The Welcoming Communities Coalition is inviting new and long-time immigrant residents to the Immigrant Welcome Centre later this month for an opportunity to make connections.

鈥淲e consistently hear that one of the challenges in making the Valley home for newcomers is social isolation,鈥� Coalition co-ordinator Julie Keumbehdjian says.

鈥淭here can be many reasons why establishing new relationships can be difficult, such as language barriers, loss of support networks, or barriers to social participation such as transportation or lack of childcare. Our research shows that new immigrants can be particularly vulnerable to loneliness.鈥�

In a recent survey for immigrants who have lived here for five years or less, the Coalition asked, 鈥淲hat helped you most in the last year to feel settled and happy?鈥� The top three responses were making friends, having a good job, and having family support.

The Coalition hopes newcomers can start new friendships at its upcoming Community Connector event on Thursday, Oct. 26, from 5-7 p.m. at the Immigrant Welcome Centre Courtenay Office (407A 5th St.) Register at . Registration is free, and refreshments will be served.

Anyone who is interested in more information about the event can contact Keumbehdjian at julie.keumbehdjian@immigrantwelcome.ca or call 250-338-6359.