A new mobile and community-led crisis response program is now available in Kamloops. The initiative, called CRCL (pronounced “circle”), officially launched on Monday, July 21. It offers support to people aged 13 and older who are facing mental health or substance use challenges.
The CRCL program replaces the earlier ‘Peer Assisted Care Teams’ concept. It focuses on meeting people with empathy, reducing the need for police or emergency room services during a crisis. The goal is to de-escalate high-stress situations while ensuring the person’s safety and connecting them to longer-term care.
The team behind CRCL is made up of trained mental health workers and people with lived experience. They work together to provide compassionate and practical help. The Kamloops team is available Monday to Friday, from noon until 8:00 p.m.
Speaking at the launch, B.C. Health Minister Josie Osborne said that meeting someone in crisis with care and understanding can make all the difference. She emphasized that the program blends professional expertise with personal experience, allowing for a deeper connection with those needing help.
The Kamloops CRCL team is operated in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association and the Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society. Both organizations have focused on providing accessible and inclusive support to the community.
Cal Albright, Executive Director of the Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society, highlighted the importance of this service for all residents. He noted that the society’s mission includes providing culturally inclusive programs and that this mental health support fills a real gap in the city.
“We understand the pressure of daily life,” Albright said. “Whether you’re a student, living on the street, or anyone in between, we are here to support you through a crisis.”
Since a soft launch in February, around 50 people in Kamloops have already received help through the program. The early response shows a clear need for this kind of service in the area.
Amanda McGillvray, a member of the Kamloops CRCL team, shared her experience of helping people through their most vulnerable moments. She explained how the program treats individuals as human beings first, not just as people in crisis. According to her, showing simple respect and kindness often leaves a lasting impact.
“CRCL is about dignity, empathy, and safety,” McGillvray said. “It reminds us that no one should have to go through a crisis alone.”
Kamloops is now one of six communities in British Columbia offering the CRCL program. Other locations include Victoria, North and West Vancouver, New Westminster, Prince George, and the Comox Valley.
Jonny Morris, CEO of the Canadian Mental Health Association’s B.C. division, called the Kamloops launch a major step forward. He praised the province’s commitment to building a province-wide network of community-based mental health support.
“These crisis teams have already shown how effective they are in other cities,” Morris said. “We expect Kamloops will benefit in the same way, with more people getting the right help at the right time.”
With the addition of Kamloops to the CRCL network, B.C. continues to expand its mental health services with a focus on people-centered care. By offering timely, compassionate, and community-rooted support, the program is helping to reshape how mental health crises are addressed—one person at a time.
