The St. Thomas Police Service is marking Mental Health Week, which runs from May 4 to May 10, 2026, by highlighting local initiatives designed to support both its members and the broader community. This year marks the 75th annual Canadian Mental Health Association Mental Health Week, centred on the theme of, “Come Together, Canada: Stronger connections, better mental health.”
Chief Marc Roskamp emphasized that first responders often face mental health challenges at higher rates than the general public. To address this, the service developed the Wellness Navigation Project, which recently received national recognition as one of the top 10 policing feature stories of 2025. The project, which grew out of a goal to build resiliency within the police force, focuses on the idea that healthy officers are better equipped to serve the community.
Beyond internal support, the St. Thomas Police Service actively collaborates with community partners to assist residents. The Mobile Outreach and Support Team is a key part of this effort, pairing officers with social workers from the Canadian Mental Health Association Thames Valley to provide specialized help during calls involving mental health or substance use concerns.
The service also utilizes its Community Resource Officer Unit, launched in 2022, to work alongside service providers and community partners. This unit specifically addresses issues such as homelessness, poverty, and mental health in the downtown core. Additionally, the police service continues to prioritize addressing domestic violence through ongoing programs and partnerships aimed at early intervention.
