You can already dial easy-to-remember numbers for emergency, health and travel needs. Now, the province has added a 211 service to help navigate a variety of social needs.
Alexya Heelis, executive director of the United Way Saint John, Kings and Charlotte, said seven other provinces already employ a 211 service model and recent events pushed the need for it in New Brunswick.
“The pandemic has really been the impetus for us to bring this right across Canada and help get it established. We’ve been working on this in Saint John for well over a decade,” said Heelis.
Heelis said the launch of the 211 phone service will help those looking to navigate social and community services across New Brunswick.
“To things like housing, mental health supports, food banks, if you’re looking for a shelter, if you’re looking for help for in-home care for your aging parents, it’s all the things in one stop,” she said.
Social Development Minister Bruce Fitch said he is thrilled to see 211 arrive in New Brunswick, calling it a “much-needed service.”
“Extensive exploratory work had previously been carried out by the Economic and Social Inclusion Corporation to develop and implement 211 in New Brunswick, but the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the urgency for action,” said Fitch in a news release. “This project will fill in the gaps identified during the first wave and help equip us to deal with the second wave.”
The free confidential service is already active and will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
