Foundry Support Available for Schools

Mental health & substance use prevention and early intervention programming

Foundry is committed to continuing the important work of expanding mental health and substance use prevention and early intervention initiatives. As part of this work, Foundry is expanding their implementation support for the PreVenture® Program with schools across BC.

What is the PreVenture Program?

• The PreVenture Program is an evidence-based prevention program that uses brief, personality-focused workshops to promote mental health and delay and reduce substance use among youth. The program aims to equip youth in grades 7-9 with self-efficacy and cognitive behavioral skills to help them cope with common challenges such as stress, peer pressure, interpersonal conflict and identity development, while preventing the early initiation of substance use.   
• The PreVenture Program consists of two workshops delivered to eligible students by trained school staff.  

The PreVenture Program is one the many initiatives Foundry is leading to support prevention and early intervention models of mental health & substance use services for youth ages 12-24. 

Why the PreVenture Program? 

• The PreVenture Program has proven effective in delaying the initiation of substance use and reducing its use by up to 80%, findings which have been sustained seven years post-intervention. The Program has also been shown to reduce symptoms associated with anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation among youth. 
• Delivered in just two short workshops, the PreVenture Program delivers maximum impact with minimal disruption to the existing school curriculum.
• The workshops consist of a variety of exercises that encourage youth to develop adaptive coping-skills, set long-term goals, and channel their personality towards achieving those goals. 
• The PreVenture Program aligns with the five core competencies of Social-Emotional Learning: Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Social Awareness, Relationship Skills, and Responsible Decision-making.
• Schools across BC have been successfully implementing the PreVenture Program with the support of Foundry for the past two years. Foundry is expanding their support in the implementation of the PreVenture Program with schools across BC.

How does Foundry support schools with the PreVenture Program?

• Foundry provides schools with comprehensive support, including training for school staff, access to ongoing coaching and implementation resources, and covers all program participation costs to enhance success and sustainability. 
• Foundry’s support with the PreVenture Program is a great way for young people to become aware of Foundry’s services available to them in British Columbia, either in their community or online, through the Foundry BC app, supporting access to care earlier and when needed. 

To find out more about how your school can get involved, reach out directly to Foundry’s team: prevention@foundrybc.ca. 

To find out more about the PreVenture Program, please visit preventureprogram.com/

What is Foundry BC?

Foundry offers free and confidential mental health care, substance use supports, physical and sexual healthcare, youth and family peer support and employment and education services for BC youth aged 12-24 – no referrals or assessments required – both in-person at a local centre or virtually, through Foundry Virtual BC.

Connect with a Foundry centre near you!

There are multiple Foundry centres across the province, offering free access to multiple service in one location. Connect with a Foundry centre near you to learn more!