About the Project
he Newcomer Clinic and Integration Program is a unique partnership model between London InterCommunity Health Centre (LIHC), the London Cross-Cultural Learner Centre (CCLC), and CRHESI researchers at Western University. It was developed in response to London’s growing newcomer population — including Syrian, Yazidi, Afghan, and other refugee and racialized communities — who often arrive with complex health and settlement needs.
The program provides newcomers with timely, culturally safe health care alongside supports for housing, schooling, employment, and social inclusion. This integrated approach ensures that both health and settlement needs are met concurrently, creating a strong foundation for newcomers to build their lives in London
Why This Project Matters
Between 2016 and 2021, newcomers accounted for 88% of London-Middlesex’s population growth, with approximately 40% arriving as refugees. While London is recognized as a welcoming city, incidents of racism and discrimination highlight the challenges newcomers face in accessing equitable opportunities for health and well-being.
The Clinic provides:
- Immediate health care on arrival, including treatment of chronic and acute conditions.
- Mental health support, particularly for children and women impacted by trauma, displacement, and racism.
- Settlement supports, including housing, income assistance, and community integration services.
Who is Involved
- CRHESI: Provides umbrella leadership, evaluation coordination, and knowledge mobilization.
- London InterCommunity Health Centre (LIHC): Ontario’s largest Community Health Centre, delivering equity-focused health care.
- London Cross-Cultural Learner Centre (CCLC): London’s settlement agency for government-assisted refugees.
- Academic Leads: Dr. Shokoufeh Modanloo (Arthur Labatt School of Nursing), Dr. Anushka Ataullahjan (School of Health Studies), and Dr. Nadine Wathen (CRHESI Academic Director).
- Community Voices: CRHESI student affiliates, community staff, and newcomer clients who co-create insights and solutions
Impact
The Newcomer Clinic is often a first point of contact for refugees arriving in London, bridging health care and settlement services during the critical first 6–12 months. Its impact includes:
- Stabilizing health conditions and addressing urgent medical needs.
- Improving mental health outcomes through trauma-informed care.
- Building trust and belonging in a new community.
- Creating evidence to strengthen local services and advocate for sustained funding from all levels of government
Stories of Strength
Every newcomer has a story of resilience. The Clinic has been described as life-changing:
- “When we were first at the hotel, people from the Clinic came to meet us. They said ‘you belong here, we are all human beings, and we love you.’”
- “There was an interpreter who explained our family’s health issues. I touch the sky with my hands… I’m so happy I feel like I can touch the sky.”
- “So everything that I needed — checkups, tests, vaccinations — was here. I feel happiness that somebody is taking care of my health.”
These stories reflect how the Clinic is not only a service, but a community of care and hope.
🎥 Coming soon: “I Touch the Sky with My Hands” video