A Guysborough event brought residents together to form a supportive village.
The Early Years Expo, organized by Guysborough Early Years Network, promotes local assistance and connections for families with young kids.
“There was just a lot of joy in that room and just sharing and connections being made. It just felt like a really supportive nurturing community event. That’s what we want our families to feel, supported,” says public health nurse Sherry MacDonald who has worked with families for over 30 years.
She says it was an excellent event that exceeded expectations of the turnout and was a wonderful event for connections and supporting and strengthening families in our communities.
Children’s activities included face painting, crafts and Physically Active Children in Youth (PACY) recreation.
They received free books and toothbrushes while attending.
Square Roots also provided fresh fruits and vegetables for families.
“We just wanted to showcase all the beautiful service providers and supports that we have available for young families in our community,” adds MacDonald. “So, we just wanted to showcase what we have in our county.”
According to MacDonald, families were very pleased with making connections amongst each other and with the providers, including newcomers and young parents that live in more rural areas who may not be aware of everything available.
“We have a lot of young families doing their best to raise their children and we want to strengthen those supports and build and nurture supportive environments for children and young families in our communities,” she said.
Over 100 parents, children, grandparents, and neighbours met more than 20 local service representatives at the expo held last month at the Chedabucto Education Centre – Guysborough Academy.
Informational booths included Public Health, recreation, Nova Scotia Early Childhood Intervention Services, Kids First Association, Guysborough County Adult Learning Association, Primary Health Care, Antigonish and Guysborough women’s resource centres, SchoolsPlus, a dental hygienist, a pharmacist and support workers.
