AM ENOUGH SOCIETY

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Children of immigrants and refugee.

Children of immigrants and refugee.

Our aim as an organization is to create a supportive environment that addresses the unique mental health needs of children from immigrant or refugee background.
Supporting Young Minds: Immigrant & Refugee Children

Supporting Young Minds: Immigrant & Refugee Children

Supporting the mental health of children from immigrant or refugee backgrounds requires a multifaceted approach that considers their unique experiences and challenges. Here are several ways an organization can provide support:
Culturally Competent Services:

We advocate and ensure that mental health services identified are culturally sensitive and delivered by professionals who understand the cultural nuances, language barriers, and specific challenges faced by immigrant or refugee children.

Psychoeducation Programs:

We aim to offer programs and to work collaboratively with other organisation to educate both children and their families about mental health issues, coping mechanisms, stress management, and the importance of seeking help when needed. These programs would be tailored to the cultural backgrounds and languages of the families.

Community Outreach and Engagement:

We have established community partnerships and outreach programs that engage with immigrant or refugee communities. This will involve community centers, religious institutions, schools, and local organizations to raise awareness about mental health and available support.

Trauma-Informed Care:

Many immigrant or refugee children might have experienced trauma. Provide trauma-informed support that acknowledges and addresses their past experiences in a safe and supportive manner. We are seeking funding to provide Trauma Informed Counsellors.

Support Groups and Peer Networks:

Create safe spaces where children can connect with peers who share similar experiences. Peer support can be invaluable in helping them feel understood and less isolated.

Access to Language-Specific Services:

We aim to support access to mental health services in languages spoken by the families. Language barriers can prevent children from seeking or receiving the help they need.

Resources, Journals and Articles

Resources, Journals and Articles

Caring for Kids New to Canada

The Affiliation of Multicultural Societies and Service Agencies (AMSSA) has links to multilingual, youth-oriented information and videos on basic health topics including mental health services.
Immigrant child health in Canada

 

  • DIVERSITY: Offers variety of support including Child and Youth Mental Health Program, professional counselling services to youth from immigrant and refugee families who are experiencing mental health issues. The Refugee Peer Support Program etc
  • Immigrant Service Society of BC has targeted programs for refugees, women, children and youth, 
  • Vancouver Youth : Using projects and outreach, the program helps immigrant and refugee youth to stay in school and improve employment and educational opportunities.
  • MOSAIC B.C.’s Redirecting Youth Through Empowerment (RYTE) program does public education and outreach for at-risk newcomers.
  • NuYu popular theatre is an immigrant and refugee youth troupe
  • S.U.C.C.E.S.S Youth Services 
  • The YMCA of Greater Vancouver has extensive youth programming for newcomers, including exchanges, job matching and other employment resources, and leadership development opportunities.