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 Victoria and New Westminster. In addition to catchment area pilot teams, we have dedicated funds allocated to an Indigenous-led process or service.
The Canadian Mental Health Association - BC Divison will be administering the request for expression of interest "REOI" for community-based organizations to lead the 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 Westminister. 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. registered clinical counselor) 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.
Funding Eligibility & Deadline
Funding for this one-year pilot program (2022/2023) is available to community-based organizations based in the catchment area. Community-based organizations can apply for funding for activities with a budget determined below. Organizations are encouraged to collaborate and in partnership to submit a collaborative application.
Deadline | Service Area | Budget |
| 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
- Submission Guidelines
- Application Form: select the button "Apply"
| Victoria Resources | New Westminster Resources |
Contact Information
Community-based organizations interested in learning more about this program or for assistance in applying to the program, please contact Erin Ewart (She/Her), Associate Director, Crisis Care Reform Erin.Ewart@cmha.bc.ca Toll-free phone: 1-800-555-8222
Request for Expression of Interest: Peer Assisted Care Team
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 Victoria and New Westminster. In addition to catchment area pilot teams, we have dedicated funds allocated to an Indigenous-led process or service.
The Canadian Mental Health Association - BC Divison will be administering the request for expression of interest "REOI" for community-based organizations to lead the 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 Westminister. 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. registered clinical counselor) 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.
Funding Eligibility & Deadline
Funding for this one-year pilot program (2022/2023) is available to community-based organizations based in the catchment area. Community-based organizations can apply for funding for activities with a budget determined below. Organizations are encouraged to collaborate and in partnership to submit a collaborative application.
Deadline | Service Area | Budget |
| 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
- Submission Guidelines
- Application Form: select the button "Apply"
| Victoria Resources | New Westminster Resources |
Contact Information
Community-based organizations interested in learning more about this program or for assistance in applying to the program, please contact Erin Ewart (She/Her), Associate Director, Crisis Care Reform Erin.Ewart@cmha.bc.ca Toll-free phone: 1-800-555-8222