Foundry Support Available for Schools

Mental health & substance use prevention and early intervention programming

Foundry is committed to continuing the important work of supporting 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, an evidence-based initiative developed by Dr. Patricia Conrod, Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Montreal, to schools across BC. 

What is the PreVenture Program?

The PreVenture Program is a 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 skills to help them cope with common challenges such as stress, peer pressure, interpersonal conflict and identity development. 

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%, as well as reducing anxiety and depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation among youth. 
• Delivered in just two short workshops, the PreVenture Program delivers maximum impact with minimal time commitment from students. 
• 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.
• Schools across BC have been successfully implementing the PreVenture Program with the support of Foundry for the past two years.

How does Foundry support schools with PreVenture Program implementation?

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.

Please note that Interior Health (IH) is supporting schools in the Interior region with PreVenture Program implementation. If you’re in the interior region, please reach out to IH directly at healthyschools@interiorhealth.ca, and they will be happy to provide further information. 

To find out more about how your school can get involved, register for an upcoming information session or reach out directly to Foundry’s team: prevention@foundrybc.ca.

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!