Numbers you should know — 211 and 988

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This article was published 17/07/2024 (663 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

There are two potentially life-saving phone numbers that every Manitoban should have memorized, written on their fridge, or highlighted in their phones – the 211 mental health line and the 988 suicide crisis helpline.

211 Manitoba accesses community-based government, health and social services designed to meet the needs of diverse demographics. It’s free and confidential, available 24/7 in over 200 languages, including four Indigenous languages. Managed by United Way Winnipeg and guided by a province-wide volunteer advisory committee – with support from the Province of Manitoba, Manitoban United Ways, funding partners and donors – 211 is available to everyone.

Anyone in crisis with thoughts of suicide or who is worried about someone else can access assistance free of charge from the 988 Suicide Crisis Helpline, a national telephone and text suicide prevention and support service that provides culturally affirming suicide prevention services, offers access to online resources, local helplines and crisis resources across Canada. 988 is a partnership of government and community agencies led by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH).

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Tammy Reimer, director of 211 Manitoba, says stigma is still a barrier to accessing mental health services, but efforts are being invested to create change.

“We work to address the barriers by providing a confidential phone line to begin the conversation and provide referral to care,” she said. “It is critical we ensure help is available when a person needs it, and access to care is fast and seamless. The systems that support individuals in need are complex and 211 Manitoba works to address this complexity by providing service navigators to assist in finding the right care at the right time.”

The phone line and website are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and connect people to programs and services needed to take a step forward.

United Way Winnipeg’s donors ensure a network of over 125 agencies and programs – including 30 that provide mental health and addiction services, and 37 offering youth counselling and crisis intervention – are promptly accessible.

“When you are in need, it can be scary to take the first step to getting help,” Reimer said. “Our service navigators are there to listen and offer the best referrals to care to address the caller’s needs.”

She also underscored the availability of service in 200 languages: “Last year, we received more than 14,000 calls for support and 15 per cent of these calls were related to mental health support and referrals.

“211 is a program for all Manitobans, whether it be for a referral to mental health support, food security or older adult services. 211 Manitoba is here to provide support in navigating our complex systems.”

To connect to community resources anywhere in the province, call 211 or visit: mb.211.ca

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Calling or texting 988 reaches a responder at one of nearly 40 local, provincial, territorial, and national crisis lines who deliver the service. 988 partners are located across Canada and provide existing crisis services within their communities. Other 988 partners include Hope for Wellness, who offer specialized support for First Nations, Inuit and Métis; and Kids Help Phone, who support young people needing aid.

Richelle Ready, manager of crisis support services at Klinic Community Health, says there are many people who don’t know what to do when someone, including themselves, are having thoughts about suicide or self-harm.

One way to make asking for help easier is to increase public education about how to have conversations about suicide.

“If you are someone who does not know how to support someone if they were to share thoughts of suicide or self-harm with you, there is an opportunity to take a training – like ASIST (applied suicide intervention skills training) – to learn more about how to respond with care, compassion, and support. Another opportunity is to have conversations about resources and know who and when to call resources, like 988 Canada or the crisis lines at Klinic,” she said.

“As a community partner of 988 Canada (currently the only one in Manitoba), responders offer non-judgmental listening, provide support and understanding, and offer information about resources that can support connection, recovery, hope, and save lives.

Klinic’s range of resources can help make a difference through connection, information and a space where there is listening without judgment.

“Everyone has the right to feel connected, hopeful, and safe,” Ready said. “There are many beautiful resources available to people within our community and it is important to find the resources and supports that meet your needs as an individual.”

Visit: 988.ca