Launched in late November, the line was spearheaded by the Ontario Farm Women s Network in response to the many ongoing stresses today s farm families face, particularly with low prices, as well as the trauma caused by ice storm of 1998. The line provides confidential counselling and referral services by qualified professionals. The project was officially announced at the OFA Convention by former OFWN president Susan Klein-Swormink. Farm Line services include personal, financial and career counselling, as well as counselling for couples and families.
Help is also available in the event of a serious accident or other traumatic events.
She explains that all the counsellors involved in the project have strong clinical and farm backgrounds. To date, she reports that the program is receiving very positive feedback from the farming community. There is no time limit on Farm Line counselling, but if individuals require referrals to other professionals, they will have to pay for those services. Koekkoek explains that Farm Line staff is developing a comprehensive directory of professionals across the province for referrals. She points out that Farm line is modeled on a similar help line that has been available to Saskatchewan farmers for almost a decade.