The Government of Saskatchewan is providing funding to the United Way for support of 211 Saskatchewan and the new Re:Connect crisis hotline service. 

The provincial government provided the United Way with $634,000 for the 2023-24 budget. This is part of a larger investment of $27.5 million by the government to address interpersonal violence and abuse for families and individuals.  

“Crisis hotlines are an essential service for people experiencing gender-based violence, especially for people living in rural communities," Women and Gender Equality and Youth Minister Marci Ien said in a recent press release.  

211 Saskatchewan offers people support and information on a range of topics, including intimate partner violence, sexual assault or family violence.  

“This transformative initiative takes a truly proactive stance, offering individuals a free, secure, and non-judgmental support system that empowers them to rebuild healthy relationships and communication, ensuring they never have to face challenges alone,” said 211 Saskatchewan Director Kristin Nelson in the press release.  

Re:Connect is a crisis hotline working with Family Service Regina. This service offers immediate crisis management and de-escalation support to individuals at risk of interpersonal violence.  

Family Service Regina CEO Kirk Englot said, “Family Service Regina has trained counsellors to assist callers with their needs, so they don’t have to struggle alone.” 

Approximately $500,000 of the $634,000 is being dedicated to Re:Connect, and $134,000 to 211. 

"Providing timely funding to organizations like United Way will make sure that these hotlines can continue providing life-saving services for everyone, no matter where they live,” said Ien. 

Both crisis lines are now open to the public and are available in 175 languages.  

For services dial 211, or visit sk.211.ca or reconnect.sk.211.ca