Children and Youth

The Naomi Society, offers support for children  and adolescents who have experienced violence in their homes to address low self-esteem, emotional difficulties and feelings of insecurity. 

The Big Brother / Big Sister Program is a mentoring program that connects youth (aged 6 - 16) with trained volunteer mentors.

An Enrollment Coordinator will work with you and your child to review your situation and determine how a mentor would be of benefit. Factors that would be considered regarding your child’s needs include:

• Parent or guardian support

• Adult involvement other than the parent(s) or guardian(s)

• Peer relationships

• School performance

• Involvement in community activity

• Living environment

• Ability to form and maintain a healthy, safe relationship

• Ability to perform self-care

Youth in this program can also benefit from donated toys and winter coats if needed.

Kids First Family Resource Centre offers free programs and activities for families and children. Programs are open to all, with a special focus on families considered at risk: those that are low income, socially and/or geographically isolated, and those in abusive situations.

Some program examples include:

• Play groups

• Pre- and post-natal workshops (Baby & Me)

• Breastfeeding Support Circle

• Parenting Education Classes

• Communication and connection through play

Free items include:

• Free winter coats, snowpants and mittens for kids

• Free toy exchange

The Town of Antigonish Recreation Department loans out equipment for public use.

Things you can borrow in the summer:

• PFDs (life jackets)

• group activity bags (parachute, balls, cones, etc) - from the library

• walking poles

Things you can borrow in the winter:

• skates

• helmets

• snowshoes

The Antigonish Minor Hockey has an equipment borrowing program for hockey players in need.

[Learn about what equipment your child needs to play hockey]

St Vincent de Paul is a Catholic organization that provides emergency support to community members. They can give you donated kids items if you can't afford to buy them. You can request specific items. Call for more information.

The Antigonish Imagination Library is a branch of musician Dolly Parton's Imagination Library project that sends age-appropriate one book per month to a child from birth to age five. Parents can sign up their kids online or by paper (at the Antigonish Library).  The program and books are free to any child in Antigonish Town or County.

Small Roots provides age appropriate sensory based workshops for toddlers and infants in addition to providing home care. 

Teddie & Sons provides age appropriate imaginative play spaces. Parents can pay by the day, hour or buy art and other materials individually for in-store craft-making, or to take home.

Elizabeth Fry Society's Youth Justice Coordinator for Antigonish County with the Elizabeth Fry Society of Mainland Nova Scotia. Services that can be provided to youth that are facing the criminal justice system (may be accused of a crime and/or a victim of a crime) include help with court system navigation, court accompaniment, advocacy, support, programming, referrals to community organizations and more.