Friends near and far
This session supports newcomers in identifying and developing a community of support and belonging, which is essential when settling in a new country. Social connections play a vital role in well-being and safety. This activity guide encourages participants to share their experiences and explore new ways to build meaningful connections by mapping their community of […]
Co-design reports
These co-design reports capture the collaborative activities, expert insights, and community-informed processes that shaped the development of the HEAL 12-week expressive arts program. The project gathered knowledge across conference engagement, facilitated co-creation sessions, and in-depth informational interviews. Together, these documents reflect how the HEAL Project integrates Community-Based Participatory Action Research (CBPAR) to ensure that program […]
Collective painting gallery booklets
These Gallery Booklets feature image insights into 12 collective paintings produced from the HEAL Programs. Six cohorts of newcomer women engaged in the 12 session expressive arts intervention with a total of 52 participants completing both the program and evaluation process. Each booklet provides a glimpse into the transformative power of art as a pathway […]
Healing arts for newcomer well-being event
On November 12, 2025, Access Alliance hosted Healing Arts for Newcomer Family Well-being at the Toronto Reference Library. Attendees were welcomed into a space filled with warmth and colour. It was an energetic, inspiring evening, bringing together community members, and professionals from the arts, mental health, healthcare, and settlement sectors. This event marked the culmination […]
Subgroup program reports
The project piloted the 12-session expressive arts HEAL Program across five distinct newcomer communities, including Arabic, Bengali, Farsi, Tigrinya and shelter-based participants, and 2LGBTQI+ groups. Each report highlights the unique experiences, strengths, and needs of newcomer families within these communities. The subgroup reports underscore the importance of tailored gender-based violence support resources and services, challenging […]
Post-program data collection tools
The post-program resources and tools are designed to assess the long-term impact of the HEAL Program and support sustained engagement with expressive arts. They evaluate whether improvements in self-efficacy, knowledge, and well-being are maintained over time, gather participant reflections on program impact and emerging needs, and explore strategies for sustaining benefits through continued involvement in […]
In-program data collection tools
The in-program resources and tools are designed to support facilitators and program teams in delivering the HEAL Program safely, effectively, and responsively. They offer structured guidance for session reflection, tracking participant needs, and planning next steps; enable consistent, trauma-informed evaluation of participant experiences and program outcomes; and provide mechanisms for ongoing adaptation based on feedback […]
Planning documents
These project planning tools provide a comprehensive visual and strategic framework for the initiative, collectively mapping the key inputs, activities, and outputs of the program. The tools also illustrate how expressive arts interventions are structured to support newcomer women survivors of domestic violence. Together, these tools function as integrated guides for program design, delivery, and […]
Program personas
These personas represent the lived experiences, needs, and creative engagement of diverse HEAL program participants. Presented as character cards, they illustrate common mental health stressors, healing priorities, and the ways arts-based programming supports well-being, social connection, and cultural expression. The personas reflect a range of communities, including Arabic, Bengali, Farsi, and Tigrinya speaking participants, LGBTQ+ […]
Milestone reports
Milestone reports capture key moments in the implementation of the HEAL Project. Each report highlights progress each year, successes and reflections. It provides a quick snapshot of the project and how it has strengthened its approach to newcomer mental health and well-being working across all levels of society. Together, they provide a clear record of […]