Blacksmithing for mental health
Forging Ahead Inc.
Forging Ahead Inc. is dedicated to helping veterans and first responders with operational stress injuries manage and cope with their emotions through the use of artistic blacksmithing and metalworking.
As a not-for-profit charity, our work helping people with mental health issues is supported by your generous donations.
We sincerely appreciate any donations of any amount. Every dollar counts. Thanks!
Building our dream
Improving veterans' mental health
We are proud to be the first registered charity to use blacksmithing as a form of art therapy for individuals with PTSD or OSI. Our approach is tailored to meet the individual needs of each participant, and our professional instructors are trained to provide support and guidance throughout the process.
1/5th
Canadian Veterans experience a diagnosed mental health disorder at some time during their lives– the most common are depression, PTSD and anxiety disorders.
24%
Veterans released from service between 1998 and 2007, reported they had a diagnosed mental health condition such as PTSD, depression or anxiety.
48% / 38%
Female / male veterans who became veterans since 2002 reported symptoms consistent with at least one anxiety disorder at some point between 2002 and 2018.
44%
Veterans who experienced symptoms consistent with a mental disorder were less likely to participate in the labour market.
Our Classes
Basic Blacksmithing
Four hour intro to blacksmithing, where you will learn a series of key blacksmithing techniques and the foundations of practical skills for making decorative ironwork. This will be the prerequisite for any other classes.
Basic Garden Hooks Crafting
The purpose of this class is to build upon the foundational blacksmithing skills learned in the prerequisite basic blacksmithing class. By applying the techniques of drawing out, upsetting, forming, punching, twisting, splitting, and using various bending methods, students will create their own custom basic garden hooks.
Fire Poker Crafting
The purpose of this class is to build upon the foundational blacksmithing skills learned in the prerequisite basic blacksmithing class. By applying the techniques of drawing out, upsetting, forming, punching, twisting, splitting, and forge welding, students will create their own custom fire poker.
Outdoor Drink Holder Crafting
The purpose of this class is to build upon the foundational blacksmithing skills learned in the prerequisite basic blacksmithing class. By applying the techniques of drawing out, upsetting, forming, punching, twisting, splitting, and forge welding, students will create their own custom outdoor drink holder.
Learn more about our classes
Committed To Keep People Healthy & Safe
About our classes
Each class is held once per week or by appointment. No one will be allowed to work in unsafe attire.
- Four people per class
- We supply eye and ear protection
- You bring: safety shoes/boots, cotton/wool clothing, gloves, hat (optional)
- Don't forget snacks and/or beverages
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