Expanding Mental Health Supports for Young People in British Columbia

Strategic Insights -

The Government of British Columbia is investing in a program that aims to provide young people with the tools they need to manage stress, build resilience, and prevent early substance use and mental health challenges. The PreVenture program, an evidence-based initiative, has expanded to more than 80 schools in over 20 school districts, offering comprehensive support to students aged 12-18. The program helps students develop skills to navigate common challenges, such as peer pressure, identity development, and interpersonal conflict, which are key factors in preventing early drug and substance use and mental health challenges.

Key Takeaways:

  • The PreVenture program is an evidence-based initiative that helps students develop skills to navigate common challenges, such as peer pressure, identity development, and interpersonal conflict.
  • The program has expanded to more than 80 schools in over 20 school districts, with partnerships with districts and regional health authorities.
  • The Government of British Columbia is investing $2 million annually in the program, providing schools with comprehensive support, including training for school staff, coaching, and implementation resources.
  • The program is available at no direct cost to schools and is provided by the Foundry team, which also offers coaching and implementation resources.
  • The PreVenture program aims to give young people the tools to manage stress, deal with peer pressure, and look after their mental health, reinforcing the government's commitment to keeping kids safe and supported.
  • Jodie Wickens, Minister of Children and Family Development, stated that mental health challenges have become increasingly complicated for young people today, and without support, they can have a lasting impact on their lives.
  • The program is part of the government's work to build a full continuum of mental health and substance-use care that works for everyone.

Statistics:

  • The PreVenture program has expanded to over 80 schools in more than 20 school districts as of 2023.
  • The program provides comprehensive support, including training for school staff, coaching, and implementation resources, at no direct cost to schools.
  • The Government of British Columbia is investing $2 million annually in the program.
  • The program is available to students aged 12-18.

Sources:

  • The Government of British Columbia, "More young people will soon have better access to the tools they need to manage stress, build resilience and prevent early substance use and mental-health challenges with the expansion of drug- and substance-use prevention supports." News Release, [no date].
  • Josie Osborne, Minister of Health, in The Government of British Columbia, "More young people will soon have better access to the tools they need to manage stress, build resilience and prevent early substance use and mental-health challenges with the expansion of drug- and substance-use prevention supports." News Release, [no date].
  • Lisa Beare, Minister of Education and Child Care, in The Government of British Columbia, "More young people will soon have better access to the tools they need to manage stress, build resilience and prevent early substance use and mental-health challenges with the expansion of drug- and substance-use prevention supports." News Release, [no date].
  • Jodie Wickens, Minister of Children and Family Development, in The Government of British Columbia, "More young people will soon have better access to the tools they need to manage stress, build resilience and prevent early substance use and mental-health challenges with the expansion of drug- and substance-use prevention supports." News Release, [no date].
  • Foundry, [no date], "PreVenture Program", accessed [no date].