Together We Give Hope

Annual Report 2021/2022

 

In last year’s annual report letter I told you we were working towards a crisis response system that reduces the burden on police and emergency rooms, and connects the right people to complex crisis situations.

So much has happened since then:

 

In January 2022, we began talks with the Provincial Health Authority to implement a single web-based call centre home for all crisis centres across BC. Starting in the Spring of 2023, we will be able to seamlessly back each other up when the lines are busy in one region or another. 

On April 30, 2022, the Special Parliamentary Committee on Reforming the Police Act released Transforming Policing and Community Safety in British Columbia. The report recommended the establishment of a full mental health crisis continuum, which would include adding a fourth “mental health” option for 9-1-1 callers. 

In June 2022, our Crisis Centre, ECOMM 9-1-1, and the Canadian Mental Health Association put forward recommendations to the provincial Budget 2023 Finance Committee making the case to bring in 9-1-1/Crisis Care cell phone levy legislation to fund a full mental health crisis care continuum. 

The Finance Committee unanimously recommended the creation of an appropriately funded crisis response system: a continuum of response to mental health, addictions and other complex social issues with a focus on prevention and community-led intervention. The report calls for crisis lines to be funded comparably to 9-1-1 and BC Ambulance, which would allow us to reach our full potential in being there for people when they call.

These are huge changes we are extremely proud to report.

Our donors and funders have allowed us to do the hard work of bringing decision-makers around a single, achievable vision for crisis care in British Columbia. 

You also help us to expand our suicide bereavement program and our community-based learning to ensure that all of us are able to recognize the signs of suicide and support folks when they need it the most.

We still have a great deal to do to address suicidal pain and crisis intervention needs. Support our frontline work and the hard work of enhancing our services. Please give.

Sincerely,

Stacy Ashton
Executive Director

 

 

Media Release: Response To Transforming Policing And Community Safety In British Columbia

Crisis Lines Present Recommendations At The Budget 2023 Consultation

Media Release: BC Budget Report 2023 Recommends 9-1-1 Levy To Fund BB Crisis Line Network

Video: What is Suicide Bereavement?