Access Alliance Arts for Family Health
Stitching stories: How community arts is supporting Syrian refugees in Canada
Canada is now home to at least 44,615 Syrian refugees, and the human face of this number tells a powerful story. Nearly four out of five Syrian refugees are women and children, many of whom arrived carrying experiences of trauma, displacement, and loss. As families resettled, a clear need emerged for increased mental health supports, accessible community resources, and opportunities for meaningful social connection.
In response, Access Alliance has played a vital role in supporting Syrian refugees, particularly in Toronto, by delivering team-based primary health care alongside innovative community programs. One such initiative, the Arabic-Speaking Women’s Embroidery Group, demonstrates how culturally grounded approaches can foster healing and belonging.
The embroidery group was designed to build community among participants while creating a sense of “home” through traditional textile art. Embroidery, a familiar and deeply rooted cultural practice, became a medium for self-expression and storytelling. As women stitched patterns inspired by their memories and lived experiences, they shared visual narratives of resilience, identity, and hope.
Beyond the group itself, these textile works created opportunities for participants to connect with the wider Canadian community. Through exhibitions and shared stories, Syrian women were able to reclaim their voices and be seen not only as refugees, but as artists, mothers, and community members.
When a significant influx of Syrian refugees arrived in 2016, Access Alliance stood on the front lines, responding to urgent health and settlement needs. Many newcomers faced complex mental health challenges stemming from war and displacement, making accessible and culturally responsive programs essential. By integrating art therapy through traditional embroidery, Tatriz, Access Alliance answered this call in a way that honoured both healing and heritage.
This powerful work is captured in a video produced in partnership with the Community Integration Network, a program of the Catholic Centre for Immigrants, highlighting how creativity, culture, and community can come together to support healing and integration for newcomers to Canada.
