ontario, said farmers and their families often face specific challenges.
“We understand that there are so many unique pressures that the farming and agriculture community faces, and we just wanna make sure we have those proper supports in place for them when they’re needed.”
Intake is available 24/7, 365 days-a-year in English, French and Spanish.
Within a week of intake, the participant will be connected with a counsellor that they can see on an ongoing basis by phone, video, or in person.
Mental health professionals who provide counselling are also ag-informed, and able to aid in a wide array of issues, farming specific or not.
“Eventually, they’ll be connected with a counsellor who has an agriculture background and some kind of understanding of the existing challenges in agriculture.”
Call 1-866-267-6255 or visit farmerwellnessinitiative.ca to learn more.Â
