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
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.
Biscuits with possible plastic pieces, metal found in ground pork: Here are the recalls for this week
Here are the latest recalls Canadians should watch out for, according to Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.