REGINA — As of April 1, SaskAgMatters Mental Health Network Inc. will manage the Farm Stress Line as part of a coordinated mental health support system for Saskatchewan producers, their family members and their employees. The new partnership offers 24/7 confidential access to crisis line counsellors trained in agriculture, as well as follow-up counselling sessions with Saskatchewan-based registered mental health professionals with backgrounds in agriculture.
The Government of Saskatchewan and Government of Canada are providing $200,000 per year for the next two years for the Farm Stress Line and counselling services through the Sustainable Canadian Agriculture Partnership (Sustainable CAP).
The Farm Stress Line toll-free number – 1-800-667-4442 – will stay the same. Producers can call about anything affecting their wellbeing, including financial stress, family pressures, anxiety, depression, burnout or concern for someone else.
SaskAgMatters is a Saskatchewan-based organization of producers and mental health professionals. The organization is enhancing its local counselling services through a partnership with the Canadian Centre for Agricultural Wellbeing to provide crisis support services from counsellors with agricultural training through the National Farmer Crisis Line.
"SaskAgMatters was founded to break down the barriers that Saskatchewan farm families face when trying to get help," SaskAgMatters board chair and co-founder Cynthia Beck said. "We have removed the time and stress involved in finding a mental health professional and cover the financial cost of these services. Our counsellors offer flexible appointment times and will meet by telephone or virtually."
"Through our research, we listened to Saskatchewan farmers and ranchers," Associate Professor, College of Nursing, University of Saskatchewan, and co-founder of SaskAgMatters Dr. Michelle Pavloff said. "Their experiences guided this new approach to mental health support, including a refreshed Farm Stress Line and access to therapy provided by those who understand agriculture, either through lived experience or training. This work was built with producers, and we are proud to be advancing farmer mental health in Saskatchewan."
Sustainable CAP is a five-year, $3.5 billion investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of Canada's agriculture, agri-food, and agri-based products sector. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities, and a $2.5 billion commitment that is cost-shared 60 per cent federally and 40 per cent provincially for programs that are designed and delivered by provinces and territories.
“Farmers withstand unique demands and challenges that affect not only their physical health, but also mental wellbeing,” Federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Heath MacDonald said. “This partnership ensures that when members of our agricultural community reach out, they are connected with a mental health professional who truly understands their reality.”
"People working in agriculture face stressful work conditions affecting their livelihood and wellbeing," Agriculture Minister David Marit said. "They need support from mental health professionals who understand the industry and who will ensure confidentiality for those who reach out. The Farm Stress Line has a proud history of supporting the agricultural community, and these improved services will help protect the health of people working in the sector."
