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

Newfoundland and Labrador:

It is so hard when someone does not want to accept the help that they desperately need. Family and friends often feel powerless when someone is refusing services. Service Navigators will look for the best options in each situation and give friends and family valuable information about services available.

A woman called 211 and she was very concerned about her friend. Her friend refused to go to a shelter, had cut up her identification and was refusing help. The caller believed that her friend had mental health issues.

The friend said that she would stay in the woods with blankets and that she would leave if anyone came to her. At the time of the call, a serious storm was approaching the area and a severe temperature drop was predicted. She said: “I’m so worried about her being out there in the cold.”

The Service Navigator spoke briefly with the caller, as she wanted to help her friend as soon as possible. The Service Navigator suggested that the mental health mobile crisis could be called and made sure that the caller knew how to access that service. She let the caller know the role of mobile crisis and what they could potentially do to help.

The 211 Service Navigator let the caller know that if her friend was at imminent risk of harming herself or others, the caller would need to contact emergency personnel – in the caller’s area, the RCMP. She confirmed that the caller knew how to contact them. The caller ended the call before the Service Navigator could offer her a follow up or other assistance.