The PSR Collaborative seeks to increase social connectivity and engagement among people living with a mental illness in the Greater Victoria area by 10% (1,000 people) by 2025. We accomplish this by focusing on five key areas.
LAUNCH AND TEST A PILOT SOCIAL GATHERING PLACE
In the spring of 2020, we launched a social gathering place pilot in Greater Victoria that includes a series of events and social drop-ins across multiple locations. The events are welcoming and accessible places that provide opportunities for social connection, coffee, food and workshops for anyone managing a mental health challenge. As of July 1, 2023, the social gathering pilot project became a non-profit society. Visit their website to learn more.
PEOPLE WITH LIVED EXPERIENCE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
People with lived experience guide our work and decision-making at the PSR Collaborative. Early surveys and engagement of people with lived experience informed both the social gathering place and navigation projects. Current advisory members are partners at the PSR Collaborative table and have opportunities for leadership.
BETTER NAVIGATION OF MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE SERVICES
People who need to find mental health and substance use services on the South Island are overwhelmed with options and not clear about what is available. Our navigation project brings organizations together to co-create a single, shared MHSU navigation and referral system for the South Island.
RESEARCH AND EVALUATE THE LATEST INFORMATION IN MHSU
We’ve conducted several key research reports to support shared understanding and learning. These include:
Analysis of MHSU Referrals in Greater Victoria (Michelle Colussi and Vessela Kostova MBA, PMP, Sept 2022);
South Island MHSU Navigation Convening Event Summary (Feb 2021);
Review of Greater Victoria Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery Oriented Services (Dr. John Higenbottam and Dr. Regina Casey, 2015).
EXPAND RESOURCES FOR PEER SUPPORT SERVICES
We are working to grow and integrate peer support as a vital component of mental health care and recovery across a wide range of services.
OUR PARTNERS
