On March 4th, 2026, Lance and Josh represented Umbrella at Camosun College’s Criminal Justice Fair.
It cannot be ignored: not all citizens feel safe interacting with law enforcement officers. Criminal justice is a complicated field. It not only requires a completec understanding and an implementation of the Canadian justice system, but also absolutely needs analytical, sensitive reasoning, respectful communication, critical (and compassionate) thinking, and broad field research. Camosun’s Criminal Justice program emphasizes just that.
An info session such as this opens the floor for conversation between those in uniform with a license to carry a weapon, and those who are not. Being invited allows us, as a non-profit, with lived experience, helping those are perhaps have a history with the law, allows us a seat at the table.
We want to answer questions such as these:
-What does a typical day look like for people working in mental health and addictions?
-Besides Umbrella Society, what resources exist for people struggling with mental health and addictions or homelessness?
-What strategies do you use when responding to someone who is elevated or in distress?
-What type of aftercare/assistance do you offer after someone comes out of an overdose?
-How do you manage your own emotions during high stress or confrontational interactions? Are you responding or reacting?
-Are police the first people we reach out to for help? Why or why not?
-How can VicPD make their presence more accommodating and compassionate to the unhoused community?
The police can learn a lot from harm reduction, mental health, and addictions workers. It was amazing to have engaged and passionate students at our table, curious about the Umbrella Society for Addictions & Mental Health.
Thank you for having us.