A phone line to provide mental health support for all Ontario farmers and farm families is now up and running.
With the help of the Farmer Wellness Initiative, both the provincial and federal governments are funding access for up to four free counseling sessions with a mental health professional for all farmers in the province as well as their families.
The professionals are are well trained in understanding the unique needs of Ontario farmers.
The service has been developed by the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Ontario Division and is working alongside the Ontario Federation of Agriculture.
The initiative is funded by the Canadian Agricultural Partnership program with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
The phone line is available 24/7 365 days a year in both English and French to speak to a counselor by calling 1-866-267-6255.