Two Manitoban organizations offer free support services to emphasize the critical but often overlooked mental health and wellness issues in farming communities.
“In small towns and rural areas, the close-knit nature of the community—where your neighbour might also be your healthcare provider—can create a sense of shame, isolation, and stigma around seeking care,” stated in a release.
Since 1973, Klinic has provided primary and mental health care services to Manitobans, with a strong foundation in community care. As Klinic celebrates 50 years of service, the organization proudly highlights the actions taken this year to support its vision for engaged and healthy communities. However, Klinic acknowledges the ongoing responsibility to the community and the need for continued growth to meet evolving needs with much more work.
Farmers face many stressors, including unpredictable weather, pests, market fluctuations, tariffs, and infrastructure failures. These challenges, along with personal dynamics like family relationships, work-life balance, and finances, can contribute to languishing mental health.
Richelle Reddy manages the Crisis Support Services at Klinic Community Health in Winnipeg, MB. As a registered social worker, Reddy oversees the teams responsible for Klinic’s various crisis lines, including local and provincial crisis lines and support for the national crisis line. In her role, she ensures the smooth operation of these essential services, which provide critical support to needy individuals.
Reddy and the Klinic collaborate with Gerry Friesen, CEO of the Manitoba Farm Wellness Association, to support the Manitoba Farm, Rural, and Northern Support Services line. This service offers free, confidential, and non-judgmental counselling and crisis support to individuals across Manitoba, particularly those in farm, rural, or northern communities. The counsellors provide a vital resource for people dealing with isolation, feelings of helplessness, thoughts of suicide, or grief from losing a loved one, whether due to suicide, accident, or illness.
The Manitoba Farm, Rural & Northern Support Services (Klinic) line and counselling services through the Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program (MFWP) are free, accessible, and confidential.The Klinic Community Health crisis support services are essential for individuals dealing with grief, crises, or emotional struggles. These services are anonymous and confidential, available 24/7, and offer a safe space for people to talk when they don’t want their identity known. The counselling team can also help connect individuals to additional local or adjacent resources for ongoing support. Reddy highlighted that the service is not limited to a single call—people are welcome to reach out as many times as needed, ensuring continuous support access.
Individuals can reach out at any time, whether it’s 2 a.m. on a Saturday or 8 p.m. on a Thursday, to continue important conversations.
“These services offer a safe and empathetic space, free from judgment, where people can open up without the concerns of sharing personal struggles with friends or family,” she said.
This anonymity allows individuals to maintain privacy while receiving the support they need during difficult times.
Reddy expressed her gratitude rather than feeling overwhelmed by the state of mental health services. While there are gaps in resources across many communities, the dedication of her team of counsellors and volunteers makes a significant difference.
“I’m happy for the opportunity to provide the support that might be lacking elsewhere, highlighting the sense of fulfillment that comes from offering services to those who might not feel safe or comfortable accessing other resources.”
Reddy shared that while the service remains anonymous and confidential, success stories emerge when people call back to express gratitude. Some callers return to say how a conversation helped them work through personal struggles and make positive changes in their lives.
“Receiving these compliments is a significant celebration for the entire team.” She makes sure to pass on the praise to the counsellors and volunteers who provide direct care, as it reinforces the meaningful impact of their work.
Sometimes, it’s as simple as someone reaching out for the first time, which can be a huge step toward getting help. Other successes come when a caller begins feeling hopeless but ends the conversation with a plan to seek support or talk to a loved one.
“Even deciding to live another day and move forward in small steps is a significant success. Though sometimes unseen, these moments are powerful indicators of the service’s impact.”
Reaching out for support can be overwhelming, scary, and nerve-wracking, but it’s okay if it takes time to feel comfortable. It’s normal to feel uneasy, and trained counsellors are there to meet people wherever they are. If someone isn’t ready to share deeply, they are welcome to call just to talk, even about everyday topics like the weather or sports. “They can sit with you in the silence,” Reddy said. “It’s about creating a space where callers can gradually find comfort.”•
— By Harry Siemens