Afghan Newcomer Psychoeducation Program

Building Community, Resilience, and Mental Well-Being in Brantford

The Afghan Newcomer Psychoeducation Program was launched to respond to the pressing mental health needs of Afghan refugees and immigrants in Brantford. Many newcomers face barriers such as language, stigma, and cultural differences that limit access to mainstream mental health supports. This program provides a culturally grounded, family-centered approach to psychoeducation while fostering a lasting Afghan community network

Program Highlights

Six structured sessions

(June–August 2025) held at the Grand River Community Health Centre.

Attendance

Directly engaged adult participants are 24 – 30 clients/session – one of the most consistent newcomer engagement initiatives in Brantford

Language & Cultural Accessibility

Delivered in Dari and Pashto by Afghan mental health professionals (psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers).

Interactive Psychoeducation

Topics included trauma, stress management, coping with migration challenges, family dynamics, and navigating Canadian systems

Communal Cooking

Each session featured preparing and sharing Afghan meals, creating an atmosphere of cultural pride and healing

Childminding

Safe, supervised activities allowed parents to fully engage in sessions

Community Building

From strangers to friends – participants created a WhatsApp group and are now organizing their own independent gatherings

Directly engaged adult participants are 24 - 30 clients/session

Participants reported

  • Better understanding of mental health and coping strategies.

  • Increased confidence accessing local services.

  • Reduced stigma around discussing mental health.

  • Significant decrease in isolation and stronger sense of belonging.

A sustainable Afghan support network was established in Brantford

Gallery

Voices From the Community

I’ve lived in Brantford for more than eight years and had never met another Afghan until this program.

Program Participant

The session gave me hope. I now know I am not alone in this journey.

Program Participant

Looking Forward

With support from the City of Brantford Capital/Seed Grant, Kindred Charitable Fund, and local partners, the program is continuing to expand. Future goals include:

  • Training more Afghan mental health professionals to serve newcomer communities.

  • Developing sustainable, culturally responsive mental health resources.

  • Scaling the model to other newcomer groups and regions

About PEGASUS Institute

PEGASUS Institute is a Canadian charity dedicated to building an effective collaborative network that advances peace, environmental sustainability, and health. Through initiatives like the Afghan Newcomer Psychoeducation Program, PEGASUS fosters community connections and equitable access to health and well-being

Help us continue this vital work.