West Shore RCMP Mental Health Unit is meeting people where they are through the winter warming initiative

November 2, 2026 - West Shore, British Columbia
From: West Shore RCMP

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The West Shore RCMP operates a specialized Mental Health Unit dedicated to supporting residents facing complex challenges. In partnership with Island Health, the unit utilizes a co-response model that pairs RCMP officers with Registered Nurses to attend calls together. By combining police and medical expertise, the team provides a coordinated response focused on delivering the right support at the right time for the individual, their family, and their caregivers.

"Our team conducts mental health assessments wherever the client is, which is often within their own home," says Cpl. Justine Dancey, supervisor of the West Shore RCMP Mental Health Unit. "However, we also support clients who are part of the unhoused population and face additional challenges."

Recognizing these additional challenges, Cpl. Dancey alongside our Nurse’s developed Winter Warming Kits to provide immediate support. These kits are carried by the Mental Health Unit and available to frontline officers across the West Shore, ready to be given to anyone in need during a shift.

Each kit contains practical items for survival and hygiene, including:

• Rain ponchos
• Shower wipes
• Toothbrushes
• Socks and gloves
• Handwarmers
• Granola bars

"By providing these basic necessities, we can open a door to conversation and connection," says Cpl. Dancey. "Often, a small gesture of care is the first step in connecting someone who is experiencing homelessness and may be experiencing a mental health challenges."

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