After a four-year disconnect, Manitoba farmers and rural residents can once again call a toll-free line for help in times of crisis.
A Brandon-based farm and rural stress line will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
It can be reached at 866 FOR FARM, or 866-367-3276.
Trained counselors who are active or recently retired farmers can offer callers support, information and referrals to other sources of help.
All questions are kept confidential. Callers don’t have to identify themselves.
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“Over the past few years, farmers have endured low commodity prices and extreme weather conditions,” agriculture minister Rosann Wowchuk said.
“This service is organized to help farmers and rural residents access regional resources to cope with a broad range of issues that affect their well-being.”
She said the service may help strengthen community spirit in rural Manitoba.
The line has an annual budget of $218,000, which will come from the provincial health department, and includes start-up costs.
Manitoba’s first farm stress line had a $130,000 budget, which included fundraising and donations of $30,000.
A government spokesperson said there are no plans to raise funds for the line from the private sector.
The government received advice on reviving the line from health, church, community and farm groups.
