At a Pembina Valley Local Immigration Partnership (PVLIP) Local Partnership Council meeting, the results of a study were discussed, which addressed communication barriers.

Three working groups were established, one is focusing on mental health and mental wellbeing for newcomers.

Regional Connections developed the PVLIP project, and aid PVLIP in connecting community partners with new residents.

Regional Connections Executive Director Steve Reynolds, says a priority identified was mental health supports for newcomers.

"There are different services in different places, and it's not always clear to people when they first move or immigrate here what those resources are. What we're looking into is how to spread awareness to newcomers about mental health and mental wellbeing."

Mental health and mental can be looked at vastly different in other cultures. Reynolds says in some cultures, some concepts regarding mental health might not exist or vocabulary could be different.

Those cultural barriers are one of the challenges organizations need to overcome, and it's a conversation PVLIP, and Regional Connections continue to have.

"That's a big and ongoing task for everybody. A lot of it goes on here at Regional Connections, and we support people. Newcomers, as they run into challenging situations, they can come to us because they need support through a language or cultural barrier. Our staff take on a liaison role between a school or clinic as an interpreter, not just for the language but culturally."

Another way they're working to remove barriers is by providing cultural diversity training. Reynolds says they work with employers and community groups, and volunteer organizations to share cultural information of newcomers moving to the area.

As for a timeline, Reynolds says they've been in contact with local service providers, but it's an ongoing process.