More resources to help with mental health

Added on 29 November 2021

Tags

More resources to help with mental health

CANADA, Ontario- Ottawa and Ontario are investing more than $7 million through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership to launch two, new multi-year mental health initiatives that are specialized to support those in the agriculture sector.

The Guardians Network and a new program modelled after the successful Farmer Wellness Program pioneered by mental health specialist Deborah Vanberkel, will help protect Ontario's progress in the fight against COVID-19 by providing farm families across the province with free counselling services as well as help connect at-risk farmers with tailored support and resources.

These initiatives are expected to launch early next year and will be developed in consultation with the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) - Ontario, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) and other mental health sector experts.

"The farming community has demonstrated great strength and resilience throughout the pandemic, but mental health challenges often go unseen. If you are struggling, the first step is to reach out, because you are not alone in facing these challenges," said the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. "These new agricultural mental health programs expand resource availability to help Ontario farmers and employees if they're struggling with their mental health."

Click here to read more.