Informal social networks

Informal social networks are important resources for immigrants and refugees for dealing with adversity, solving problems and trying to maintain a sense of control over their life [(Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), 2013]. It is important to recognize that problematic social support networks, where there is social conflict within the community, can be a source of stress, which is amplified in situations where there is a lack of supportive family or friends (Guruge et al., 2015).

Family and community support

Family and community support can make an enormous difference in the settlement experience of immigrants and refugees. This is demonstrated by the relatively effective integration of privately sponsored refugees (PSRs) into Canadian society.

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  Out of all immigration classes and groups, PSRs are the most likely (91%) to acquire Canadian citizenship 10 years after landing (IRCC, 2016). In addition, compared to other classes of refugees, PSRs earn higher incomes, are much more likely to declare earnings through their income tax filings and are less likely to require social assistance (IRCC, 2016).

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  PSRs may have a more successful resettlement process due to the personalized local support they receive from their sponsors, which includes the presence of family—62% of PSRs have a family member involved in their sponsorship. In comparison, only 35% of Government Assisted Refugees (GARs) have a family member living in a nearby city (IRCC, 2016).

  
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  The presence of family or community is an important factor as research has shown that immigrants and refugees often have smaller social networks, and therefore less social capital. They can also experience long periods of exclusion, making them more vulnerable to mental health problems and illnesses since they have fewer options for dealing with stressors (Hynie et al., 2011).

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  Having a social support network to draw upon is an important protective factor for immigrants and refugees during the settlement process.

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  Community support may be of particular benefit for specific vulnerable immigrant and refugee groups, such as children and youth. As described in Module 3, it is important for children to feel a sense of membership and to build connections with their own ethno-cultural communities to develop a “balanced” identity within multiple cultures and reinforce positive acculturation (Ontario Centre of Excellence for Child and Youth Mental Health, 2015) . Children's involvement in informal community activities and access to social and community resources can act as mental health protective factors (Ontario Centre of Excellence for Child and Youth Mental Health, 2015) .