What Is Refugees & Newcomers Emotional Wellness (ReNEW)?
The Refugees & Newcomers Emotional Wellness (ReNEW) program, originally funded by the Calgary Foundation, provides access to emotional support and professional counselling for recently arrived refugees and newcomers. Clients and walk-in participants are assisted with either a one-on-one consultation or arrangements to see a professional counsellor.
Professional counsellors can provide life-changing strength and support for their clients. An experienced counsellor can help their client overcome issues such as financial stress, alcoholism, anxiety, domestic and psychological abuse, and family issues.
As of July 2018, IRCC SDI began funding ReNEW as a research-based project. Through research and analysis, ReNEW will 1) examine the mental health and emotional wellness issues and provisions across multiple front line immigrant serving agencies; 2) develop a best practice model; 3) implement a pilot testing the best practice model; and 4) assess the results of model for final refinement and sharing.
CIES will work in partnership with a research team from the University of Calgary (U of C). Partner sites for activities related to the collection of data (document review, interview and focus groups, etc.) may include those in Alberta (Calgary and Edmonton), Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. Activities related to the pilot project will take place at partner agencies in Calgary.
The outcomes of this project include: 1) providing appropriate information and services in mental health and emotional wellness to address the needs of newcomers and vulnerable clients; 2) ensuring that partners and stakeholders implement new strategies in mental health and emotional wellness support to address the needs of newcomers and vulnerable clients in the area; and 3) newcomers and vulnerable clients are better able to participate in broader communities and social networks because they are less encumbered by mental health and emotional wellness issues.
Funding graciously provided by
Am I Eligible?
- Permanent Residents, Refugees & Canadian Citizens over 18 years of age
When Is This Class?
- To see a counsellor, visit either our Northeast or Southeast location between 8:30am and 5:00pm, Monday to Friday.
Where Is This Program?
- This program is offered at two locations:
- Calgary Immigrant Educational Society: 1723 – 40th Street Southeast, Calgary, AB. T2A 7Y3. For more information, call 403-235-3666.
- The Welcome Centre for New Immigrants: 3820 – 32nd Street Northeast, Calgary, AB. T1Y 7L9. For more information, call 403-291-0002.
How Do I Join This Class?
To book a session with a counsellor, please contact us at 403-291-0002 (Northeast) to schedule an appointment.
What If I Have Other Questions?
If you have any questions about this program, fill out the contact form below.