Arts material toolkit
The Art Material Toolkit is a practical guide for HEAL Program facilitators, including expressive arts therapists, art therapists, and arts-based mental health practitioners, to support delivery of the 12-session HEAL program. It provides a starting point for building an arts materials inventory within your organization and is grounded in an asset-based approach that recognizes creative […]
Newcomer artist mental health training
Access Alliance uses the arts to enhance newcomer mental health and wellness through a range of expressive arts programs delivered across settlement and healthcare services using a coordinated, team-based approach. To strengthen this work, the Newcomer Artists Mental Health Training was developed in partnership with MABELLEarts. The training was designed to equip newcomer artists with […]
Community ambassador and peer worker training
Community ambassadors and peer workers play a key role in reaching communities on the ground. To support their work, Access Alliance offered a two-day Mental Health Training using arts-based practices to three teams: Community Health Ambassadors, Family Well-being Ambassadors, and peer community outreach workers. The training took place on August 6 and 13, 2025, at […]
Arts annual report 2024 – 25
Access Alliance deepens the commitment to newcomer mental health through arts-based programming at various levels. This year, programs connected community artists with healthcare providers to deliver inclusive, arts-based mental health programming for newcomers, supported by materials and accessibility resources. Participants reported increased belonging, self-efficacy, and knowledge of health and arts resources, while providers strengthened their […]
Arts annual report 2023 – 24
Access Alliance deepens the commitment to newcomer mental health through arts-based programming at various levels. This year, expressive arts initiatives were co-designed by bringing together community artists and healthcare providers, ensuring programs are both culturally relevant and trauma-informed. Partnerships with local galleries and cultural institutions were expanded to support social prescribing. These efforts are shaping […]
Arts annual report 2022 – 23
The Peterson Foundation has supported Access Alliance since April 2022 through March 2027 to strengthen Expressive Arts Programs for newcomers. This support has increased our capacity to deliver inclusive, culturally responsive programming for immigrants and refugees. Funds are used for professional development, art materials, and accessibility supports such as interpretation, childminding, refreshments, and transportation. We […]
Stepping up toolkit
The Stepping Up Toolkit is a guide for service providers and organizations to deliver expressive arts programming among 2SLGBTQ+ newcomer communities. Grounded in research and developed through community involvement, it provides promising practices for fostering safety and preventing violence. This resource has been designed to create inclusive, creative spaces with the hopes of promoting healing, connection, and […]