211 Manitoba Winnipeg expands services for seniors

Manitoba's 211 hotline has expanded support for seniors across the province.

United Way Winnipeg operates a dedicated helpline and recently partnered with A & O: Support Services for Older Adults to help seniors.

211 A free, confidential 24/7 service that connects Manitobans to real-life help to help them find government, health and community information and resources in their area.

“Research shows that it takes seven different phone calls to get people to the right support,” said the director of 211 Manitoba. Tammy Reimer. “It can be frustrating and demoralizing.”

Reimer says the partnership is the first of its kind in Winnipeg and allows adults over 55 and their families, supporters and caregivers to call 211 and connect to A&O.

“With 211 and A&O, we can make sure older adults are just three easy numbers away from reaching out, starting a conversation, and finding the support they're looking for.”

The toll-free line launched in 2020 and receives additional support from the Government of Manitoba, United Ways of Manitoba, as well as funding partners and donors.