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Newcomers, especially refugee claimants, often face serious mental and physical health challenges. Our Health & Wellness department offers a safe, inclusive space with accessible and culturally sensitive care. Through partnerships with healthcare professionals and community organizations, we provide workshops, mental health support, and wellness activities to help newcomers thrive.
The Health & Wellness Department has 5 main pillars in our work from navigating the healthcare system to providing immediate relief.
1- Book a medical appointment: This hands-on workshop helps you overcome common barriers to booking medical appointments by providing direct support in using Québec’s public health access system. We will walk you through each step, explain what to expect, and help record appointment details such as time, location, and instructions. Learn more details about the workshop and register here.
2- Health Paperwork: This administrative workshop focuses on helping clients complete essential health-related documents and navigate logistical barriers to accessing care. You will receive one-on-one support with tasks such as applying for or renewing their RAMQ health card, requesting an IFHP extension, filling out the CSQ application, registering for a family doctor, and more. Learn more details about the workshop and register here.
3- IFHP Information Session: This informational workshop is designed to equip clients with essential knowledge about the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP), how healthcare access works in Quebec, what services are covered under IFHP, how to use their coverage when visiting clinics, hospitals, and pharmacies, and what to expect when transitioning to RAMQ. You will learn how to advocate for yourself at medical institutions, what documents to bring, and how to avoid unnecessary charges. Learn more details about the workshop and register here.
4- Health Promotion Workshops: This six-month workshop series is designed to support refugees, asylum seekers, and other newcomers in navigating personal health and hygiene topics in a safe, inclusive, and culturally sensitive space. Held monthly, each session focuses on a specific topic—ranging from menstrual health and reproductive care to cancer prevention, safe sex, postpartum care, and more. Workshops combine education, open discussion, and community-building, while providing access to interpretation and free hygiene kits for participants.
Many newcomers arrive with limited resources and face immediate challenges in securing food, hygiene products, and other basic necessities. Through our services, we try to provide short-term relief while promoting long-term stability and dignity for individuals and families as they begin their resettlement journey.
Our services range from providing food baskets by appointment only to hygiene baskets with free personal care items by appointment only. We also provide immediate ousing relief through PRAIDA.
Explore our year-round and seasonal social activities that offer opportunities to build community, reduce isolation, and foster a sense of belonging in a new environment.
1- Yoga Classes: Yoga sessions are offered to clients as a gentle wellness activity focused on reducing stress, improving mental health, and encouraging body awareness. Through mindful movement and breathing, clients can find calm and reconnect with themselves in a safe and supportive environment. Learn more details and register here.
2- Movie nights: Movie Nights provide a relaxed space where clients and their families can enjoy films together, unwind, and connect socially. These events foster community and create opportunities for cultural exchange and informal conversation. Learn more details and register here.
3- Art Hive: Creative sessions where clients can engage in art-making or music in a collaborative, low-pressure environment. These activities encourage self-expression, creativity, and connection with others through shared artistic experiences. Learn more details and register here.
4- Men's Support Groups: The Men’s Support Group provides a space for male newcomers to explore topics such as mental health, cultural adaptation, and emotional resilience. This group encourages open dialogue in a non-judgmental environment, helping men build community, process life transitions, and support each other in navigating the challenges of resettlement. Learn more details and register here.
Our Research & Advocacy branch is committed to identifying systemic gaps and addressing the barriers our clients encounter. By gathering data, leveraging frontline insights, and collaborating with the community, we advocate for more inclusive policies, enhanced service access, and increased awareness of the unique challenges faced by refugee claimants and other vulnerable groups. This ensures our services are responsive, informed, and aligned with real client needs.
If you are interested in collaborating and working together, please reach out to info@therefugeecentre.org
