Between the beauty of the snow-covered landscapes and the challenges of the cold, the early nights and the early morning sun, the first winter in Quebec represents a key step in the integration process. How can you best prepare, maintain your health, and continue to enjoy daily life despite the snow and long evenings?
It is with this in mind that La Maisonnée, through its ICI Santé service, supports newcomers and immigrants in vulnerable situations and/or with complex issues in accessing health and social services, through personalized interventions, referrals, and intercultural mediation.

The role of the Intercultural Community Health Worker is to provide you with all the information you need to understand how the healthcare system works, guide you in accessing the healthcare network, and raise awareness and inform healthcare institutions about the challenges faced by newcomers (migration shock, language barriers, etc.). The service is structured around individual interventions and group activities.

SERVICES OFFERED
• Needs assessment, support, and referral to services offered by the CIUSSS, public organizations, or community resources
• Assistance in finding a doctor
• Assistance in finding social support
• Information on the healthcare system in Quebec
For group activities, as part of various other La Maisonnée projects, the Intercultural Community Health Worker often leads workshops on discovering winter life in Quebec, from health prevention and outdoor activities to physical and mental well-being.
The shock of the first winter: adapting gently.
ICI Santé, for example, offers free workshops on practical topics:
• How to dress effectively in winter (adults and children)
• How to recognize the signs of hypothermia and frostbite
• Tips for staying active and healthy despite the cold
• The importance of vitamin D and a balanced diet during the darker months
• And much more!

Taking care of yourself and your loved ones: physical and mental health.
Winter can sometimes mean isolation or fatigue, especially for those who come from warmer climates. At La Maisonnée, we emphasize the importance of maintaining mental and social balance: going out, being active, talking, participating in community activities, and maintaining social connections. Many of the free group activities in our projects address these needs, including ICI Santé, ICI Jeunesse, Duo interculturel, and PAAS-Action.
Winter is a time when we need each other. Our workshops, led by ICI Santé, go beyond medical prevention: we also address mental health, stress management, and small everyday actions to keep our spirits up.
Cold, flu, or just fatigue? Here are some good habits to adopt.
The first few months of winter also bring their share of seasonal viruses.

ICI Santé can raise awareness among newcomers about essential preventative measures:
• Wash your hands frequently
• Ventilate rooms even when it’s cold
• Get enough rest
• Consult a healthcare professional if needed
Information sessions are also regularly offered to help understand the Quebec healthcare system, know where to seek help if you experience symptoms, and distinguish between genuine emergencies and situations that can be managed at home.

Discover the magic of a Quebec winter.
Winter isn’t just a challenge; it’s also an invitation to discover new activities and cultural traditions. From ice skating and snowshoeing to outdoor hiking, light festivals, and hot chocolate in Montreal’s Old Port, the La Maisonnée team encourages newcomers to embrace this season, get outside, and fully experience a Quebec winter! Don’t forget, we offer several recreational activities each season to fully experience these discoveries, and the Community Life Committee (CVC) is fully committed to this.
Community outings organized by the organization, such as a day of sledding on Mount Royal, exploring Christmas markets, Montreal’s winter festivals, a day at a sugar shack, etc., help build connections, combat isolation, and embrace the cold in a friendly atmosphere.

Comprehensive support for lasting integration.

For over 46 years, La Maisonnée has been a pillar of welcome and support for newcomers. With its diverse programs, from French language training to employment, including services and projects like ICI Santé, it contributes to social, economic, and human integration.
Winter, more than just a season, becomes a metaphor for adaptation and resilience: learning to equip oneself, to protect oneself, and to find human warmth in community solidarity.
Interested in ICI Santé?
Contact Diana Perez at (514) 271-3533 ext. 222 or by email at diana.perez@lamaisonnee.org

Conclusion
In December 2025, as Montreal dons its white coat, La Maisonnée and its ICI Santé service remind us that a successful winter is, above all, a well-prepared winter. Between prevention, support, and a welcoming atmosphere, every new face discovering the snow contributes to enriching Quebec’s vibrant community.

Because here, winter is experienced together.

To discover upcoming ICI Santé workshops or register for other projects and activities, visit the list of our services on the associated webpage of La Maisonnée’s website: https://lamaisonnee.org/fr/services-gratuits-immigrants/