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Information and Referral (I&R) programs are free, confidential
telephone help lines that connect people to health and human
services in their community. Often people don't know what type of
help they need -- they are able to describe what is happening to
them, but don’t know how to find the services that can help.
Looking for help means locating dozens of phone numbers and/or
websites (for those who have access), and then searching through a
maze of agencies and services to make the right connection. I&R
services were created to help people negotiate this maze;
comprehensive and specialized I&R agencies -- like Canadian Mental
Health Association/Peel Branch's
Resource Centre -- exist
to provide linkages between the individual and the services
available in their community. I&R specialists help a caller find
out what they need and then find the best way to get help.
Additionally, I&R specialists are trained to determine whether a
caller may be eligible for other programs, to help in crisis
situations, and provide extra help when needed. Most people can
solve their problems and improve their lives when they have the
right information!
Before calling an I&R or using an online I&R database; have a
pencil and paper ready so that you can write down the information
provided to you. Be ready to describe the type of help that you
need and answer a few questions about yourself, such as; where you
live, if you have a family, income level, etc. I&R services will
not share your name or address with others; they are free and
confidential services. The information is used to find the
programs or services that best meet your needs.
I&R services maintain comprehensive databases of resources
including local government agencies, private non-profit agencies,
faith and community based organizations, schools, libraries and
neighborhood and civic organizations. Here in Peel Region, we rely
on the Community Information Database at
peel.cioc.ca.
I&R specialists are skilled professionals who work with
callers to find the help they need. They assess callers' needs and
help the caller determine their options and the best course of
action. Additionally, I&R specialists are trained to determine
whether a caller may be eligible for other programs, to intervene
in crisis situations, and to advocate on behalf of the caller, as
needed. Several staff members at CMHA/Peel Branch's Resource
Centre are Certified Information and Referral Specialists
through AIRS - Alliance of Information and Referral Systems.
Excerpts from AIRS web site
www.airs.org |
