Crisis Response Community Led (CRCL) | Forward Focus #2 | A Way Forward

Crisis Response Community Led (CRCL) | Forward Focus #2 | A Way Forward

Author: CMHA Kelowna and Jessica Samuels April 30, 2025 Duration: 4:33

In this Forward Focus episode, Jessica Samuels and co-host Mike Gawliuk shine a spotlight on CRCL – Crisis Response Community Led, formerly known as PACT.

Jessica and Mike break down what CRCL is, how it works, and why this model matters now more than ever:

What is CRCL?
CRCL provides community-based, in-person mental health crisis support for individuals 13 years and older. It addresses issues like emotional regulation challenges and substance use crises, offering immediate support, connecting individuals to services, and providing follow-up care.

Why the name change from PACT to CRCL?
To reduce confusion with other similarly named programs, and to better align with its Peer Assisted Care Team (PACT) roots—a model recognized globally with over 200 programs in place.

How is CRCL different?
CRCL teams combine mental health professionals with individuals who have lived experience navigating mental health challenges. This pairing provides a more humane, empathetic, and relatable response during crises.

Where is CRCL operating?
Six CRCL teams are currently active across British Columbia, with a seventh launching soon in Kamloops. The provincial government has committed to expanding to 12 teams, including ones led by Indigenous organizations.

Will CRCL come to Kelowna?
Mike expresses hope, noting Kelowna's clear advocacy for a Circle team, especially highlighted in its community safety plan.

Connect with Us:
Got questions about Circle or mental health services?
📩 Email: awayforward@cmhakelowna.org
🌐 Website: cmhakelowna.org

A Way Forward Podcast is proudly presented by Beem Credit Union. BlueShore Financial, GFCU Savings, Gulf & Fraser, Interior Savings, and North Peace Savings are trade names of Beem Credit Union


Hosted by Jessica Samuels and presented by the Canadian Mental Health Association's Kelowna branch, A Way Forward: Conversations on Mental Health digs into the real-world factors that impact our psychological well-being. This isn't just a discussion of symptoms, but a thoughtful exploration of the societal, cultural, and personal stressors that weigh on us. Each episode moves beyond simply identifying problems to focus on practical approaches and tangible practices that can make a difference. You'll hear conversations that acknowledge how interconnected our mental health is with our physical fitness, our community, and the world around us. Supported by Beem Credit Union, the podcast provides a grounded space where complex topics feel accessible. Tuning in offers more than just insight; it’s about gathering useful information and realistic tools that you can apply to your own life. The goal is to leave each conversation with a clearer sense of direction and, as the title suggests, a genuine path toward resilience. This is a resource for anyone looking to understand the nuances of mental health and find actionable strategies for themselves and their communities.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 27

A Way Forward: Conversations on Mental Health
Podcast Episodes
Episode 24: Substance Use and Addiction: The Recovery Journey [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:23
In this episode of A Way Forward, host Jessica Samuels sits down with CMHA Kelowna CEO Mike Gawliuk to unpack one of the most misunderstood topics in mental health: substance use and addiction.This conversation goes beyo…
Episode 23: Psychedelic Assisted Therapy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:25
Episode OverviewThis episode explores the growing field of psychedelic-assisted therapy and how substances once heavily stigmatized are now being studied and used as treatments for mental health conditions. The conversat…
Episode 22: Complex Grief: Finding a Way Forward [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:51
Grief is rarely simple. In this episode of A Way Forward, host Jessica Samuels explores Complex grief — the layered and often misunderstood experience of loss that can include trauma, unresolved relationships, sudden dea…
Episode 21: Relationships, Money, & Mental Health [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:02
In this episode of A Way Forward, host Jessica Samuels is joined by CMHA Kelowna CEO Mike Gawliuk and Katie Bransfield, Director of Consumer Banking at Beem Credit Union, for a candid and practical conversation about how…
Episode 20: CRCL Kelowna [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:00
In this episode, host Jessica Samuels sits down with Innovation & Project Development Manager at CMHA Kelowna, Jamie Lloyd-Smith to introduce CRCL (Crisis Response Community Led), an innovative new service operated by CM…
Episode 19: Navigating Mental Health as a Gay Man [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:17
In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, host Jessica Samuels sits down with Matteo Stewart to explore the unique mental health challenges faced by gay men. Matteo shares his lived experience navigating identit…
Episode 18: Involuntary Care [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:58
Episode 18: Involuntary CarePresented by: Beam Credit Union Host: Jessica Samuels Guest: Mike Gawliuk, CEO, CMHA KelownaEpisode OverviewIn this episode, Jessica Samuels speaks with CMHA Kelowna CEO Mike Gawliuk about the…
Episode 17: First Responders & Mental Health [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:08
Being a first responder means running toward the situations most of us run away from. But that comes with an emotional and mental toll. In this episode, Jessica speaks with Kelowna Fire Captain David McCarthy, who shares…
Episode 16: Corey Hirsch [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:40
In this powerful episode of A Way Forward, host Jessica Samuels sits down with Corey Hirsch — former NHL goaltender, Stanley Cup champion, Olympic silver medalist, broadcaster, and mental health advocate.From the outside…
Episode 15: Workplace Mental Health pt. 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:22
In this follow-up to Episode 11, host Jessica Samuels continues her conversation with CMHA Kelowna's Director of People, Culture & Engagement, Candace Giesbrecht.The focus of this episode is burnout and its relationship…