People in Campbell River who are at risk of harm or victimization will benefit from a $30,000 grant to create a community-based team of front-line workers to deliver better, faster access to services.

“We want to see all people, particularly those who are vulnerable and high risk, receive the right support and services they need, when they need them,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “By investing in creating these teams in communities throughout the province, we’re helping front-line workers rapidly connect with people in crisis, while freeing up police to focus on serious and organized criminal activity.”

The teams, known as “situation tables,” are made up of representatives from health, public safety and social service agencies. They proactively identify vulnerable individuals or families who have a significant probability of criminal offending or experiencing harm or victimization, and rapidly connect them to services before they experience a negative or traumatic event.

Funding is provided by the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General’s Office of Crime Reduction and Gang Outreach. The office has invested more than $1.1 million since 2017 to develop new tables or enhance existing ones, with another $240,000 to provide funding to seven more communities this year.

There are currently 10 situation tables operating in B.C., with work underway on 11 more.

Quotes:

Andy Adams, mayor, City of Campbell River –

“We are very appreciative of this investment that will reduce harm and victimization of vulnerable people and improve community safety in Campbell River. This reinforces the work of the City’s downtown safety office and the downtown safety select committee as well as BC Housing’s supportive and Bridge to Housing initiatives. We look forward to seeing the results of this funding that supports a local team to proactively connect people most in need with services. Over time, this will improve the lives of vulnerable people and, we hope, reduce the demand for emergency services in the downtown area. This will also allow police to focus on criminal activity, with overall benefits for our entire community.”

Michele Babchuk, MLA for North Island –

“It’s important that when people need support, they receive the right kind of support. This initiative will help free up police resources and ensure vulnerable people are getting the help they need here in Campbell River.”

Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions –

“To better connect vulnerable people with the services that can prevent crisis, crime and disorder, situation tables problem solve one case at a time, so at-risk individuals get the help they need. In 2019, 54% of situation table cases were transferred from police to social services, so police could focus on criminals instead.”