Program Information
In August 2021 the Province announced that Victoria received an investment through the Strengthening Communities’ Services Program adding capacity to address the impacts of homelessness and keep communities safe and healthy as they recover from the pandemic. This included a partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association – BC Division and a portion of this investment was allocated to pilot the Peer Assisted Care Teams (PACT). In April 2022 the Ministry of Mental Health and Addiction announced a further investment to pilot these teams in both Victoria and New Westminster.
The Canadian Mental Health Association – BC Division will be administering the request for expression of interest “REOI” for community-based organizations to lead Peer Assisted Care Program in two communities. This will provide an alternative to the presence of police at mental health crisis calls in the pilot catchment area of Victoria and New Westminster. The pilot teams will provide crisis support services that will integrate cultural safety protocols and holistic care options. Mobile teams comprised of a mental health professional (e.g. a registered clinical counsellor) and a peer (someone with lived and/or living experience) will be available during scheduled service hours (to be determined). The team will be trained in areas such as mental health and crisis management, de-escalation, advanced first aid, overdose response, situational awareness, etc.
The pilot will offer referrals to multi-disciplinary services, such as primary health care, referrals to specialized services, housing advocacy, follow-up support, and case management as needed.
The Peer Assisted Care Team pilot was designed and informed by a community planning table comprised of community social service agencies and community members with lived and/or living experiences. In addition to catchment area pilot teams, we have dedicated funds allocated to an Indigenous-led process or service.
Funding Eligibility & Deadline
Funding for community PACT pilot programs is available to community-based organizations (non-profit and charitable organizations). Please see the specified budget and REOI deadline outlined below based on community area.
| Deadline | Service Area | Budget |
Extension: Friday, August 19, 2022, at 11:59 pm PST |
Municipality of Victoria | Up-to $400,000 CDN |
| Friday, August 19, 2022, at 11:59 pm PST | Municipality of New Westminster | Up-to $350,000 CDN |
Applications submitted after the deadline cannot be considered unless a general extension is provided for all applicants.
Resources for Applicants
| Victoria Resources | New Westminster Resources |
Contact Information
For support, questions, or more information please contact us:
Erin Ewart (She/Her)
Associate Director, Crisis Care Reform
Erin.Ewart@cmha.bc.ca
1-800-555-8222