First-Line Psychosocial Services
Au cœur des familles agricoles is an organization that serves nine regions with a team composed of fourteen farm outreach workers. These workers can essentially be described as counselling workers who provide farmers with first-line psychosocial assistance. Their aid is confidential and free of charge.
I had the chance to speak with farm service worker Audrée Bourdages over the phone, who summarized the service as follows: “It’s a very human approach. There’s no pre-established formula. We discuss with the person and fully adapt to their needs.” She goes on to say, “We’re mainly here to listen.”
What to Expect From the Initial Contact?
“When people call us, we take the time to speak with them so we can understand what’s going on. We ask about their operations and become acquainted with them,” Audrée explains.
She mentioned that her team always listens to people’s wishes and adapts to their schedules. As different spheres of their lives often overlap, farmers can choose from individual, couple or family counselling.
“We can meet the person on the farm or elsewhere. We also provide support over the phone and online to allow more flexibility,” she adds. The organization can also arrange stays in a respite centre for those who need to take a step back from their farmstead.
Farmers face the same challenges as any other citizen—in addition to those typical to the field. That’s a lot to put on a single pair of shoulders.
If you need help, it’s essential that you seek it out.
To contact a farm outreach worker from Monday to Friday, between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.: 450 768 6995 Info-Social help line (health system support workers): **811, option 2 ** Suicide hotline: **1 866 277-3553 **