An info-reference phone service, 7 days a week, for seniors of the Greater Metropolitan Area

Montreal, March 1, 2016—Within the framework of the info-referral 2-1-1 project, people over 50 year-old of the Metropolitan Community of Montreal now receive a better support from the Information and Referral Centre of Greater Montreal (IRCGM) in their search for social and community-based services. “Seniors can now call the Centre (514-527-0007), seven days a week, 10 hours a day, between 8: am and 6:00 pm including statuary holidays. Our team can inform them on pertinent social and community-based services that answer to social needs, like affordable housing, food banks, transportation, income support, advocacy, mutual assistance, etc. At the end of the project, which evolves on three years, the Centre plans to improve accessibility to seniors in the Metropolitan area and the Montérégie, by giving them access to an easy to remember three-digit phone number (2-1-1) and to a data base of social and community services, accessible at all times on an adapted and user-friendly Web site,” explained Mrs. Pierrette Gagné, IRCGM Executive Director.

Furthermore, the Centre will produce a printed directory of resources dedicated to seniors and caregivers which is a most useful reference tool not only for them, but also for social field counsellors working with this clientele.

The project falls within the Québec ami des aînés (QADA) program and was approved by the Secrétariat aux aînés of the Québec government.

Real needs of seniors

This integrated information platform for seniors answers to a well-known necessity identified by the Centre’s counsellors. “For a great number of people, particular seniors, the governmental services labyrinth combined with the multiplicity of social and community resources complicates access to the best resource, at the right moment. This service is essential for certain seniors living in isolation or in a vulnerable state. When calling the Referral Helpline for Seniors, they can explain their problems to a counsellor that will be able to refer them to reliable resources, and answer to their specific needs. The Centre’s personnel and myself are very happy to offer them this reinforced professional service, because we are convinced it will contribute in improving their lives,” explained Mrs. Gagné.

The phone number to call our counsellors at the Referral Helpline for Seniors is (514) 527-0007.

Source:

Marie Vaillant

Communications Coordinator

Telephone : (514) 527-1388, poste 215