Comprehensive Training: Understanding Mental Health and Substance Use in the Trades
About SafeLink Alberta Comprehensive Training
SafeLink Alberta provides in-person, certificate-awarding training on topics related to sexual health and substance use for service providers in Calgary. Each course is tailored to your organization’s needs and emphasizes practical application, cultural competency, and advanced strategies. Participants learn through scenario-based practice, peer collaboration, and lived-experience speakers. Sessions cost $250–$750 and accommodate up to 30 participants.
Understanding Mental Health and Substance Use in the Trades
Length: 3 Hours | Cost: $750
The Trades represents one of the largest industries in North America. In Canada, people in the trades are disproportionately impacted by the consequences associated with poor mental health and substance use.
Within the participatory action approach, we conducted an environmental scan using semi-structured qualitative interviews with people in trades, post-secondary institutions, and several other industry professionals. Using the results of our research, we developed this workshop with the focus of providing participants with a more robust understanding of the factors contributing to the increased risks of developing mental health and substance use related issues in the trades while expanding participant's skills in supporting themselves and their coworkers and developing coping skills to improve their mental health.
This workshop is recommended for everyone in the Trades industry from General Manager to Administrative Coordinator, Project Manager to Field Technician, Mental Health and Substance use issues can affect everyone, and it is something that we should all be informed about.
Beyond Abstinence: Understanding 6 Pitfalls of an Abstinence-Only Approach
Substance use disorders are a complex and multifaceted public health issue affecting millions globally. In response to this growing crisis, two primary models have emerged in addressing substance use: the abstinence-only model and harm reduction. While abstinence-only approaches have been dominant for decades, increasing evidence shows that this model alone falls short in addressing the needs of diverse populations struggling with substance use. However, harm reduction is not opposed to recovery—it offers a more holistic and practical approach that can work alongside abstinence, supporting individuals at every stage of their journey.
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Learn How to Support People Who Use Substances
Through extensive consultation and our own implementation journey, SafeLink Alberta crafted a practical guide that combines literature with real-life experiences to provide information, actionable ideas, and lessons learned. Whether you're a frontline worker or an organization seeking to improve your approach, our Best Practices for Supporting People Who Use Substances toolkit offers insights and strategies to support you in identifying and overcoming barriers to care for people who use substances.