What is it:
The Farmers Counselling Program is a free and confidential service, funded by FarmersTalk, that provides confidential, professional counselling services to farmers, farm employees and their families. The program recognizes that some problems can affect home life and work performance. When this happens, help may be required in resolving these problems through the assistance of a trained professional counsellor. These counsellors are trained to provide short term counselling or refer you to other professional services and resources in the community.
How do I get help:
Confidential service is available 24 hours a day by calling a counselling coordinator: 902-894-8006 or toll-free 1-800-736-8006.
How does it work:
When you call the numbers listed above, you will talk with one of the program's professional counsellors. At that time, you can share a bit about what is bothering you. From there, you will establish a date and time to meet face-to-face for a counselling session.
Your counselling session will be held at a private, independent office in Summerside or Charlottetown, not connected with the PEI Federation of Agriculture, the National Farmers Union or the Department of Agriculture.
What can I talk about with the counsellors:
- Stress, anxiety and depression
- Farm transition issues
- Family farm partnership strain
- Trauma and critical incidents
- Addictions
- Bereavement and grief counselling
- Couple and marital counselling
- Elder care concerns
- Health concerns: chronic and terminal illness
- Parenting issues and concerns
- Legal issues
- Learning disabilities
- Injury
- Gender issues / sexuality
- Job conflict and pressures
- Career counselling
- Anger management
Is it confidential:
Yes.
Who qualifies:
Farmers who are members of the PEI Federation of Agriculture or National Farmers Union
Immediate family members of farmers who are members of the PEI Federation of Agriculture or National Farmers Union
Farm workers/farm employees of farmers who are members of the PEI Federation of Agriculture or National Farmers Union
How much does it cost:
There is no cost for the service for farmers, immediate family members and farm workers who qualify. You can access this service for up to six sessions.