About the Project

This project aimed to empower newly immigrated youth in Canada by helping them express how the immigration process impacted their mental wellbeing, while actively involving them in developing resources to support their mental health. Through surveys, shared photos, and group discussions, researchers worked closely with the youth to co-create mental health literacy and self-care resources that community partners can implement in future programs focusing on youth newcomers.

Methodology

The project used a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach, engaging participants as active partners for four phases:

• Phase 1 – Online Surveys: 100 youth newcomers completed surveys in which data was gathered on mental health knowledge, challenges accessing care, and what support they need.

• Phase 2 – Photovoice project: 9 participants shared their experiences by submitting photos of their daily lives.

• Phase 3 – Photo Exhibit & Discussion: A community event in Regina showcased the photos and included a group discussion surrounding the meaning of each photo.

• Phase 4 – Development of a Self-Care Toolkit (Ongoing): Researchers and stakeholders are involved in the process of developing a workbook to support self-care for racialized newcomer youth that will be shared throughout the community.

Participants included English-speaking racialized youth aged 16–25, all with lived experience of mental illness and prior mental health care in Canada. For Phase 2, participants were required to be immigrants (in Canada for over 2 years), identify as ethnic minorities, and have a mental health diagnosis. The time commitment for participants was approximately 30 minutes per week over a span of 4–8 weeks.

Findings

Key findings from Online Surveys:

• Only 1% reported a diagnosed mental illness, with 82% of those diagnosed after arriving in Canada.

• Barriers in accessing mental health include language issues, cultural differences with providers, lack of knowledge about services, and stigma.

• The findings reinforced that immigration and adjusting to a new country can significantly affect mental health.

Key findings from Photovoice & Exhibit:

• Photos depicted both positive and negative experiences of immigrating to Canada.

• Negative experiences: Financial pressure, transportation issues, harsh weather, health challenges, and isolation.

• Positive experiences: Fun activities, pursuing passions and self-care, and building friendship.

• The exhibit helped educate the community on both the struggles and strengths of racialized newcomer youth.

Project Outreach

While the project is currently based in Saskatchewan, it has had a strong impact at the provincial level. The team is actively partnering with groups such as the University of Regina Student Association, the Regina Local Immigration Partnership (LIP), the Chamber of Commerce, the City of Regina, and other local organizations.

With additional funding, the project aims to expand to other cities in Saskatchewan, including Saskatoon and Prince Albert. The research team also plans to use their findings to create interventions that evaluate and strengthen mental health supports for international students in post-secondary institutions across the province.

Resources Created

• Self-care Toolkit (In Progress)

• Publications (In Progress) - The Effects of Acculturation on the mental well-being of racialized youth in Regina, Saskatchewan.

• MHRC Spotlight on Research Webinar: