With winter weather on the way, the Red Deer Diversion Team is the right one to call with concerns about anyone experiencing homelessness, mental health or substance abuse challenges.
Just call 2-1-1 and then press 2 to access the team.
Stephanie MacDonald, outreach and housing services manager with Safe Harbour Society who manages the Social Diversion Team, said many people are still not aware that the team exists to provide non-emergency support. Even if they have heard of 2-1-1, many don’t know to press 2 to connect directly with the team and get frustrated waiting for assistance.
“211 provides a big range of services, but if you press 2 you get Social Diversion,” MacDonald said.
Related:
Safe Harbour Society sees jump in people seeking shelter during winter storm
The Social Diversion team is made up of specially-trained professionals who provide front-line assessment, intervention and support. They can connect people in crisis with the social services they need, like housing or mental health supports, detox programs and harm reduction resources.
People should call the team when they see someone experiencing a mental health or medical (non-emergency) crisis; intoxicated or otherwise impaired; requiring transport to appropriate services (shelter); sleeping in an unsafe space and/or inappropriately dressed for the weather; requiring social services (housing, nutrition, health or community supports); or likely to come to harm without intervention.
MacDonald said the team has been dealing with a lot of people struggling with a mental health crisis or psychosis, and anticipate more calls about people who are out in the cold.
She said often people are afraid to respond to someone in distress because of the unpredictability of the situation, but the team is here to help.
“They can call our team and they can respond and be glad to attend.”
She said if people just want someone to check on a person’s wellness, or want the person to move along, or unsure if it’s appropriate to call, just contact the team.
The Social Diversion team, which takes pressure off RCMP and Red Deer Emergency Services, is available to respond seven days a week, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. When the team is not working, 211 is still available to refer people to the most appropriate agency.
szielinski@reddeeradvocate.com
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