211 expands to phones, text

Information and access to various services in the province is now available through calling or texting 2-1-1, with the launch of an expansion to the Saskatchewan 211 service.

“When you’re in a time of need and distress, it has to be the easiest way possible to access support. So picking up your phone, shooting off a text is about the simplest and smoothest and easiest way to do that,” said Shaun Dyer, CEO of United Way Saskatoon and Area.

According to Dyer, it can often be difficult for people to find services when they need them, especially when searching on the internet.

“211 helps to clear away some of that clutter, helps them to be able to find in one tidy spot, access and information about family services, mental health care, housing supports, food security. All in one easy place. The expansion of the 211 service takes that even farther,” he said.

The United Way launched 211 Saskatchewan as a website in 2013. It drew more than 110,000 users last year. Now, users can call, text, or use an online chat feature to find more than 5,000 services, including doctors, counsellors and child care providers, in more than 100 languages.

“(For) lots of people it’s private; they don’t want to share their story or they don’t want to talk to people about things that they’re looking for. And so to have the independence to search and to find what you need, I think it’s a real valuable service,” said Robyn Edwardsbentz, CEO of United Way Regina.

The United Way wanted to expand 211 Saskatchewan to a phone service for years, and the only limitation was funding, she said.

“We just got to a place where we know that economic times have changed and there’s a lot more people that are in need, and whatever we can do to provide that service to the people of Saskatchewan, now ’s the time. We can’t delay anymore.”