Parenting: Find support, free programs in New Westminster

Parenting young children in New West? Here's where to find help

Family Services of Greater Vancouver has a lineup of free community programs coming to New Westminster this fall.

Parents of young children can find help and support in a range of free New Westminster programs offered by Family Services of Greater Vancouver this fall.MoMo Productions/Stone/Getty Images

Parenting young children comes with challenges — and New Westminster parents can get a helping hand with some free community programs this fall.

Family Services of Greater Vancouver is offering a series of programs aimed at families with children up to six years old.

Here’s a sampling of what’s available in New Westminster:

Creative Explorations: Art, songs and stories for New West kids

Children aged 18 months to six years old can explore their creativity through arts and crafts, songs and stories, with caregiver participation. Bus tickets are available if needed.

Where: Olivet Church, 613 Queens Ave.
When: Mondays from Sept. 19 to Oct. 31 (six sessions), 9:30 a.m. to noon

Parents Connect: Discussion and connection for New West parents

Parents of children up to age six can meet and connect with other parents and take part in guided discussions. Bus tickets and child minding are available if needed.

Where: Olivet Church, 613 Queens Ave
When: Fridays from Sept. 16 to Oct. 28 (six sessions), 9:30 a.m. to noon

Single Moms Group: Connect with other solo parents in New West

Single parents raising kids from infancy to age six can learn about community resources and connect with other moms about solo parenting. Bus tickets and child minding are available if needed.

Where: Olivet Church, 613 Queens Ave.
When: Wednesdays, Sept. 21 to Oct. 26 (six sessions), 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Let’s Cook Together: Learn to cook healthy recipes on a budget

Parents can learn food skills and explore how to cook healthy recipes on a budget while their children (aged zero to six) play. Bus tickets and child minding are available if needed.

Where: Ecole Qayqayt Elementary School, 85 Merivale St.
When: Wednesdays, Sept. 21 to Dec. 7 (12 sessions), 9:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Raising Exceptional Children: Support for parents of neurodiverse children

Parents of neurodiverse children can connect with other parents to share the challenges and joys of parenting exceptional children and to learn about community resources.

Where: Virtual, via Zoom
When: The last Saturday of the month, 10 a.m.