Prescribing arts and culture: Revealing pathways
By Halena Panico, MSW (C), BA (Hons), CSW, Practicum Student Over eight months at Access Alliance, I witnessed how arts and cultural activities can support newcomer well-being. Through both research and hands-on facilitation of expressive arts programs, I saw how creative spaces foster healing, connection, and belonging. I also explored social prescribing as a holistic […]
The role of arts and literature in alleviating collective trauma
By Ezat Mossallanejad, Settlement counsellor, policy analyst and research at Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture Iranian society is living through a profound state of shock following the brutality of the recent crackdown. There is scarcely a family untouched by loss. Friends, relatives, neighbors almost everyone mourns someone. In this moment of collective grief, it […]
Artists as part of the interprofessional team
By George Fazaa, MA candidate in clinical & counselling psychology Many newcomers to Canada arrive with hope, investing their skills to build a new home; however, on several occasions, the path to Canada is layered with experiences of displacement and trauma. These experiences are often compounded by language barriers, economic uncertainties, familial separations, and experiences […]
CAMH: Evidence snapshot featuring HEAL project
Expressive Arts for Newcomer Survivors of Gender Based Domestic Violence Authors: Access Alliance Multicultural Health and Community Services (Access Alliance) Location: Toronto, Canada Context: Access Alliance, with funding from the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), implemented the Hubs of Expressive Arts for Life (HEAL) Project—an expressive arts–based research initiative designed to collect, analyze, and […]
Digital platform advancing arts for newcomer family health
View knowlege hub Digital Platform for Arts Integration in Healthcare and Settlement: Access Alliance Arts for Family Health Arts for Family Health, a project of Access Alliance Multicultural Health and Community Services, offers a digital platform to learn about arts-based health promotion approaches. This webinar introduced resources and tools designed for practitioners, managers, researchers, and […]
Website launch: Arts integration in healthcare and settlement
View full recording By Jasmine Sidhu Introducing the Arts for Family Health Digital platform On January 20, Access Alliance hosted the official virtual launch of the Arts for Family Health digital platform. The webinar brought together funders, staff, leadership, project teams, partner organizations, students, and community members to reflect on the role of expressive arts […]
Alliance for healthier communities social prescribing
View full article By Venice Elesterio, Alliance for Healither Communities Placement Student Arts and health at arts ottawa and access alliance community health centre. As a social work student completing my practicum with the Alliance’s Social Prescribing team, I found myself stepping into a field that opened unexpected doors. Immersed in a community-focused approach to […]
#16Days of activism: Healing through the arts
Download campaign posts Where does expressive arts programming fit into supporting immigrant and refugee survivors of Gender Based Violence (GBV)? 16 Days of Action acknowledges that violence against immigrant and refugee women is multiplied by race, immigration status, and gender identity. Immigrant and refugee women who experience gender-based violence face unique barriers and challenges to […]
Healing arts for newcomer well-being: Culminating event
By Jasmine Sidhu, Applied Psychology PhD(c) and HEAL research fellow What an incredible event! On November 12, 2025, Access Alliance hosted Healing Arts for Newcomer Family Wellbeing at the Toronto Reference Library. While it was dark and rainy outside, attendees were welcomed into a space filled with warmth and colour. It was an energetic, inspiring […]
Trauma informed expressive arts and why it is effective
By George Fazaa, MA candidate in clinical & counselling psychology Newcomers often arrive in Canada carrying more than just their luggage. Many come with experiences of forced displacement, exposure to violence, loss of community, uncertain immigration statuses, and the ongoing struggles of resettlement. These experiences shape mental health in ways that often go unrecognized. Trauma […]