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The two-year pilot program will start in Windsor-Essex early next year before expanding to Brant-Haldimand-Norfolk. It will provide recreational activities, primary care, counselling support groups and in-person workshops.
"These workers are away from their families for long periods of time and that can lead to stress and feelings of isolation," Lynn Hinds, executive director of Canadian Mental Health Association, Brant Haldimand Norfolk branch, said. "This program aims to give them coping mechanisms and support they need to stay healthy."
Hinds said many of the international workers face language barriers which contributes to loneliness and and homesickness.
Resources and support will be available in Spanish, French and English in Year 1 and include Tagalog - a language spoken by the Tagalog people of the Philippines. The program is being delivered in Essex-Windsor and Brant-Haldimand-Norfolk because those areas have the highest number of international agricultural workers annually.