In the trades, you never work alone. Mental health should be no different.
The Forge is a peer-led initiative addressing the skilled trades’ mental health crisis. By training tradespeople with lived experience as peer supporters, we foster trust, reduce stigma, and connect workers to recovery resources.
Our approach is simple: Tradespeople supporting tradespeople.
The Forge is Launching Soon
Sign up below to be the first to know when The Forge launches.
Why Peer Support?
The construction industry has the highest suicide rate of all industries in Canada:
53.2 suicides per 100,000 workers—five times higher than all other construction-related fatalities combined.
83% of workers report experiencing mental health struggles.
Substance abuse rates in the trades are nearly double the national average.
A culture of “toughing it out” prevents workers from seeking help.
The Forge seeks to change this because we recognize:
Workers trust their fellow tradespeople.
Peer support mirrors the apprenticeship model—learning from those with experience.
Lived experience creates stronger connections and real recovery opportunities.
Meet The Team Developing The FORGE
We are deeply grateful to our Advisory Committee—an exceptional group of industry professionals and community leaders—who generously share their time, insights, and expertise with us. Their guidance is instrumental as we work to develop meaningful pathways that support people at all stages of their journey. With their support, we’re building a responsive, inclusive, and effective program that reflects the real needs of the people we serve.
Thank you to Shawn Underhill, James Boseley, Jodie Bittner, Billy MacDonald, Mike Collisson, Paul Taverner and the entire advisory committee.
Jenny Nadeau
Trevor Botkin
Let's Talk
Contact The FORGE team!
We are planning to launch The FORGE later this year. In the meantime, we’re here if you have a question or just want to chat!
