Helping Hand Program
The IUPAT Helping Hand Program is a confidential support initiative that has been created to help IUPAT members and their families deal with mental health challenges, substance use issues, and personal or emotional struggles. Built on care and team spirit, the Helping Hand Program makes sure you know where to turn for trusted support, whether you’re on the job or at home.
No member should have to face life’s challenges alone.
mHealth: 1-844-900-8357
Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call or text 988
De Novo Treatment Centre: 1-800-933-6686
Through the benefits plan, eligible Canadian IUPAT members have access to a range of mental health and wellness supports, including:
In particular, the benefits plan offers a wide range of services to support your mental health:
Connect with qualified mental health professionals for confidential, personalized support tailored to your needs.
Access virtual personalized guidance & treatment plans for mental health issues, accessible anytime for members and families.
Receive 6 video therapy sessions with a licensed therapist, offering flexibility and privacy from the comfort of your home.
Get comprehensive treatment with therapy, support, and a mobile app to track your mental wellness goals.
For more details, refer to the PDF outlining all available mental health benefits.
Your coverage and eligibility can change depending on your specific benefits plan. Members are encouraged to review their plan details or speak with their Union representative to better understand what support is available to them.
Accessing support is confidential and straightforward:
You can rest assured that all requests for assistance are handled with care, discretion, and respect.
To provide compassionate, confidential help and access to resources that support the mental, emotional, and overall well-being of our IUPAT members and their families.
A healthy, resilient membership where seeking help is encouraged, stigma is reduced, and every member feels supported by their union community.
The Helping Hand Program is part of a broader initiative supported by the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades. While the program exists across the organization, resources and supports are made to meet the needs of our Canadian members.
“Helping Hand is a great example of what we can do when we work together and take care of our fellow members and their families. It's a matter of life and death, and I’d venture to guess that these issues affect EVERY member of the IUPAT. We are breaking through the barriers to remove stigma and ignorance. I encourage anyone in need of assistance to contact their District Council Helping Hand Champion or someone they trust. It starts with a conversation and leads to recovery and a new life!”
A career in the trades can be physically demanding and mentally challenging. When you combine that with personal stress, injury, financial pressures, or life changes, all of these demands can take a toll on your well-being.
The Helping Hand Program has been created to:
Remember that reaching out is a sign of strength and the union is here to help.
The program is available to:
Support is available whether you are looking for help for yourself or trying to find guidance on how to support someone close to you.
If you or someone you care about needs immediate or specialized support, the following Canadian resources are available:
mHealth: 1-844-900-8357
De Novo Treatment Centre (Addiction Support): 1-800-933-6686
You can contact your Union representative or call the centre directly for assistance.
Suicide Crisis Helpline (Canada): Call or text 988
Anyone experiencing mental health distress, substance-use-related challenges, or thoughts of suicide, or anyone supporting a loved one in crisis, can call or text 988 to connect with a trained counselor providing compassionate, confidential support, 24/7.
Alcoholics Anonymous: 1-877-404-5591
Narcotics Anonymous: 1-888-811-3887
Cocaine Anonymous: 1-866-622-4636
Community Crisis Response Service: 1-855-310-2673
Explore our blog posts for helpful tips and tools to support your mental health journey in the trades.
