GUELPH — A “very significant” number of calls to the Farmer Wellness helpline are being made in the wee hours, after midnight and before 6 a.m., according to the Ontario Federation of Agriculture. More precise figures on those reaching out to the free service are not currently available.
The Farmer Wellness Initiative went live in January to address a mental health crisis in the province’s agricultural community. Trained counsellors with service provider Lifeworks handle the calls from farmers and their families (24-7) at 1-866-267-6255.