Groups and Workshops
Our groups and workshops connect people who share similar goals and experiences to connect and learn about a variety of topics to foster their belonging, wellbeing, and mental health. Some of our Immigrant and Refugee groups include: Growing Stronger (Immigrant and Refugee Adult Trauma Group), YEAH! (Youth Empowerment and Healing), Empowering Youth on Anti-racism, Parents Talk it Through, Fabulous Kids, and much more.
Counselling for Immigrants and Refugees
Whether you’ve been in Canada for a few months or many years, through our Newcomer Wellbeing Program, we provide counselling services to help support Immigrants and Refugees who are finding their way in Waterloo Region.
We provide supportive counselling, reassurance, and access to mental health resources in the community. Moving to a new country can be tough. Our supports can help you connect with community, increase your sense of belonging and feel at home.
Public Education and Training
Supporting the wellbeing of newcomers is vital for community growth. We provide interactive and engaging workshops designated to equip individuals and organizations with tools to support the wellbeing of immigrants and refugees. Topics include Supporting the Supporters, Vicarious Trauma and Compassion Fatigue, and more.
Wellbeing Navigation
The Wellbeing Navigation service, funded through IRCC, guides immigrants and refugees in accessing essential resources that support their physical and mental health, with a goal of strengthening wellbeing. Wellbeing Navigators work alongside case management, community partners and immigrants and refugees to navigate through complex healthcare systems, helping them get connected to services they need to help improve and maintain their overall wellness.
Wellbeing Navigation Service Includes:
Navigation support: Help in identifying needs of the individual/family in accessing services for physical and mental health.
System Orientation: Helping clients understand how the Canadian health and mental health care systems work.
Resource Connections and Service Facilitation: Making timely referrals and connecting vulnerable newcomers to appropriate mental health or health services such as medical professionals and specialists, wellness programs, mental health and crisis support, and connection to a variety of other community programs that support health and wellbeing.
Application and form assistance: Guidance in completing health related forms such as ODSP, MobilityPLUS, Ontario Health at Home, and gathering additional supporting documents.
Interpretation provided: Wellbeing Navigation is available in multiple languages to ensure accessibility, clarity and comfort.