As we navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on our social lives and quality of life, taking care of our mental health has become more important than ever.
And for those who struggle with their mental health, reaching out for help can seem daunting or impossible.
Did you know the Canadian Mental Health Association estimates that 44% of all British Columbians who rate their mental health as poor would be unwilling to call 911 during a mental-health crisis?
In a live press conference Monday, the province announced a $1.26-million investment through Budget 2022 that would go toward new peer-assisted care teams to support those in crisis in Victoria, New Westminster and the North Shore.
The teams, also known as PACTs, are civilian-led and support people in distress by connecting them to mental-health and substance-use supports.
Care teams will respond to calls relating to feelings of hopelessness or despair, social isolation, loneliness, fear, anxiety, thoughts of self-harm and suicide, substance use and other mental health challenges through a range of crisis counselling, de-escalation, advocating for persons in distress and connecting them to appropriate resources and services.
“Crisis situations that are met with community-based care prevent the criminalization of our communities’ most vulnerable people,” said Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions.
“These new peer-assisted care teams will support people in distress and connect them to the services they need, while freeing up valuable police resources.”
The teams will work alongside police and other responders depending on the situation, however, they will also be equipped to respond to situations without police presence.
According to a BC report, one in five interactions with police in the province involve someone with a mental-health disorder.
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“The current police-only response model to mental-health crises needs to change,” said Chief Del Manak, Victoria Police Department.
“Many individuals who are experiencing a mental health crisis prefer to deal with a peer-assisted care team. Having qualified and trained civilians providing outreach, care and support is a model that I fully support.”
These new teams will become operational in Victoria and New Westminster this year.
“I would like to thank the Province for making this transformational investment in Peer Assisted Care Teams in Victoria,” said Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps.
“With the creation of these teams and a health-and-wellness approach, we collectively take a huge step forward in the well-being of our entire community. I would also like to recognize Councillor Potts in Victoria and Councillor Nakagawa in New Westminster for their leadership and hard work in helping to bring this important initiative to life.”
Oregon, New Zealand, and Sweden have already implemented civilian models that include front-line workers trained in risk management and de-escalation with police support available. These models have been highly successful.
According to the province, they are committed to enhancing crisis support and creating a seamless, comprehensive system of mental-health and addictions care that works for all British Columbians.
