FarmersTalk Program

The FarmersTalk program is a service 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.

For more information on the FarmersTalk program, including helpful resources, visit FarmersTalk.ca        

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

What kind of problems does the program help resolve?

You can get help to deal with a wide range of problems that affect your personal well-being and work performance. These problems may include work or family pressures, job stress, alcohol or drug dependency, marital problems, children’s issues or other conflicts. The counsellors available through the FarmersTalk program have a wide range of experience in a variety of problem areas including:

• stress and anxiety
• trauma/ critical incidents
• alcohol and drug misuse
• bereavement
• couple and marital Issues
• depression
• elder care concerns
• family matters/ parenting concerns
• counselling with children and teens
• legal matters
• financial concerns
• learning disabilities
• grief counselling
• career counselling
• anger management

Is this service confidential?

Yes, your privacy is protected by strict confidentiality laws and regulations and by professional ethical standards for counsellors. The details of your discussions with the counsellor will not be released to anyone, including management, without your written consent, with the exceptions listed.*

* Certain exceptions apply when information must be provided to others, whether or not consent is given such as when a person appears to pose a threat of serious injury to themselves or others. Counsellors are also legally required to report suspicion of child abuse and to disclose information required by law.

How do I contact a counsellor?

The 1-800 number will get you in touch with a counsellor. You will then be contacted by a counsellor in order to set up an appointment. Counselling hours are flexible, therefore appointments will be made at the earliest convenience. 

Are there any costs for the service?

The program is free for those who meet the qualifications noted above.