Have you heard of 211?
As Canada navigates the second wave of COVID-19, people are still seeking support and unsure where to turn.
Whether it’s help accessing food, mental health supports, or other non-emergency programs and services in your community, simply dial 2-1-1 or visit 211.ca. 211 is a free helpline and the phones are answered 24/7 in 150+ languages. Community Navigators will talk to you about your situation and help you find the right solutions. Everyone in Canada will now have access to 211, thanks to funding from the Government of Canada.
Whether a parent worried about their child’s mental health, a senior feeling isolated or anxious about getting basic necessities, a family struggling to put food on the table, or an individual looking for help to better understand what financial support is available to them, 211 is the front door to support.
211 helps people navigate the complex network of government and community programs and services quickly and easily and promises access 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in over 150 languages. Across Canada, the service is offered through a variety of ways including phone, chat, website, and text. In all cases, 211 confidentially connects people who are seeking support to the right information and services.
As part of its COVID-19 response, the Government of Canada provided funding to United Way Centraide Canada to increase the capacity and expand access to 211 services for all Canadian residents. This will be even more valuable as we enter the second wave of the pandemic. Existing 211 services across Canada saw a dramatic increase in the number of people reaching out for help during the first wave. Overall, calls and website visits to existing 211 services increased by 31% and 45%, respectively, in the March to August timeframe.
Funded by the Government of Canada
