Episode 20: CRCL Kelowna
From A Way Forward: Conversations on Mental Health by CMHA Kelowna and Jessica Samuels
November 19, 2025 · 19 min · Episode 20
About this episode
This episode discusses the CRCL program, a community-led crisis response initiative by CMHA Kelowna, focusing on peer support and compassionate care without law enforcement involvement.
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 CMHA Kelowna . CRCL offers a compassionate, community-driven alternative to traditional crisis response—one that does not involve law enforcement and is built on peer support, clinical expertise, and voluntary participation. Jamie explains who CRCL is for, how it works, why peer experience is foundational, and how it fills a critical gap between crisis phone lines and emergency services. Drawing on insights from other BC communities already using this model, she highlights the power of being met by trained responders—without uniforms, judgement, or police presence—who can meet people where they are and on their terms. CRCL launches in Kelowna in early 2026 and aims to provide immediate, human-centered support for anyone aged 13+ who is experiencing a mental health crisis. Key Topics Covered • What is CRCL? A mobile, community-led crisis response program. Stands for Crisis Response Community Led . Built to bridge the gap between crisis lines and 911. • Why a…
People in this episode
Host: Jessica Samuels
Guest: Jamie Lloyd-Smith
Topics covered
- Crisis response
- Mental health
- Peer support
- Community-led services
- Emergency services
- Crisis intervention
Keywords
- CRCL
- Crisis Response Community Led
- mental health crisis
- peer support
- community-driven
- Kelowna
- CMHA
- emergency services
- trauma-informed care
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: CMHA Kelowna, CRCL
Places: Kelowna, BC
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