Welcoming a new baby into the world can be an exciting time, but it can also be challenging. Enhanced Home Visiting (EHV) is a free, voluntary home visiting program offered by the Public Health Early Years team, which connects clients with a Community Home Visitor. Support can continue for up to three years, and includes guidance on topics related to infant feeding, parenting, child growth and development, parent-child relationships and more.
Community Home Visitors
Community Home Visitors are trained professionals who support parenting skills and child development through the EHV program. Following an evidenced-based curriculum, they can help you identify and meet goals for your family, with a focus on parent-child relationships. Your Community Home Visitor may also collaborate with a Public Health Nurse or allied health professional to support your unique needs.
Like other Public Health programs, EHV is designed to be adaptable to the needs of the client. Families can choose what level of support is needed, what topics to discuss, where and when to meet, and who should be included in the visits.
Your Community Home Visitor will help you explore and build upon your strengths so you can grow confidence as a parent. They can also offer direction to local supports for your family.
Referral to Enhanced Home Visiting
Public Health Early Years encourages referral as early as possible in pregnancy so the team in Healthy Beginnings can set families up with the right services for their needs, with Enhanced Home Visiting serving as one of three options. Referrals can be made by healthcare providers, community organizations, and by individuals who are pregnant or have a new baby and would like to self-refer.
If you would like more information, or to self-refer, please reach out to the Early Years team in your zone:
Central Zone Early Years
Halifax area, Eastern Shore and West Hants
902-481-4967/1-800-430-9557 (Toll Free)
earlyyearscz@nshealth.ca
Eastern Zone Early Years
Cape Breton, Guysborough and Antigonish
earlyyearsez@nshealth.ca
Northern Zone Early Years
Colchester-East Hants, Cumberland and Pictou
902-667-3319 / 1-800-767-3319 (Toll Free)
nzeynurses@nshealth.ca
Western Zone Early Years
Annapolis Valley, South Shore and South West
1-833-601-0949 (Toll Free)
earlyyearswz@nshealth.ca
