Mental health services can help everyone in Burlington, Oakville, Milton enjoy the holidays

Although full of family, friends and cheer for most, the holidays can also be a difficult time for many people in Burlington, Milton, Oakville and Halton Hills.

Mental health is key to our well-being and Halton police want to remind you and your family of the many resources they offer people who are struggling.

“Asking for help means that you want to make changes or take steps towards your mental health goals,” said a police spokesperson.

Mental Health Emergencies

If you are having a mental health emergency, call 9-1-1, go to your local hospital or contact any one of the help lines below:

• Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868
• LGBT Youth Line: text 647-694-4275
• Trans Lifeline: 1-877-330-6366

Crisis Outreach and Support Team (COAST)

The Halton Regional Police Service Crisis Outreach and Support Team provides Halton residents, aged 16 and over, experiencing a mental health crisis with immediate outreach and support. Anyone can call the COAST crisis line at 1-877-825-9011, which is answered by a trained mental health crisis worker 24-hours-a-day, seven days a week.

Mobile Crisis Rapid Response Team

Our Mobile Crisis Rapid Response Teams (MCRRT), in partnership with St. Joseph’s Healthcare, are made up of police officers, psychologists and mental health professionals trained to defuse or de-escalate crisis situations. These teams also advocate for those in crisis and ensure mental health assessments are completed where they are needed most.

Reach Out Centre for Kids (R.O.C.K.)

In 2019, the HRPS signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Reach Out Centre for Kids (R.O.C.K) which is a local mental health agency. This allows our officers to directly refer youth under the age of 17 and their families to the R.O.C.K for mental health support and follow up. In this way, we can ensure children, youth and their families can get the appropriate help and support when they need it the most.

ROCK’s Crisis Response Program provides immediate outreach for children and youth, their parents/caregivers, and community members. The Crisis Response telephone number, 905-878-9785, will connect you to our 24-hour answering service. You will then be connected with a crisis counsellor as soon as possible.

For more information and resources, visit the HRPS website.