Crisis Response, Community Led (CRCL)
Crisis Response, Community Led (CRCL – pronounced circle) Kelowna supports people aged 13 and older experiencing a mental-health or substance-use crisis, which might include thoughts of suicide or self-harm, feelings of grief, panic or anxiety, and/or acting or feeling in ways that are distressing.
This will enable police to focus more on crime and safety-related calls.
People going through a mental health crisis can access this service by calling or texting 778-940-2560 from 11:00 am to 8:30 pm every day of the week. Calls can also be made on behalf of someone else needing support.
The new service is part of a broader effort to enhance public safety and provide the right support at the right time.
The program reduces the number of crisis calls directed to police and allows emergency responders to focus on crime related and safety specific issues. At the same time, individuals in distress receive community based support that prioritizes their wellbeing and recovery. Overall, the initiative contributes to a safer, more responsive city.
CRCL Kelowna will help individuals who are struggling with emotional distress such as panic, anxiety, grief, or feelings of being unsafe. The service is also available to loved ones and community members who reach out on someone’s behalf.
Whether someone is in acute emotional crisis or simply not feeling like themselves, the team is designed to provide a compassionate and immediate response tailored to individual needs.
CRCL Kelowna is made possible through a collaboration involving the Health Canada’s Emergency Treatment Fund, the Province of British Columbia, Canadian Mental Health Association Kelowna and the City of Kelowna. These joint investments enable a locally tailored crisis-response model grounded in evidence based, culturally relevant approaches that strengthen supports close to home.
The team will consist of mental health professionals working alongside people with lived experience who understand the realities of crisis firsthand. Together, they bring a combination of professional training and personal insight that helps ensure support is both effective and compassionate. Their mobile response capability allows them to offer immediate, on the ground help when and where it is needed most.
