Each week we will post a summary of interesting and representative 211 calls. This week, we have a connection from Manitoba:

It’s so hard to be alone, especially when times are hard. That’s why it is so important that there is someone caring at the other end of the phone line.

A 211 Service Navigator got a call from a senior in Winnipeg saying she felt sad and isolated. It was a struggle to do outside chores like snow shovelling and get food for herself from the grocery store. Being alone during COVID was so hard.

The Service Navigator let her take the time she needed to talk about her feelings, and let her know that she was not alone in this – together they would find services to help. He realized she was overwhelmed, and asked if he could make some phone calls with her to find assistance. 

With her permission, he called her local grocery store to find out how she could get groceries delivered. Then he made sure she knew exactly how she could do this. He located a snow shovelling service for seniors and gave her all the details. Finally, he found some options for her to receive supportive counselling over the phone, so that she would not have to leave her home to get help during COVID and she would have a much needed tie to her community.