New Brunswick has expanded the 211 phone service for residents to use as of October 15.
Anyone in Canada can now call 211 if they have questions or concerns on how to navigate various resources to help with different life challenges, emotional, financial, or physical.
According to Social Development Minister Bruce Fitch, this service will “. . . equip New Brunswickers with information on the support available in their communities”.
Fellow UNB Saint John student Ashlee Morrell, who works for the Saint John Human Development Council, played a role in expanding this project to New Brunswick.
The Human Development Council, a non-profit organization in Saint John, contributed their online database to this service. Morrell ensured that this database information was accurate and up to date.
211 offers service in French and English and is available 24/7. Trained staff will connect callers with the services they need, including during times of crisis. These needs can include, but are not limited to, housing, food access, mental health, sexual health, and supports for youth and seniors.
According to the 211 website, they surveyed users of the program across various provinces and yielded high satisfaction rates. 97% would call 211 again or recommend to someone else; 89% received the referral that they needed; 95% were overall satisfied with the service they received.
