Who to Call for Help and Assistance in Halifax: A Brief Primer
Sometimes things get a bit out of hand, or you stumble into a situation that requires some assistance.
If you don’t know who to call or what to do, the good news is there are numerous hotlines you can contact.
Here’s a list of numbers you can call for help and assistance in Halifax and the Nova Scotia region:
Dial 911 for emergencies.
We all know 911, and it can and should be dialed if someone’s health, safety, or property is threatened and help is needed immediately.
Emergencies might include a fire, crime in progress, emergency medical situation, or a serious accident.
Dial 211 if you have concerns about the safety and well-being of yourself or others.
211 is a free, confidential information and referral service that can help connect you with the community and social services you need.
Operating 24/7, they can help you locate thousands of programs offered by local community groups, nonprofits, and government departments across Nova Scotia.
You can call 211 for assistance with issues like:
Alcohol and drug use
Anxiety
Stress
Autism
Gambling
PTSD
OCD
Psychosis
Other disorders and mental health concerns
Find more at their website:
Dial 311 to connect to important municipal services and information.
You can call 311 (or email contactus@311.halifax.ca) to request all sorts of services or for more information about things like:
Road maintenance issues like sinkholes, traffic light problems, or street obstructions
Animal services, such as an injured dog or an aggressive animal
Street and sidewalk maintenance
Illegally parked vehicles
Requests concerning parks, playgrounds, or sports fields
Plumbing or electrical issues at municipal facilities
Garbage collection schedules and services
Parking ticket payments
Civic event information
Learn more at their website:
Dial 411 for local directory assistance.
411 can help you find and contact people listed in the Halifax, NS white pages.
Dial 511 to access a free traveler information service.
Contacting 511 will allow you to access information covering highway conditions, roadwork, major incidents, weather alerts, the availability of ferry services, and park information.
The NS Department of Public Works also updates the 511 map on the website when road conditions change with advisories.
Check it out here:
Dial 611 to access a telephone repair service.
These digits will connect you immediately with a wireless service provider.
Dial 711 to access a message relay service (MRS).
This is a national, Canada-wide service for individuals who are hearing and/or speech impaired.
Get more details here:
Dial 811 to access non-emergency health advice.
This hotline will connect you to nurses available 24/7 to answer questions about general health issues, mental health concerns, and addiction issues.
Advice may include self-care measures or a recommendation to see a care provider or visit a local emergency department. Callers can also access information about health-related services available in the community.
Dial 988 to reach a 24/7 suicide crisis helpline.
This number provides urgent, live, trauma-informed support via phone.
You can call or text 988 if you are worried about someone else or thinking about self-harm.
Read more about this critical resource here:
Dial 1-888-429-8167 to access the provincial mental health and addictions crisis line.
This phone line is available 24/7 for anyone experiencing a mental health or addiction crisis. You can also call if you are concerned about someone else.
https://mha.nshealth.ca/en/services/provincial-mental-health-and-addictions-crisis-line
The province also offers an intake service that can be accessed by dialing 1-855-922-1122.
Dial 1-833-292-3698 to access Good2Talk Nova Scotia.
This resource is specifically geared towards university or college students in the province.
You can also text GOOD2TALKNS to 686868 to access support.
Dial 1-800-668-6868 to access Kids Help Phone.
This is a nation-wide resource geared towards young people between the ages of 5 and 20.
Confidential and anonymous support is available 24/7 from a trained counselor. It is also available via text at 686868.
Life can be a lot, to say the least, but these resources are available to help.
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