Consolidated crisis line service means less community service

The Vancouver Island Health Authority's decision to consolidate crisis line services will see a one-size-fits-all approach to people in crisis. The authority has chosen the Nanaimo-based Central Vancouver Island Crisis Society to deliver the consolidated crisis line service starting later this year. The crisis line will operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It will integrate crisis lines from Victoria, Port Alberni, Courtenay, Comox, Campbell River and Port Hardy.

Eight BCGEU members who currently provide crisis line services in Victoria will lose their jobs.

"I'm concerned a centralized crisis line will hurt the mental well being of people in communities," said BCGEU president Darryl Walker. "This government is looking to save money on the backs of those needing mental health services. Local knowledge is crucial when dealing with people in crisis."

The move to a centralised service was done without any consultation with Vancouver Island communities, service providers, or crisis line clients.