Tuesday, October 10, 2023

Feds, Ont. put $8 million into mental wellness

The federal and Ontario government are putting $8 million into mental wellness initiatives for farmers and their families.

It is for the Guardian Network and the In the Know program delivered by the Ontario division of the Canadian Mental Health Association. 


A new promotional initiative called the Sowing the Seeds of Wellness Initiative will make promotional materials available to eligible general farm and commodity organizations for use and display at member events. 


Funding will also be available over the next two years so organizations can produce customized materials, engage speakers, and/or develop other promotional activities that will provide farmers and their families with mental health-related information. 


“Our farmers and their families face unique challenges, often due to forces that are beyond their control. This can have a severe impact on their mental health, and we will continue to invest in targeted initiatives to support them,” said federal Agriculture Minnister Lawrence MacAulay, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. 


“By increasing awareness of the resources that are available, we can provide crucial support to our farming communities when they need it most,” he said.


Ontario Agriculture Minister Lisa Thompson said “a life in agriculture is incredibly rewarding and fulfilling, but it also comes with unique stressors and challenges,.This investment will ensure the right resources are in place to support Ontario’s hardworking agriculture community when and where they need it.”