Each week we will post a summary of interesting and representative 211 calls. This week, we have connections from New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador.

New Brunswick:

When people want to help their loved ones, but do not know where to start, a phone call to 211 can help. 211 Service Navigators have experience in carefully assessing circumstances and are aware of the many services and resources available in the communities they serve.

A 211 Service Navigator took a call from an adult woman who was living in Moncton. She was very concerned about one of her relatives. Her relative had serious mental issues and was currently living on the street. She really wanted to help her relative, but she was not sure how to do so.

The 211 Service Navigator listened carefully to the caller when she explained her relative’s situation, and asked her several probing questions to make sure she understood which programs would best help. The Service Navigator then referred the caller to resources to assist people who are experiencing homelessness. The Service Navigator suggested that she connect with the Reconnect and Salvus Clinic programs, which help people who are unhoused in the area.

The Service Navigator also wanted to make sure that the relative’s mental health needs were addressed. Thus, she offered her the phone numbers for the Chimo Helpline, the Mobile Crisis Unit for Moncton and the Mental Health and Addictions Clinic in the area, and explained the services and roles of each organization.

The caller was very appreciative and thankful for these resources. The caller took the time to go over the names of the organizations and their phone numbers with the Service Navigator to ensure she had written them down correctly. The Service Navigator thanked the caller and encouraged her to call again if her relative needed more assistance.

Newfoundland and Labrador:

211 Service Navigators are the kind of people that you hope to bump into when you are lost. They do not turn off their helpfulness when their shift ends, and are proud to let people know about the 211 service and how it can help in so many different situations.

A Newfoundland and Labrador 211 Service Navigator was walking their dogs when a car pulled over and a lost female traveller asked for help. The traveller spoke French, but did understand some English. She had no idea of where she was or how to get to her lodging. The Service Navigator tried to provide assistance, but then thought it would be best to direct the traveller to call 211 where she could speak to someone in French who could provide assistance to make sure she did not become lost again because of a language barrier.

The caller was very pleased that she was able to reach 211 on the island. A Service Navigator who spoke both English and French was able to help relay directions, and soon the traveller was safely on her way again.