211 Day raises awareness about community and social services referral line
Posted Feb 11, 2020 07:07:00 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
February 11th is 211 Day.
The free, confidential information and referral line helps to connect Nova Scotians to community and social services.
“It's a one-stop-shop you can call and speak with a navigator,” explains spokesperson Angie Zinck. “They help you through the process of trying to track down the community and government supports that are out there and ready to help.”
Funded by the province and United Ways in Nova Scotia, the service launched here 7 years ago.
Zinck says around 150 people now dial 2-1-1 every day.
“The issues that people are calling about are vast,” she tells NEWS 95.7's Todd Veinotte. “But certainly this time of year, the main calls we're taking are people looking for food security and also help heating their homes.”
According to its website, 211 can also be used to help with finding home care for an aging parent, dealing with a troubled teenager or by those experiencing an addiction or job loss.
“Even for problems that might seem trivial, like coping with loneliness or adjusting to a new part of life in Nova Scotia, 211 is here to help,” the website states.
The service is available 24/7 in English and French and for the hearing impaired. Interpretation services are available in over 100 languages.
Between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday to Friday, you can get help by email at help@ns.211 or by text at 211.
Nova Scotians can also go online at www.ns.211.ca to search the website's database.
