Findhelp - 211

This past week, we participated in the official launch and city-wide expansion of the Toronto Community Crisis Service (TCCS), an initiative that has fundamentally shifted how mental health crises are handled in the City of Toronto. The service provides a non-police-led, community-based, client focused, and trauma-informed response to mental health crisis calls and wellness checks.

Since March 2022, Findhelp has acted as the front door to mental health support in Toronto throughout the TCCS pilot. It has been the success of all TCCS teams, 211 Service Navigators, and four anchor partners (TAIBU Community Health Centre, CMHA Toronto, 2-Spirited People of the 1st Nations, Gerstein Crisis Centre) who all played a part in leading to the investment for this city-wide expansion. We look forward to our continued collaboration with the City and community anchor partners as this transformative service expands city wide. Congratulations to all the partners for your passion and delivering this much needed service!

Our Director of Strategic Partnerships and Service Navigator, Kosal Ky and Tom Nguyen, shared with City News Toronto about the role Findhelp | 211 plays as a dispatch partner for TCCS. Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KdFqaZsPFSY

September 30 marks National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and coincides with Orange Shirt Day.

As treaty people, we stand in solidarity with First Nations, Inuit, and Metis communities. Today and every day, we reflect, learn and grieve the legacy of colonialism and residential schools in Canada and the impact both continue to have on Indigenous communities. We acknowledge that there were residential schools across our service areas and we would like to bring honour to all lost children and survivors of residential schools, their families, and communities here and afar.

As an organization, we are mindful of our commitments and journey so far and more importantly the work that we still need to do.

Please share this post WIDELY.

Your mental health matters. 💙

That’s why we are pleased to let you know that the City of Toronto’s 4th municipal emergency service is now available across the city. The Toronto Community Crisis Service is available 24/7 when you or your loved ones need mental health support.

The Toronto Community Crisis Service provides:

💙 free, confidential, in-person mental health supports from mobile crisis worker teams.

💙The service is non-police led and sends crisis workers trained in mental health and crisis response to your location.

💙in-person wellness checks

💙 referrals and connections to other services

💙resources to assist and even,

💙follow-up support

We know mental health situations can be challenging for all involved and we want to get the word out to all Torontonians so they know how to get support.
Reach out by calling 2-1-1

Learn more about the Toronto Community Crisis Service and how it works at https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/public-safety-alerts/community-safety-programs/toronto-community-crisis-service/
Thank you, Toronto.

Mayor Olivia Chow launches Toronto Community Crisis Service city-wide

News release: https://www.toronto.ca/news/mayor-olivia-chow-launches-toronto-community-crisis-service-city-wide/

is an opportunity to raise awareness of the important contributions of women and gender diverse communities, celebrate the significant achievements in advancing gender equality, and reconfirm our commitment to address gender equality gaps.

Learn more: https://www.canada.ca/en/women-gender-equality/commemorations-celebrations/gender-equality-week/gender-equality-week-2024.html

REGISTER NOW: Fall 2024 Findhelp Agency-Specific Training

- September 27 (9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. EDT): Understanding the Human Services System (1-Day Workshop)

- October 17 (9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. EDT) & October 18 (9 a.m. - 3 p.m. EDT): Information, Referral & Communication Skills (2-Day Workshop)

Registration: https://findhelp.ca/programs-and-services/training/

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Findhelp Training & Development Agency-Specific Workshops provide foundational skill building workshops that are engaging, in-depth, interactive sessions.

Participants will enhance their ability to provide effective information and referral (I&R) through greater self-awareness and a better understanding of the human services system.

All workshops will be delivered in English by Instructor Faed Hendry.

Learn more: https://findhelp.ca/programs-and-services/training/

REGISTER NOW: Fall 2024 Findhelp Agency-Specific Training

- September 27 (9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. EDT): Understanding the Human Services System (1-Day Workshop)

- October 17 (9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. EDT) & October 18 (9 a.m. - 3 p.m. EDT): Information, Referral & Communication Skills (2-Day Workshop)

Registration: https://findhelp.ca/programs-and-services/training/

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Findhelp Training & Development Agency-Specific Workshops provide foundational skill building workshops that are engaging, in-depth, interactive sessions.

Participants will enhance their ability to provide effective information and referral (I&R) through greater self-awareness and a better understanding of the human services system.

All workshops will be delivered in English by Instructor Faed Hendry.

Learn more: https://findhelp.ca/programs-and-services/training/

It was a pleasure for Findhelp - 211 to collaborate with the Toronto Raptors as a "Community Contributor" for their 2024 Raptors Youth Summit this week.

We facilitated a workshop about safe spaces and community support systems, allowing us to hear directly from the youth about challenges and lived experiences from their various communities across the Greater Toronto Area, and also had the opportunity to spread awareness on the 211 service and the role it plays as a community support system.

Thank you to the Toronto Raptors, community organizers and civic leaders for this opportunity and a special shout out to the amazing youth that we had the pleasure of meeting!

Findhelp | 211 is extremely pleased to receive the 2024 National Community Champion Award by United Way Centraide Canada!

The National Community Champion Award is given to an individual or organization that demonstrates exemplary commitment to improving our communities through excellence in fundraising, engagement, advocacy, or development of the non-profit and charitable sector in Canada.

This award is an incredible honour and recognition of our team and partners' tireless efforts, unwavering dedication and true commitment to supporting communities on a local, regional and national scale. Thank you for everything that you do. This award and our accomplishments as an organization would not be possible without your countless contributions.

A special thanks as well to our award nominators and those who supported the application: United Way Centraide Canada, United Way Greater Toronto, United Way - Greater Moncton & SENB, Centraide - Grand Moncton & SENB and 211 Eastern Ontario!

Findhelp has served as a founding partner, with United Way Centraide Canada and United Way Greater Toronto, in bringing 211 to Canada more than twenty years ago making their nomination even more meaningful.

Read more about United Way Centraide Canada's National Recognition Awards: https://www.unitedway.ca/national-recognition-awards/

Findhelp | 211 was incredibly proud to close out 2024 at the Pride Toronto Parade this past weekend with our TCCS partners, TAIBU Community Health Centre!

Pride brings people together to celebrate the history, courage, diversity and contributions of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.

June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day

Today and every day, Findhelp | 211 is proud to honour and celebrate the history, heritage, diversity, resilience and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities across Canada.

It's in Ontario!

211 is by making it easier to find programs and services for seniors and older adults in Ontario such as:

🍅 Grocery Shopping
🏊 Recreation Programs
🚌 Transportation Services & more!

Call 211 for a free, confidential referral to community supports. Available 24/7 with interpretation in 200+ languages. Learn more: https://211central.ca/

ICYMI: June 9 was

Findhelp | 211 is thrilled to celebrate alongside our accrediting body, Inform USA! Accreditation brings standards of professionalism to our sector and elevates our service.

Did you know that Findhelp has been accredited since 2002? We received our initial accreditation at the AIRS Conference in Salt Lake City the year Findhelp launched the very first 211 service in Canada. Today, June 13th, marks our 22nd Anniversary!

We are proud of every one of our staff who has worked towards their Inform USA certifications and are excited to support others to work towards theirs. Learn more: https://www.informusa.org/news/world-accreditation-day-2024

June is National Indigenous History Month

This month and every month, we recognize and honour the history, heritage, diversity, resilience and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities across Canada. Findhelp | 211 is proud to celebrate Indigenous communities and reaffirm our commitment to truth and reconciliation.

For Indigenous resources and information for further learning as well as contacts for support, visit: https://211central.ca/results/?sa=in&searchLocation=Toronto&latitude=43.65788914026817&longitude=-79.38493319469188&searchTerms=&topicPath=506&l=&sd=0&ss=Name

Wishing a to all!

Pride brings people together to honour and celebrate the history, courage, diversity and contributions of 2SLGBTQI+ communities.

To learn more about Pride celebrations across parts of the GTA, follow Pride Toronto, York Pride - Official and Pride Durham!

Call 211 for a free, confidential referral to 2SLGBTQI+ programs, services and supports.

New to Toronto? Findhelp - 211 is at Nathan Phillips Square today for until 3pm!

Drop by booth #85 at the Information Fair to learn how 211 can connect newcomers with a free, confidential referral to community supports, 24/7 with interpretation available in 200+ languages or visit https://211central.ca/

New to Toronto? Findhelp - 211 will be at Nathan Phillips Square May 23 to welcome and celebrate newcomers for the 10th annual !

Meet us at booth #85 to learn how 211 can connect newcomers with a free, confidential referral to community supports, 24/7 with interpretation available in 200+ languages!

For over 25 years, Emergency Preparedness Week has helped Ontarians stay
safe by knowing who to call when they need critical supports. For
, learn the ins and outs of and what call to
make when you need support.

Need to talk? Struggling to cope with isolation, anxiety and stress? Experiencing or witnessing a non-emergency mental health crisis? Call 211.

Our team of certified, trauma-informed, and crisis intervention-trained Service Navigators are here to listen and connect anyone going through a difficult time with free, confidential referrals to community supports. The 211 helpline is available 24/7 with interpretation in 200+ languages.

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If you are dealing with thoughts of su***de, or if you are worried about someone else, 9-8-8, Canada's new Su***de Crisis Helpline, is here for you. Call or text 9-8-8 or visit 988.ca

Mental health has consistently been a top reason for calling 211 across Canada, increasing 13% from 2022 to 2023. The mental health crisis amongst young people is unprecedented. We are eager to learn more about the planned Budget 2024 investment announced yesterday by the federal government and to support young people in our communities.

Government announces new Youth Mental Health Fund - Canada.ca Today, the government announced Canada’s new Youth Mental Health Fund, which will help younger Canadians access the mental health care they need, by reducing wait times and providing more care options. This will help build a happier, healthier future for every generation.

REGISTER NOW: Findhelp's Agency-Specific Training for Spring 2024 👇

🗓️ March 28: Understanding the Human Services System (1-Day Workshop)

🗓️ April 18 & 19: Information, Referral & Communication Skills (2-Day Workshop)

All workshops will be delivered in English by Instructor, Faed Hendry.

Registration: https://forms.gle/6g9XvHuVZMn1ZsLj7

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Findhelp Training & Development Agency-Specific Workshops provide specific foundational skills building workshops that are engaging, in-depth, interactive sessions.

Participants will enhance their ability to provide effective Information and Referral (I&R) through greater self-awareness and a better understanding of the human services system.

Learn more: https://www.findhelp.ca/programs-and-services/training/

REGISTER NOW: Findhelp's Agency-Specific Training for Spring 2024 ⬇️

🗓️ March 28: Understanding the Human Services System (1-Day Workshop)

🗓️ April 18 & 19: Information, Referral & Communication Skills (2-Day Workshop)

All workshops will be delivered in English by Instructor, Faed Hendry.

Registration: https://forms.gle/6g9XvHuVZMn1ZsLj7

——

Findhelp Training & Development Agency-Specific Workshops provide specific foundational skills building workshops that are engaging, in-depth, interactive sessions.

Participants will enhance their ability to provide effective Information and Referral (I&R) through greater self-awareness and a better understanding of the human services system.

Learn more: https://www.findhelp.ca/programs-and-services/training/