2 group awards from Island Health for mental health advocacy in Victoria

Two groups whose efforts help people experiencing mental health and substance use challenges have been recognized by Island Health as part of Mental Health Week (May 6-12).

On Tuesday, May 7, the winners of the 2024 Island Health Mental Health and Substance Use (MHSU) Community Service Awards were announced: the Community-Led Crisis Response (CLCR) Team (part of the provincial Peer Assisted Care Team (PACT) program) and the Imagine Studio Café.

“Every day in every community in B.C., we rely on frontline organizations – especially their staff and volunteers – to provide vital, life-saving outreach and services to people struggling with mental health and addiction issues,” said Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of State . mental health and addictions. “The AVI-led Peer Assisted Care Team (PACT) and the Imagine Studio Café are examples of innovative community-based approaches that are making a significant difference in the lives of those who need it most.”

The CLCR is a program of AVI Health and Community Services and funded by the province through the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA). CLCR team manager Lacey Mesley accepted the award, presented by Tasha McKelvey, clinical director of mental health and resources.

A team member with lived experience is invaluable, because having someone who understands what the person in crisis is going through makes all the difference, Mesley said.

“It sends a signal to another human being: ‘I get it. I understand.'”

CLCR has 26 members and hopes to expand soon, bringing more community-led crisis response teams to Greater Victoria and across B.C.

“It is important to stand up for people in times of need, to stand with them or to walk with them in their experiences,” Mesley said.

Dorothy Morrison, general manager of Imagine Studio Cafe, received her award from John Braun, manager of the Victoria EPI program.

Imagine Studio Cafe is an independent company helping those in need with an experiential and transformative learning space.

“They provide an experiential and transformative learning space designed as a corporate internship program for young men and women of all cultures and abilities,” Braun said.

Morrison has noticed that conversations about mental health often involve an us versus them mentality, with people thinking it won’t affect them.

This is slowly changing as more people have open conversations about these challenges, and that change is underway, Morrison said.

“Society wants to change.”

Mesely explained that mental health is a complex issue, and people are often conditioned to call 911 when someone has a mental illness.

“It’s just an automatic response to that. I think it also comes from feeling uncomfortable,” Mesely added.

The annual Island Health Mental Health and Substance Use Community Service Awards were presented at the Umbrella Society offices in Victoria.

“The Island Health Mental Health and Substance Use Community Service Awards are a great way to recognize and thank the people and organizations committed to supporting people with mental health and substance use issues.” said Leah Hollins, Island Health board chair. “The CLCR team and Imagine Café play an important role in supporting people.”

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