Social isolation & loneliness among asylum-seeking parents with young children (0-5 years old)

Abstract I will present findings from a qualitative study in Montreal, that aimed to gain better understanding of the experiences social isolation and loneliness, key contributors mental health problems, among asylum seeking families with young children. Using semi-structured interviews, we interviewed 14 11 countries who had children ≤ 5 years old. Social was largely linked parents' status which contributed number their struggles (poverty, difficulty finding housing, challenges accessing healthcare, family separation, process), meant they were ineligible for certain benefits services, particularly subsidized daycare, as result left little time, financial or capacity, support engage interactions. A lack access daycare also limited integration mothers into workforce ability participate language courses. Mothers expressed feeling tied feelings sadness despair due precarious situation uncertain future having no one share these worries with, while fathers felt frustrated spoke about sense responsibility keep moving forward overcome family's challenges. Due isolation, some spending lots time at home, consequently being exposed stress, concerned parents it affecting children's well-being. In contrast, provided means breaking families' either through participation recreational activities because motived have integrated new society. Religion/religious organizations identified sources hope assistance Interventions policy, community individual levels are needed facilitate promote connectedness belongingness.