Pilot project offers mental health, substance use supports in Centretown

Somerset West Community Health Centre (SWCHC).

By Alex Black

Posted Aug 15, 2024 10:21:47 AM.

Last Updated Aug 15, 2024 11:00:31 AM.

Those living in Centretown now have access to culturally sensitive and trauma-informed mental health and substance use supports.

The Centretown Community Health Centre (CCHC) and Somerset West Community Health Centre (SWCHC) announced the launch of Ottawa’s first safer alternate response pilot project, called the Alternate Neighbourhood Crisis Response (ANCHOR).

As of Thursday, Aug. 15, community members in Centretown can call 2-1-1 to access the service, which provides free, confidential support for individuals aged 16 and older who are experiencing a mental health or substance use-related crisis.

Mobile outreach teams and peer support workers will respond to non-violent, non-emergency calls and provide a wellness check or in-person support throughout a crisis. They will also offer referrals to follow-up services for continued crisis care, like counselling resources or food banks.

ANCHOR is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

With funding from the City of Ottawa, the service is a collaborative effort of CCHC, SWCHC and Community Navigation of Eastern Ontario/211 East Ontario (CNEO/211).

Other supports are available for individuals experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis and are looking to connect with someone, including:

The implementation of a safer alternate response is one of the strategies included in the City’s Community Safety and Well-Being Plan and 2023–2026 Strategic Plan.

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