The Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program has only been around for two months, but they're already seeing an uptick in users according to Chief Administrative Officer Gerry Friesen.

The uptake was a little slow, we opened our doors on March first, but there is now regular uptake on the program. We know that, and I know from my personal experience, you have to get a level of comfort with something new that is being offered.

The program offers farmers and their families 6 free sessions per person, with specialized counselors, so they can focus on getting the help they need, without worrying about the cost.

We all know that there's stress and certainly some mental wellness issues in agriculture... There was a gap, we believe, in what was provided for farmers. We had stress lines which are excellent, but this provides something a little further than that and provides for a little bit longer-term help and support for farmers and their families.

You can get into contact with the program on their website here.