Karminder Singh
I am a dedicated trades professional, community volunteer, and advocate shaped by my lived experience as an immigrant in Canada. I came to Canada as an international student in 2018 and later obtained permanent residency, which gave me firsthand insight into how different immigration statuses can impact people’s wellbeing, stability, and access to opportunities. I hold an Associate of Science degree from Kwantlen Polytechnic University and have worked in a variety of jobs, building a strong work ethic and diverse skill set. Currently, I am pursuing a career in the skilled trades as a plumbing apprentice at BCIT, where I am gaining hands-on experience and developing practical expertise. Alongside my professional journey, I am deeply committed to giving back to the community. As a volunteer, I strive to support and uplift individuals from underserved and marginalized backgrounds.
Trades Wellness Project: Preventing Overdose and Promoting Recovery Among People Working in the Trades
Trades Wellness Project: Preventing Overdose and Promoting Recovery supports South Asian trades workers by providing culturally responsive, bilingual (English and Punjabi) education on mental health, substance use, and overdose prevention. Through interactive workshops, naloxone training, and peer-led discussions featuring lived experience, the project reduces stigma, builds practical skills, and connects participants to local resources, empowering workers to improve wellbeing, strengthen community connections, and support long-term recovery.
https://www.instagram.com/teamsouda/About this Project
Communities Served
My project will involve and/or impact the following communities:
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
When it comes to community impact projects, the UN has created 17 Sustainable Development Goals. These are the Sustainable Development Goals associated with my project.
How the project works
The project delivers four interactive workshops (April–August) for trades workers, covering mental health, substance use, and overdose response. Activities include naloxone training, peer-led panels with lived experience, and resource navigation. Participants gain practical skills, build community connections, and are supported in adopting healthier habits and accessing local services.
Project Impact
The project will increase mental health awareness, reduce stigma around substance use, and equip trades workers with life-saving overdose response skills. Participants will gain confidence in supporting themselves and others, access local resources, and build stronger community connections, promoting long-term wellbeing, safer workplaces, and pathways to recovery within the South Asian trades community.
Project Mission
The project’s mission is to improve the wellbeing of South Asian trades workers through culturally responsive, bilingual education on mental health, substance use, and overdose prevention. Its goals are to reduce stigma, build practical skills through training and peer engagement, and connect participants to local supports, empowering healthier lifestyles and long-term recovery.
Project Team
SOUDA-led team with health professionals and peers with lived experience supporting trades workers
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