Are you a new parent looking for information on government and community programs and services?
Becoming a parent is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. You’re not alone, there are many programs and services to help you, and your baby stay healthy and safe.
Government and community services can provide support with:
- your mental and physical health
- paying for food, housing, childcare, or other basic needs
- caring for your baby
- finding a safe place to live
- accessing healthy food
- postnatal care
- addressing mental health or addiction challenges
- leaving an unsafe relationship
- transportation
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If you need help, the following confidential resources are available 24/7:
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Help for your health and your baby’s health
Healthy Families, Healthy Babies Program
This free program is designed for new and expectant parents. It offers:
- home visits with a public health nurse and dietitian
- milk and prenatal vitamin coupons
- healthy toddler assessments to monitor your child’s growth and development
For more information:
- Visit the Horizon Health Network or Vitalité Health Network pages.To apply, call your local Public Health office.
Immunization programs
Routine vaccinations are a safe and effective way to protect your child and family from preventable diseases.
For more information:
- Visit the Government of New Brunswick (GNB) What you need to know about immunization page.
- Review the New Brunswick Immunization Schedule.
How to feed your baby
Nutrition is important for your baby’s health and development, especially in their first three years. Learn about breastfeeding, formula feeding, and making informed feeding decisions that work best for you and your family.
For more information:
- Visit the GNB Infant and Young Child Feeding and Nutrition page.
Safe sleep
Good sleep is essential for your baby’s health and safety. Learn how to create a safe sleep space for your baby through information, videos, and helpful resources.
For more information:
- Visit the GNB Safe Sleep page.
Accessing healthcare
The Accessing Healthcare page provides information on how to access healthcare programs and services in New Brunswick, including:
- finding a family doctor or nurse practitioner
- options for non-urgent care options such as pharmacies, virtual clinics, and walk-in clinics
- mental health and addiction resources
- sexual health services, including pregnancy testing, birth control, and STI testing
For more information:
- Visit the GNB Accessing Healthcare page.
- Do you live in a First Nations community? Find a First Nations Health Centre near you.
Speech-language services
The Talk With Me Program provides free access to speech-language services. It provides parent-child consultations, workshops, and resources to help children develop strong communication skills.
For more information:
- Contact your local Anglophone School District or Francophone School District.
Healthy Smiles, Clear Vision Program
This program helps parents with lower incomes pay for their children’s dental and vision care.
For more information and to apply:
- Visit the Healthy Smiles, Clear Vision page.
Additional community supports
Parent Resource Centres offer free programs and services for families with young children. Depending on your region, these centres may provide playgroups, parenting workshops, and early learning resources.
For more information:
- Visit the New Brunswick Association of Family Resource Centres website for a list of centres in the province.
Financial help for parents
Help with the cost of healthy food for new mothers
The Postnatal Benefit Program provides money to help new mothers eat well and stay healthy after giving birth. It is available for up to four months after the baby is born.
For more information:
- Visit the GNB Postnatal Benefit Program page.
- If you live in a First Nations Community, visit the First Nations Postnatal Benefit Program information sheet.
- To apply, call Social Development at 1-833-733-7835 (Monday to Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).
Help paying for food, shelter, clothing ,etc.
The Social Assistance Program provides financial support for people who need help paying for basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter. It also offers support to help you prepare for and find employment.
For more information:
- Visit the Social Assistance Program page.
- To apply, call Social Development at 1-833-733-7835 (Monday to Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).
Health Card
A Social Development health card can help pay for medical services, supplies, or medications not covered by Medicare or private health plans. If you receive Social Assistance, your eligibility is automatically assessed by the program. If you do not receive Social Assistance, you may still qualify.
For more information:
- Visit the Social Development Health Card page
- To apply, call Social Development at 1-833-733-7835 (Monday to Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).
Help paying for early learning and childcare
Families with low or middle incomes can get help with the cost of approved early learning and childcare facilities.
For more information:
- Visit the Help paying for early learning and childcare page.
- To apply, log in to your existing Parent Portal account. If you do not have a Parent Portal account, go to the Parent Portal and click ‘Register’ to create an account.
Housing supports
Emergency shelters
Emergency shelters provide temporary housing and support for people experiencing homelessness.
For more information:
- Visit the Supports for people experiencing homelessness page.
- Call 211 or visit the 211 website.
Transition houses
Transition houses are safe places where women and their children can stay if they are experiencing violence or abuse. They also offer support and can connect you with other services that can help.
For more information:
- Visit the Transition Houses page.
- Call 211 or visit the 211 website.
Supports for renters
There are programs to help individuals and families with lower incomes find safe and affordable housing.
For more information:
- Visit the Supports for renters in New Brunswick page.
- Call 211 or visit the 211 website.
- Visit the GNB Housing and property page for complete housing information.
Help with transportation
New Brunswick Community Transportation Service
Volunteer drivers through the Community transportation services can help you get to appointments, pick-up groceries, or access other essentials.
For more information:
- Visit the Community Transportation Service page.
- To apply, contact your local community transportation provider.
Help with accessing food
Community food programs
Not having food can put stress and strain on you and your family. If you are in the situation where you are struggling to put food on the table, reach out to the supports available to help.
For more information:
- Visit the Community food programs page.
- Call 211 or visit the 211 website.
Help with unhealthy relationships
Intimate partner violence
Find information and support for leaving an abusive relationship, including help with housing, safety planning, and other needs.
For more information:
- If you’re scared, unsure or just need to talk, 211 NB is here to help. Call 211 or visit the 211 It’s your call website for more information.
- Visit the Intimate Partner Violence page.
Supports in Indigenous communities
Find services and resources specifically for Indigenous people who have experienced abuse.
For more information:
Supports for mental health and addictions
Mental health and addiction services
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or addiction, there are programs and services available to help.
For more information:
- Visit the addiction and mental health resources section of the accessing healthcare page.
- For mental health or addictions support, call the free 24/7 provincial helpline at 1-866-355-5550.
Help with worries that you may abuse or neglect your child
If you feel overwhelmed and afraid that you or someone you know may harm your child or youth, there is help available to ensure they are safe.
For more information:
- Call Social Development at 1-833-733-7835 (available 24/7). Tell them that you have concerns about your child or youth’s safety.
Help with adoption
If you’re considering adoption and want to explore whether it’s the right choice for you, free counselling and support are available to help you make an informed decision.
For more information:
- Call Social Development at 1-833-733-7835 (Monday to Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). Let them know you are a new parent and want to speak with a social worker about your options. A social worker will contact you to schedule an appointment and provide counselling focused on your specific situation.
