Mental Health Engagement and Response Team (MHEART) & Community Engagement Officer
The Mental Health Engagement and Response Team (MHEART) is a collaborative initiative between the Woodstock Police Service (WPS) and the Canadian Mental Health Association – Thames Valley Addiction & Mental Health Services (CMHA-TVAMHS).
MHEART pairs specially trained mental health professionals with WPS officers to respond to calls involving individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. The goal is to provide immediate, compassionate, and professional support while connecting individuals with appropriate community-based services.
By responding together, MHEART helps ensure that people in crisis receive care in the most effective and least intrusive way possible. The team assists officers in assessing situations, determining whether an apprehension under the Mental Health Act is appropriate, and offering on-scene mental health intervention and follow-up referrals.
Working alongside MHEART, the Community Engagement Officer (CEO) serves as a bridge between policing, mental health services, and community supports. The CEO has advanced crisis intervention and de-escalation training, providing proactive outreach, follow-up with individuals and families, and support for community safety and well-being initiatives.
Together, MHEART and the Community Engagement Officer strengthen the WPS commitment to person-centred, trauma-informed, and collaborative crisis response — promoting dignity, safety, and long-term wellness across the Woodstock community.