Efforts to get the word out about the Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program have been paying off.
“Since New Year’s, we’ve seen a significant jump in people availing themselves of the program,” says program chief administrative officer Gerry Friesen.
The program launched in March 2022 as Manitoba’s only free, one-on-one counselling service for farm families. In its first year, it focused on fund-raising and publicizing the program. Friesen says success in both areas can be attributed to the outreach done by program organizers.
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“The reason we’ve seen that jump in numbers is because we’ve been able to get out there,” says Friesen. “We were at Ag Days, we were at the Keystone Agricultural Producers AGM, we were at Crop Connect. We’re able to get out there and talk to folks and really throw the challenge out there.”
The “challenge” Friesen talks about is the message that even those who don’t need the service should tell others about it.
“If you don’t need the program, that’s fine; good for you,” says Friesen. “But we’re sure you have friends, family and neighbours that could please help us spread the word.”
The program allows farmers and their immediate family members to access six free, confidential, one-on-one (one-hour) counselling sessions with a registered counsellor who has a background in agriculture. The counselling is funded by the program.
Chair Marcel Hacault says last year’s launch was exciting.
“On March 1, 2022, we launched our confidential, no-cost counselling services to support the mental health and wellness of Manitoba farm families.”
As the program celebrates its first anniversary, the roots of the organization can be traced to a 2016 University of Guelph survey. It determined that Canadian farmers had significantly higher levels of chronic stress, depression, anxiety and burnout than the general population.
That study was expanded in 2021, revealing that one in four farmers admitted to contemplating suicide.
The two studies were a clarion call to the industry that something had to be done. It spurred the creation of several programs across the country, including the Manitoba’s farmer wellness initiative.
“We saw a need and with overwhelming support from the industry, we are excited to announce we are continuing this service in Manitoba,” says Hacault. “We are thankful for the growing community of sponsors and supporters that see value in the program, and we are in a great position for the future.”
The board is going through a strategic planning exercise to define the future direction of the program. Part of that exercise is establishing the sustainability of the program, not just financially but also from an awareness and promotion perspective.
“What we learned in our first year is that the program works, is valued by those who use it, and it should be continued. This year we would like to raise funds to support 160 Manitoba farm families, and our focus will be on increasing awareness about the program with industry, farmers and health care professionals,” says vice-chair Roberta Galbraith.
The results of the program can be summed up in this unsolicited, anonymous testimonial: “A true highlight of the 2022 growing season for me was finding out about and using the counselling services provided by MFWP. Not only was it encouraging to hear that such a program exists, but my sessions with Kim provided me with valuable perspective and insight into how my own mental health is connected to the health of my farm.
“I better understand now that tending to my own self and my own mental health is equally as important as tending to the fields. These lessons are benefiting me immensely.”
Counselling services are available during the day, evenings or on weekends to accommodate farmers’ schedules and can be in person, by telephone or via video chat, depending on preference. Those interested in booking an appointment with a counsellor, making a donation or learning more about the program can visit ManitobaFarmerWellness.ca.
