The Newcomer Health and Wellness Program is designed to cater to a diverse set of groups and handle mental issues related to stress, depression, anxiety, and trauma, etc. The modes applied are therapy, counseling, activities, and engagement.
The pandemic times have laid high emphasis on having a healthy body and a healthy mind. In these times, the Ontario-based organization has placed importance on mental health services during the settlement process for newcomers to Canada.
The Newcomer Health and Wellness Program will be funded by the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). There are CAD 2.2 Million invested and initiated in this program to meet every newcomer's needs in a personalized manner.
Canadian Mental Health Association, York Region & South Simcoe (CMHA-YRSS) is backing the initiative focused on improving the Mental health and well-being of immigrants who are 12 years and older.
All the current research has displayed that people who have recently immigrated are particularly vulnerable to mental health problems. Statistics Canada has emphasized the idea of "healthy immigrant effect as well. When immigration happens, there are a lot of language barriers and cultural differences, and they play a major role in making a person acclimated to the surrounding. Acute stress and grief have led to depression and trauma in some instances. Thus, the creation of such a program becomes all the more important.
With the support services provided that are easily accessible, the newcomers will not have to face mental challenges. Some newcomers are not aware of the services available to them, and they are reluctant to ask for help. The new CMHA – YRSS program is designed to fill this information gap.
The services included in the CMHA - YRSS program are counselling and psychotherapy, health and wellness promotion and training, family counselling, and trauma care in some instances. The program has been designed, keeping in mind that there is a need to cater to a diverse group, and there are different ways of coping with stress and adversity.
The CMHA - YRSS program has already received their year funding and the possibility of a two-year extension. The Newcomers' Health and Well-Being Program. The Newcomers' Health and Well-Being Program shows that all the people living in Canada have access to equal mental health services and are competent enough to lead a successful and healthy life.
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