Social capital includes the connections through relationships and networks that can provide individuals access to resources and supports (Arshad, 2011) (Villalonga-Olives & Kawachi, 2015). Social capital can include formal and informal aspects, which form the ecology of social supports that an individual can access when faced with challenges (Arshad, 2011) (Villalonga-Olives & Kawachi, 2015). Social supports are an important factor in the successful settlement of newcomers. They have a significant effect on health outcomes, influencing physical, mental, spiritual and psychosocial health (Harandi et al, 2017); Stewart et al., 2010). Social supports reinforce coping, diminish the effect of stressors and promote health (Simich et al., 2005) (CMHA BC and Anxiety Canada, 2016). They also act as a buffer against stress and serve as a protective factor against mental health risks (Guruge et al., 2015).

As shown in the image below, informal networks (including families, friends, neighbours and communities of interest) and formal organizations (including governments, businesses and community organizations) interact in a mutually reinforcing dynamic. Informal networks are a source of information and resources for newcomers to access programs and services that are crucial for integration. In turn, formal organizations not only provide a range of services and programs, but are spaces where individuals can connect and develop new informal social networks. At the centre, individuals draw on their own capital, including financial, human, physical and social, in order to navigate challenges—which are strengthened by the interplay of informal networks and formal organizations. In turn, an individual can invest this capital into social networks and formal organizations.

Informal social network

Informal social networks enhance individuals' access to formal structures

(social capital)
(financial capital)

Need for capital

(physical capital)
(human capital)

Formal social networks enhance individuals' informal networks

Formal organizations

For instance, language has been identified as a challenge in the post-migration context. When a newcomer arrives in a community, they may try to navigate the system in order to join an ESL class. Because the system is complex, this newcomer may not be aware of the available settlement and language supports. However, this newcomer may have access to informal networks—where a family member, for instance, provides the information needed. The newcomer is then able to approach an immigrant-serving organization to be directed to an ESL class. The formal organization, the ESL class in this instance, provides a venue whereby this newcomer has the opportunity to not only learn English, but also establish new informal social networks.