Agricultural insurer WFI Insurance and wellbeing platform Sonder have teamed up to support mental health among farmers facing compounding climate events, geopolitical challenges and rising costs.

Under the program, eligible WFI clients and their families can access mental health and safety support through a private, app-based service.

Wellbeing guidance, confidential self-assessments, counselling and psychology support, and location-based alerts for severe weather, floods and fires are supplemented by 24/7 phone support.

WFI says the mental health statistics for people in rural settings are “staggering”.

According to the new University of Canberra Regional Wellbeing Survey, only 14.7% of farmers reported good access to mental health services, compared with 36.6% of Australians overall.

Over the past five years, 60% of farmers have been hit by two or more major natural hazards.

WFI EGM Damien Gallagher says the insurer recognises an urgent need to address mental health among farmers and their families.

“Farmers are the backbone of Australia and are essential to the ongoing viability of our country. Many operate within a continuous risk environment, where compounding events can place enormous strain on their mental wellbeing,” he said.

Sonder COO Rob Deeming says farmers face unique pressures and “we know that early access to support can make a meaningful difference, which is why we’re proud to partner with WFI to offer farming communities 24/7 access to mental health and safety support.”