Non-emergency help is just a phone call away in Sudbury
A non-emergency helpline telephone service, 211, connects people to community and government services to help with a wide range of social needs at a time they are increasing significantly.
A flag has been raised at Tom Davies Square in Sudbury to mark February as 211 Month.
"It's tough out there right now," said Mayor Paul Lefebvre.
“Certainly the financial burden that people are facing and certainly accessing services, as well, there (are) lots of questions. People have been in their homes for a long time during the pandemic so accessing these services is so key for … their mental health.”
The month is dedicated to raising awareness that non-emergency help is just a phone call away.
"There are a number of people struggling right now whether it be requiring financial help, or going to the food banks, mental well-being and there are a lot of people and agencies in our community that want to help and the 211 is that connecting piece," said Ward 9 Coun. Deb McIntosh.
The 211 help line is funded by the United Way.
"When you call 211, you will get a live person -- which is wonderful -- and that person will evaluate your challenges and your situation and will give you the information you need to resolve those challenges," said Madeleine Sauve, a community impact associate with the United Way North East Ontario.
Officials said there are a wide range of needs the helpline can help with, from health to mental health, hunger, housing, disability supports and newcomer services among others.
"Our service comes in 150 different languages and it's 24-7," said Sauve.
United Way officials said in 2022, the 211 help line in Sudbury received almost 2,000 calls. The top needs were health-related, housing, mental health and substance abuse.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.