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We prevent, reduce and repair the harm of

SUBSTANCE USE +

RELATED MENTAL HEALTH

Built for, and by, BC’s trades and technical industries.

As a joint venture of the Construction Labour Relations Association of BC and the BC Building Trades, we are dedicated to serving our members who are struggling with substance use and related mental health. We do that in three key ways.

100% Private, 100% Free*

help for workers and their families

1 in 3 of us struggle with substance use. Most feel they have no one to talk to. That’s why BuildStrong by CIRP offers 100% private, 100% free* individualized, treatment plans for workers in the unionized construction, trades, and technical industries.

Informed by over four decades of life-saving work, and guided by industry veterans and clinically trained experts, we provide comprehensive, confidential, and evidence-based treatments designed to fit your schedule.

Support and treatment can include:

  • 1 on 1 Clinical Counselling
  • Bed-Based Treatment
  • Support Groups
  • Drug-Free Pain Relief Support
  • Family Support
  • Connecting you with housing, medical and financial resources
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How It Works

REACH OUT
!

Today: Contact Us
Tell us about you. We’ll schedule an intake meeting with a clinical team member.

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INTAKE
48H

Within 2 Working Days
Sit down (in person or online) with a clinical team member to learn how we can help.

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TREATMENT
7

Within 7 Working Days
Meet with a clinical team member and begin your individualized treatment plan.

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STABALIZATION
4

Within 4 Weeks
You’ll see positive changes, start to feel better and you’ll be ready to start building resiliency.

Free at point of care

help for unions and contractors

Work in the trades and technical industries long enough, and one thing becomes clear: we’re stronger together. That’s why BuildStrong by CIRP offers a variety of education and support services designed to educate, empower, and destigmatize substance use and related mental health.

Support and treatment can include:

  • Training and education sessions that fit with your schedule
  • In-depth MHSU Stewardship training for crew leaders
  • Toolbox Talk guidance to help you talk openly about MHSU
  • FREE, life-saving Naloxone kits and training
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“every single one of my therapy sessions improves my day and equips me with tools for tomorrow.”

- IBEW Member

Free at point of care

help for crew leaders

One conversation can save a life. One use of a naloxone kit can help avoid a fatal overdose. Every crew needs someone who can help guide them to the resources they need, and help them to avoid the stigma and shame often associated with mental health and substance use (MHSU).

We train crew leaders how to:

  • Have an honest, direct conversation about suicide, substance use, and related mental health
  • Identify a person in distress due to an overdose
  • Source and safely administer naloxone
  • Guide others in effective, on-the-job techniques to improve their mental health and resiliency
  • Connect people to BuildStrong resources and treatment
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“every single one of my therapy sessions improves my day and equips me with tools for tomorrow.”

- IBEW Member
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BuildStrong Resources

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Thinking of counselling? Here are 5 things to know.

Posted January 27, 2025

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3 mental health exercises you can use right now in the workplace

Posted January 27, 2025

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5 FREE* tools for trades and tech workers that save lives.

Posted January 27, 2025