Are you or someone you know new to Canada?
While moving to a new and foreign country can be an exciting time, it can be equally distressing. Newcomers often feel confused, overwhelmed, intimidated, frightened and lonely. These are natural emotions to feel after leaving the comforts of home and familiarity behind. That is why it is important to know how to connect with people in a new community, and what resources, agencies or organizations can help make the transition a smooth one.
There are a number of federal and provincial programs, resources and publications for immigrants offered through the Government of Alberta. Find helpful information about employment, driver’s licences, housing, health care and more from Service Alberta.
Capital Health – Edmonton area’s Multicultural Health Brokers provide health education and early parenting support to women and families from immigrant communities. They provide liaison, referral and information between newcomers and the health system. For more information visit: http://www.capitalhealth.ca/ProgramsAndServices/default.htm
Calgary Health Region offers a number of Diversity Services. A Mental Health Diversity Facilitator, Healthy Diverse Populations, provides leadership to develop, support and enhance diversity competent and responsive mental health services.
The Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers in Edmonton, AB, has a health and wellness team that can provide mental health advice and support to immigrants and refugees.