Connecting resources: A new approach for helping out with complex problems

Service providers from different groups and agencies on P.E.I. have been coming together in recent months to provide help for people in crisis faster.

The Bridge program brings together a dozen different agencies from child protection to police to public health to the Mi'kmaq Confederacy to work together to solve complex problems faced by individuals on the Island.

The model can address mental health crises, addictions issues, or help victims of crime or people in abusive situations.

It can be identified early, that's the hope. for early identification.- Gloria Dennis

Once an issue is identified, the appropriate services join together around a table to coordinate help. People are approached at home or by phone within 24 to 48 hours.

"To be able to offer services to somebody and say look, we understand that you have some complex stuff going on, not just this, or just this, and we'd like to be able to see if we can address all of that here right now. What are the needs that you have?" said Gloria Dennis, outreach coordinator for P.E.I. Family Violence Prevention Services in Queen's County.

"It's been a positive thing. And it can be identified early, that's the hope. for early identification before it gets to something where it's worse than it needed to be."

Dennis said people can refuse what's been offered, but so far most people have been receptive.

The Bridge was launched in September, and more than 42 situations from across the province have been considered.

More than 100 people have been connected to services they might have not have known were available.

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