The Farmers Friend - Telephone Helpline 

It is well known that farmers throughout Australia, indeed the world, are committing suicide and self harming at rates higher than most other professional groups. As a general rule, farmers, particularly the men, tend not to communicate openly about their concerns and how they may emotionally struggle as issues arise. This trait, coupled with (often generational) geographical isolation and a ‘proud’ tradition of independence makes them one of the most reluctant ‘at-risk’ groups to seek mental health support when they need it.

Today, in 2010, with climate change, continuing drought, increasing technological change and a rapidly appreciating Australian dollar adversely affecting exporters, Australian farmers need specialist support and information more than ever.

The proposed Farmer’s Friend – Telephone Helpline would be a specialist, national service. The Farmers Friend – Telephone Helpline would run along similar lines to the existing generalist helpline, Lifeline, but with some significant differences.

Firstly, the proposed helpline would be a peer to peer service, that is, it would be staffed by specially trained farmers and retired farmers.

Secondly, the staff would be trained in counselling and broad information and referral services that specifically relate to farming and the circumstances farmers and their families find themselves in.

A peer to peer service would more often than not provide the extra confidence vulnerable callers would need to feel comfortable with accessing the service. The dual training in counselling and information and referral services provides the opportunity for both emotional support in a crisis and practical support around specific issues as they become apparent.

The information and referral services would be broad based and would include support on how to find federal, state, local government and community services and also on linking the caller to other farming groups and business enterprises that may have relevance to the caller.

The Farmers Friend – Telephone Helpline – A friend for LIFE.