MOOSE JAW — During a recent meeting of the Community Based Coalition (CBC), the local non-profit hosted a remote presentation about 211.ca, a United Way initiative that’s sponsored by the Saskatchewan Blue Cross. The platform acts as an information hub during crisis situations and is designed to address what can be an overwhelming situation when those in need don’t know where to turn for help.
The meeting was held at the Western Canada Church of God Campus recently, and Alison Jestadt, 211’s Saskatchewan manager, introduced the newly expanded 211.ca platform which is currently available for use.
211 is a free and confidential service that’s always available to assist with the immediate and everyday needs of individuals across a multitude of demographics. With certified service navigators and more than 15 languages supported, 211 helps connect you with over 6,000 services and resources you may need.
Several of these services include: mental health and addictions support, health care concerns, community program information, seasonal assistance, homelessness, employment and job training, housing, legal matters, income support, newcomer resources, and services for children, youth, families, and older adults.
The idea behind introducing 211 stemmed from recognizing how confusing it can be to navigate numerous programs when facing complex problems. Many individuals in need of help often face multiple challenges at once and require help from several organizations.
From concerns about paying rent to a youth who is using drugs, domestic abuse situations, or suicidal thoughts and feelings, many who seek help often deal with time consuming call transfers, limited hours of operation, and other inefficiencies — which include not knowing where to turn.
To remedy the situation, 211 “steps in to connect people to the services they need, simplifying the process,” the official presentation announced. Starting from numerous individual scenarios, callers will get in touch with 211’s resource team who then redirect them as required.
The team is also “constantly reviewing and updating information and continually adding new services to ensures accurate and current data” to improve the service over time.
211 recently launched two new specialized sites, thanks to a collaboration with the Government of Saskatchewan.
Through a partnership with the Ministry of Education, Early Years Branch, and with the support of United Way, 211 now offers Parent Central, a network with resources for childcare matters, child development concerns or information, pregnancy and newborns, differing abilities, early learning, family activities and family and parenting support.
Responding to reports of interpersonal violence in Saskatchewan, 211 has also developed its Interpersonal Violence Portal in partnership with Community Safety and Well-Being, Ministry of Justice, to provide accessible support services across the province. This resource is available at Abuse.SK.211.ca.
211 also maintains a service primarily intended for men but accessible by anyone, the Re:Connect Help Line. Trained professionals provide free, non-judgmental support around the clock and this service helps with mental health, stress management, relationships, and family violence matters.
In 2023 alone, 211.ca has received 233,261 unique site visits and was reached by 253 different communities across Saskatchewan. The top needs addressed by the service that year include basic needs (20 per cent), mental health and substance abuse (19 per cent), health care (17 per cent), income support and unemployment resources (12 per cent), and abuse or violence (seven per cent), with three percent of contacts originating in Moose Jaw.
211 is available alongside several complementary phone lines including 411.ca to find phone numbers, 811 for mental health and addictions advice, 911, and 988, a federal suicide crisis helpline.
You can access 211 at any time by simply calling or texting 2-1-1.
To learn more about 211 Saskatchewan and access the platform online, visit SK.211.ca.
To contact the CBC, Rom Jukes can be reached at 306-630-2719 or at [email protected].
