The province says a new collaborative approach to complex social issues will soon come to Gibsons to deliver faster services for those at risk of harm or being victimized.
The new “situation table” approach, already in place in other Island communities, will gather front-line workers from the public safety, health and social services sector to identify high-risk individuals and connect them with services and support before they experience a negative, life-changing event.
Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth says building stronger, more resilient communities has been and will be part of the focus for the government and safe community tables ensure the focus is on public safety.
“By combining front-line workers expertise, the tables enhance our capacity to respond to community safety challenges,” he says. “This will keep people safe by swiftly connecting individuals to essential services.”
With 36 operational safe community situation tables already installed, the province says once training in Gibsons is complete the province will be in a much better position to address public safety.
According to the province, the models are designed to manage and diagnosis issues to reduce the risks to any community and develop a plan to meet the needs of an individual.
“The plan uses systematic processes to mitigate risk and develop action plans to respond more effectively and efficiently,” the province says. “Aggregate data analysis helps policy makers also assess gaps and risks in their local communities.”
A $70,000 grant has been given to the Town of Gibsons to assist with the implementation of the program, and Mayor Silas White says the funding will help address the challenges while reducing the load on emergency services.
“As we’ve seen in other communities, situation tables have led to many positive outcomes,” White says. “They enhance safety and well-being, and we look forward to seeing similar benefits here in Gibsons and across the Sunshine Coast.”
Since 2018, more than $3 million has been provided in grants to regions across the province to ensure local communities have safe community situation tables, intervention circles, and other related initiatives.
There are currently 44 circles in BC, 36 are operational and eight are under implementation.
