Making Safety Simpler

BCCSA

Transforming Lived Experience into Workplace Leadership

If you are a construction worker who has lived or learned experience in recovery, or a strong interest in supporting coworkers facing recovery-related challenges, your experience and perspective can make a meaningful difference. With the support of your employer, BCCSA's PSRN training transforms your experience into a valuable leadership skill that benefits your crew and the entire industry.

The PSRN Difference: Giving Back with Confidence

The one-day PSRN training session, sponsored by the BCCSA and led by Dr. Farnan, empowers you to be an effective, ethical, and helpful resource without taking on the responsibilities of a professional counsellor. The PSRN model is grounded in trust and confidentiality. As a PSRN, you are there to listen, connect, and navigate — never to judge or provide treatment. You are a confidential go-to person, a colleague who has walked the same path.

Apply for a PSRN Development Day

Start your application by creating a BCCSA account or logging into an existing account. Once logged in, you will be able to apply for the program and choose a preferred training date.


Upcoming Training Dates

Date: September 16, 2026

Venue: Delta Hotels Grand Okanagan Resort (Selkirk Room)
Address: 1310 Water Street, Kelowna, BC

Date: October 8, 2026

Venue: Coquitlam (Executive Plaza Inn)
Address: 405 North Road #1, Coquitlam, BC

Date: November 5, 2026

Venue: Coquitlam (Executive Plaza Inn)
Address: 405 North Road #1, Coquitlam, BC

Date: December 3, 2026

Venue: Coquitlam (Executive Plaza Inn)
Address: 405 North Road #1, Coquitlam, BC


Who Makes a Great PSRN?

Trusted and respected workers who are reliable, discreet, comfortable having honest conversations, and committed to creating safer, healthier workplaces. Lived experience is valued but not required.

We are accepting applications from individuals who have lived or learned experience and an interest in recovery with the following attributes:

  • Appreciates the organizational importance of safety and relationships to productivity.
  • Are respected and trusted by coworkers.
  • Are not in active addiction or early/unstable recovery.
  • Shows emotional steadiness, discretion, and good judgment.
  • Do not exhibit rescuing, enabling, or codependent patterns.
  • Can respect confidentiality and professional boundaries.
  • Are genuinely interested in supporting safety and a positive recovery culture at work.
Opportunity How You Can Make a Difference
Be a Trusted Guide Provide confidential, non-judgmental support to co-workers navigating their recovery, and offer the authenticity and understanding that only a peer who "gets it" can provide.
Offer Specialized Skills, with Clear Boundaries Receive professional training in essential areas such as active listening, ethical conduct, recovery-informed communication, and crisis recognition. You will learn to set healthy boundaries and understand that your role is to navigate, not to treat. You are not expected to become a counsellor or therapist.
Contribute to Team Safety Play a critical, proactive role in building a safer work environment where every worker feels supported and valued.
Join a Community of Practice Connect with other PSRNs across the sector through a new BCCSA-led Community of Practice that offers ongoing support and mentorship after your initial training.

More Than a Training Day

PSRN isn't your average training course. The program is designed to help respected workers become confident peer supporters and recovery champions within their workplaces.

Here's what you'll learn:

  • What peer support is — and isn't.
  • What substance use problems look like in the workplace.
  • How to listen without judgement and offer support while setting healthy boundaries, and without trying to "fix" the situation.
  • How to guide your coworker to resources available within your workplace and in the community.
  • The impact existing workplace cultures and the culture of the broader BC construction sector have on recovery, and how to contribute to building a more recovery-inclusive workplace.
What You'll Receive
  • An opportunity to meet others who share your values and to learn in a respectful, no-pressure environment.
  • A workbook and resource guide.
  • Meals and snacks during the Development Day.
  • Certificate of Completion.
  • An invitation to our Community of Practice follow-up sessions over twelve months with other PSRNs.

What Happens After You Apply?
  1. Apply for a PSRN Development Day.
  2. BCCSA reviews your application.
  3. Your employer's support for the program is confirmed.
  4. Dr. Paul Farnan contacts you to schedule an interview.
  5. Your enrollment is finalized, and training details are provided.
  6. Complete the one-day PSRN Development Day.
  7. Receive your certificate, program resources, and access to the PSRN Community of Practice.

Important: Applying for a PSRN Development Day does not guarantee placement in a specific session.


If you, or someone you know, needs help
  • 9-1-1: for help right away – Fire, Police, and/or Ambulance or go to your local emergency medical centre.
  • Suicide Crisis Helplines: Text or call 9-8-8 from anywhere in Canada or call 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) in BC, both available 24/7.
  • Mental Health Support Line: For immediate mental health support or referral, call 310-6789 (no area code) 24 hours a day.
  • First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line: KUU-US Crisis Line. A 24/7, culturally competent crisis line for First Nations and Inuit peoples. Phone: 1-855-242-3310.
  • CRCL: Crisis Response Community Led: CRCL, pronounced 'circle' and formerly known as Peer Assisted Care Teams (PACT) is a mobile, community-led service that provides mental health support to people 13 years and older who are experiencing a mental health crisis. CRCL is available in North Vancouver, Victoria, New Westminster, Prince George, Comox Valley, and is coming soon to Kamloops. Learn more at CRCL.ca
  • HealthLink BC (811): 24 hour health support and navigation