A new program is hoping to fill a gap in Manitoba’s agriculture sector — one-on-one counselling for farmers and their families.
On Jan. 18, the leaders of the Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program launched their initiative, which has a mission of providing “confidential, no-cost counselling and support to Manitoba farm families.”
One of the people behind the Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program is Roberta Galbraith, who farms near Minnedosa, Man.
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RNR Galbraith Farms, along with Manitoba Farmers with Disabilities, are listed as sponsors on the program’s website.
“Any group or individual who works with farmers and is interested in financially supporting the Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program should contact us,” said Galbraith, vice-chair of the MFWP and formerly the manager of member relations with the Manitoba Canola Growers Association. “We are working collaboratively with the agriculture community in our province to bring this program to fruition for the health and wellness of the industry.”
Through the program, farmers and their immediate family members can get six (one hour) sessions with a counselor. The sessions are free and flexible because they can happen by video chat, in-person or over the phone.
“Farmers have a demanding lifestyle, and stigma remains a barrier for some to reach out for help,” said MFWP board member Gerry Friesen.
“The (program) has been created to address the identified gap in availability of one-on-one counselling services for farmers.”
Anyone looking to book a counseling appointment can do so starting in March.
For more information, visit manitobafarmerwellness.ca/.
Contact robert.arnason@producer.com
