Government Investment In 211 Helps Families Connect To Communities

Published by Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations

Monday, February 11, 2013

Families now have a single point of access to more than 3,000 government, community and social programs provincewide, thanks to government investment in the new 211 information and referral system. The 211 service went live Feb. 11.

Quotes

There are Nova Scotians who are looking for information on resources to help them care for their children, their aging parents and themselves. 211 can help them find the right government service or community program when they need it. Through 211, government is keeping its commitment to make life better for families. Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations Minister John MacDonell, on behalf of Premier Darrell Dexter

With the launch of 211, we've reached a major milestone on the path to connecting Nova Scotians with the community and social services they need, as soon as they need them. Whether it's through 211's highly trained information specialists or the website, the service offers access to the most thorough database of community and socials services in Nova Scotia. Chuck Hartlen, chair of the 211 Nova Scotia board and senior vice-president, customer experience, Bell Aliant

It's a great, collaborative system that will save valuable time for the organizations involved, and, most importantly, for Nova Scotians who call in looking for help. Chuck Hartlen, chair of the 211 Nova Scotia board and senior vice-president, customer experience, Bell Aliant

I've looked forward to this moment from the day I arrived at United Way. Since 2002, we've been advocating for a 211 service. We brought together people and organizations from across the province to help make 211 a reality. Catherine Woodman, president and CEO of United Way Halifax Region

From now on, Nova Scotians don't have to struggle through a complex network of services and service providers to find the help that is available. Help is literally now at our fingertips. Catherine Woodman, president and CEO of United Way Halifax Region

Quick Facts

  • In 2011, government committed $585,000 for start-up funding, which will gradually increase over the next five years to $945,000.
  • 211 differs from other similar numbers in that it connects Nova Scotians to non-emergency government, community, and social programs and services.
  • While the 211 service is confidential, it will serve a valuable role in gathering data and helping government and community planners identify any gaps in services.
  • 211 is available in English, French and a variety of other languages, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Nova Scotians can access 211 by phone, e-mail at info@ns.211.ca, or online at www.ns.211.ca.
  • Cape Breton Nova MLA Gordie Gosse will attend an event celebrating the 211 service in Cape Breton on Tuesday, Feb. 12, and will speak about the benefits the program will have for people in rural areas.

Learn More

Media Contact

Susan Tate
Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations
902-424-0112
E-mail:
Gary Andrea
Executive Council Office
902-456-6196
E-mail:

Images

Chuck Hartlen, chair of the 211 Nova Scotia board and senior vice-president, customer experience, Bell Aliant, addresses the United Way breakfast.
Download high-res version
Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations Minister John MacDonell applauds during the 211 announcement.
Download high-res version
Catherine Woodman, president and CEO of United Way Halifax Region, talks about the benefits of the 211 program.
Download high-res version
Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations Minister John MacDonell passes Chuck Hartlen, chair of the 211 Nova Scotia board, with the 211 symbol on the screen.
Download high-res version
Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations Minister John MacDonell talks about how 211 will connect families with their communities.
Download high-res version
Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations Minister John MacDonell smiles while listening to the 211 announcement.
Download high-res version
Cape Breton Nova MLA Gordie Gosse chats with participants at the Cape Breton launch of the 211 service.
Download high-res version

Videos

Minister John MacDonell speaks about 211
Catherine Woodman speaks at 211 Event
Chuck Hartlen speaks about the Government Investment in 211
Linda Bayers speaks about the benefits of 211

Audio

Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations Minister John MacDonell, speaking on behalf of Premier Darrell Dexter, says the province is proud to welcome 211.
Catherine Woodman, president and CEO of United Way Halifax Region, says with one call people can access 3,000 community and social services.
Chuck Hartlen, chair of the 211 Nova Scotia board and senior vice-president, customer experience, Bell Aliant, says more than half of the people in the country now have 211 service.
Linda Bayers, director at Self Help Connection, says the most important part for her organization is having information updated consistently.
Cape Breton Nova MLA Gordie Gosse, attended an event in Sydney, Tuesday, Feb. 12, to launch 211, where he spoke about its benefits.