Planting Seeds for Healthy Youth: Exploring Parents' Perceptions of a Community-Based Program in Halifax, Nova Scotia

Abstract

There is relatively little research focusing on how social programs influence multiple dimensions of youth’s health. This study explored one community-based program aimed at inner-city youth in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The purpose was to understand, from the parents’ perspectives, how they think the Hope Blooms program influenced (if at all) their children’s health (i.e. physical, social, mental, emotional, and spiritual health). A qualitative study was undertaken, which involved one interview with the Program Director, and nine face-to-face interviews with parents who, in 2015, had children ages 10 to17 participating in Hope Blooms. Parents argued that Hope Blooms provides their children with access to some key resources (e.g. healthy food) and many opportunities (e.g. having a voice). This in turn has created positive changes for the youth and better health across multiple dimensions. These findings may help to inform programs seeking to improve the health of youth living in low-income communities.