By Suzy Teubner
Dr. Seuss once said, “Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple.” Now, finding out the answers to what may appear to be a complex or confusing life situation is as simple as dialing three numbers – 2-1-1.
In 2017, 211 connected over 35,000 Nova Scotians to the resources they needed in their communities, and welcomed more than 265,000 visitors to its website.
With the changing demographic of Nova Scotian families, 211 can help all members of your family by providing information on programs and services including services for older adults (such as homecare and prepared meal programs), recreation, mental health and addictions, wellness programs, respite, day camps, food, housing, newcomer services and more.
Whatever the situation you, your family, a friend or neighbour may experience, 211 is here 24/7 to connect you to the help you need by simply dialing 2-1-1 or visiting ns.211.ca. You can also email [email protected], chat online through our website, or text 21167 if you prefer to communicate by other means. 211 is free, confidential, and offers over the phone interpretation services in over 100 languages.
“211 can provide information for everyone in your family, whether someone is a care provider for an aging parent, a grandparent who needs additional support, or parents with young children,” said 211 Executive Director Mike Myette. “We can also help service providers too, connecting them and their clients to services in their community. We are here for everyone, any time of the year, when someone needs help.”
When you reach 211, you don’t just reach someone who will give you a website address or a phone number—you reach a listening ear. And you may just leave with more information than you expected to find.
“If someone calls to find out about licensed daycare, we will provide them with that information and also ask them if they know about the Child Care Subsidy program offered through the Department of Education,” said Myette. “That conversation may lead to multiple referrals for other programs that may be helpful. Having a broader conversation is important. It can open the door to programs and services the caller didn’t even know existed.”
When you don’t know where to turn, 211 is your first-stop to help connect you to the resources that matter most to you and all members of your family.
Suzy Teubner – Director of Communications & Outreach for 211 Nova Scotia
