Peel Newcomer Strategy Group is working with members of its Service Delivery Network (SDN) table and other stakeholders to develop a report on the role of the settlement sector in supporting mental health for newcomers — a strategic priority.
The report synthesizes stakeholder insights, including short-term counsellors from Peel’s settlement sector, and identifies key issues related to settlement service delivery and the mental health needs of clients. Innovations and opportunities for greater connection among various service providers will be highlighted.
On February 02, 2023, PNSG organized a forum on newcomer mental health, “Finding Bridges Between Settlement and Mental Health Service Providers to Support Newcomers”. The forum included 83 frontline and manager participants from settlement, mental health and other key agencies in Peel region. During the forum, a draft version of PNSG’s report – Newcomer Mental Health and Wellness Through a Settlement Sector Lens – was shared. Participants came together to provide recommendations and discuss possible next steps. The report will be officially released in May 2023.
The forum keynote was Melanie Bailey, Program Manager of Provincial Immigration Partnership at Immigrant and Refugee Services Association (IRSA), Prince Edward Island. She spoke about how her team used PNSG’s 2020 report findings to foster change in PEI towards greater mental health supports for newcomers. Watch her keynote address below:
