United Way expanding 211 services in Saskatchewan

For many people in Saskatchewan, the 211 website has been a lifesaver. Literally.

The site – operated by the United Way since 2013 – has acted as a valuable resource when it comes to linking people with a wide variety of personal services, ranging from doctors and counsellors to childcare and food assistance. More than 110,000 people visited the website last year, meaning that many people could have found something that changed or improved their lives.

And now 211 Saskatchewan is about to become that much more comprehensive.

The site will officially launch an expansion that will include a 211 phone line, 211 text message service and a 211 online chat, all of which can be used to quickly and efficiently connect people to services they may need. The new options will be officially launched in Moose Jaw by the United Way on June 18, 3 p.m. at the Moose Jaw Public Library.

“One of the United Way’s focus areas is building strong communities and under that is connecting people to support, so 211 Saskatchewan is that service that connects people to support across the province,” said Paige Gignac, United Way Saskatoon marketing and community manager. “There’s over 5,000 services listed on the website and it’s available in over 100 languages so it’s accessible to everyone... it’s something that we’re proud to be able to offer and something that we feel is very valuable to communities.”

Simply going to sk.211.ca reveals 20 categories of services ranging from crisis hotlines, mental health and addictions services to employment and legal services to refugee, aboriginal and veteran support. Each category features a long list of options that visitors can use to contact whatever assistance they may need.

The site has already put the three new parts into service, with the launch marking the official implementation. Supporters and those interested are welcome to take part in the launch event.