February 11th is known as 211 Day, a day to raise awareness about the 211 helpline and the support it offers to people across Canada. The service is free, confidential, and available to everyone, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in more than 150 languages. It helps connect people with the services they need when they are not sure where to turn.
The 211 helpline can assist people who are dealing with mental health concerns, food insecurity, or who need immediate financial help. Trained staff listen to callers and connect them with local programs and services that can offer support.
In Perth-Huron, United Way Perth-Huron helps fund the 211 service. The helpline is also the first step for people looking to access the organization’s Urgent Needs Fund. United Way Perth-Huron keeps local information updated in the 211 database so callers receive accurate details about services in the area. Last year, more than 1,500 calls from Perth-Huron were made to 211 Ontario.
Across the country, 211 is the main source of information for government and community-based social and non-clinical health services. United Way Centraide Canada is a founding partner of 211 in Canada and continues to support and promote the service so more people can get help when they need it most.