The Breathing Space: In-Home Respite Program offers short periods of in-home support to prenatal and postpartum (up to one year) families struggling to cope with daily life without much assistance from their available natural supports.
ABOUT THIS PROGRAM
WHO IS IT FOR?
Clients can be referred during their last trimester until their youngest child is 9 months old.
Our free programming supports any Calgary family with a parent struggling with:
- feeling overwhelmed
- feeling isolated
- experienced complications during birth
- having multiples
- emotional or mental health changes
- few/no natural supports within Calgary
Please note respite can only be provided in homes WITHOUT active domestic violence.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT?
- A Peer Respite worker will provide weekly visits for up to 3 months.
- Allows opportunities for the parent to remain in the home and focus on their needs – rest and connection time.
- Supporting the parent with connecting to further community-based resources.
- Supports provided for the youngest child – caring, feeding, holding
- Assisting in daily activities and spending time with the new parent.
- Available Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm
HOW TO ACCESS
Self-referral or referral from another agency will require the parent or caregiver to complete an intake by calling one of our two intake lines at 587.839.6902 or 403.807.0193 or by email.
Call, text, or email to complete an intake session or set up an appointment for one.
To ensure families with the greatest needs receive timely support, this program uses a triage system for enrollment. This means those at lower risk may experience extended wait times or may not be placed in the program.
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Families with a newborn accessed programs at Families Matter this past year
All our supports are available year-round. It is never too late, or too early to ask for help. A short intake call will be needed prior to accessing support and you will be contacted when the program is available.
Updated: September 8, 2025
