HEAL Resources

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 of our Hubs of Expressive Arts for Life (HEAL) project.

Learning outcomes

Emphasizes the role of expressive arts as a powerful tool for healing, connection, and well-being among newcomer families.
Highlights the importance of culturally responsive, trauma-informed practices across arts, health, and settlement sectors.
Underscores the value of community-building through shared storytelling, creative exploration, and collaborative reflection.
Demonstrates how cross-sector partnerships strengthen support systems and improve access to meaningful well-being resources.
Showcases insights and learnings emerging from the HEAL Project, offering practical perspectives for practitioners working with newcomer communities.

Event impacts

Demonstrates the transformative impact of expressive arts in supporting healing, emotional expression, and well-being for newcomer communities affected by violence and trauma. 87% of participants reported that the event increased their understanding “a lot” or “significantly.”
Affirms the effectiveness of arts-based approaches as culturally responsive and trauma-informed practices. 96% of participants reported at least some increase in understanding, and 0% reported no impact. This highlights the accessibility of arts-based healing across language and cultural barriers.
Highlights the role of creative engagement in fostering community connection and belonging. Participants described the arts as a safe and non-judgemental way to express experiences when words are difficult.
Shows how creative spaces reduce isolation and support comfort and belonging. Written responses emphasized connection, shared reflection, and healing through collective art-making.
Illustrates the strength of cross-sector collaboration across arts, health, and settlement sectors. 90% of participants identified panel discussions and learning about the HEAL Project as the most valuable components of the event.
Reinforces the practical relevance of the HEAL Project. 95% of participants indicated they are likely, very likely, or already planning to apply what they learned in professional practice or community work.