An initiative to support the health and wellbeing of dairy farmers has launched in the south-west.
The free and confidential counselling service will give those in the dairy community, feeling the pinch of tight times, the opportunity to “just chat”.
South West Healthcare social worker Helen Chapman said farmers or their families in need of support were welcome to access the service.
Ms Chapman said the Dairy Community Support program was aimed at the entire farming community and anyone who had been affected by recent reduction in milk prices.
“So many in the community can be affected by stressful times like we currently have,” she said.
“Anyone who might work on farms or work for a company, or the vets or has a connection to the industry can be experiencing stress when times are tough.”
Ms Chapman was recently appointed to one of three new positions, funded by the state government, to provide social and counselling services to people living in the Moyne, Glenelg, Warrnambool and Southern Grampians shires.
Ms Chapman said she had worked in the south-west for “many years, in a variety of roles” and looked forward to her new position.
“We can go and visit people in the farming community, in their home or we can make appointments for them at services in town or we can meet in an informal setting, if they prefer,” she said.
“It’s about providing support that doesn’t necessarily have to be formal.”
Ms Chapman said farmers could often feel isolated.
“It’s about taking support to them,” she said. “And it’s not just farmers – it’s anyone.”
Ms Chapman said every question was important.
“People feel like they can’t talk to anyone but there are supports out there and we can help,” she said. “Don’t be frightened to speak up and ask for help.”
Ann-Marie Byrne was also appointed as a counsellor through Colac Area Health and will “cover the eastern half of the region”, from Corangamite through to the Surf Coast and the Otway shire.
“Between us we cover the whole region,” Ms Chapman said.
People can phone Ann-Marie Byrne on 5232 5244 and 0447 321 599 or Helen Chapman on 5564 4269 to find out more.
