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Bridging the Gap: Addressing poverty and disadvantage in NSW communities

Genevieve Nelson

Annette Michaux

Andrew Anderson

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Our purpose…

To create caring and inclusive communities

and a just society

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Place Poverty

Social and economic disadvantage is geographically concentrated

Tony Vinson’s Social Disadvantage Indicators

1.7% of communities are substantially overrepresented

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Social inclusion

Social exclusion

Social cohesion

Social alienation

Social marginalisation

Social isolation

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Bridging the Gap

Project

AdvocacyResearch

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Why is “social cohesion” so important?

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Social Cohesion

Many terms used to describe social cohesion

Social Cohesion (Social capital + Networks)

Bonding Social Capital

Bridging Social Capital

Linking Social Capital

Need all 3 together!

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Are there any solutions?

Social capital has been shown to positively influence:

• physical health• education• employment• reduced crime• safety perceptions• psychosocial benefits (self-esteem,

motivation, aspirations)• quality of life• well-being• mental health• family functioning

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Review of the Literature…

Contact:

GenevieveN@bensoc.org.au

to request a copy

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P.L.A.C.E

P – Prevention and early intervention

L – Long term commitment

A – Approach whole of community

C – Community owned

E – Evaluation

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Project areas…

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Project areas…

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Project ideas…

• Sports in the Neighbourhood  • Strengthening Neighbourhoods  • Cross-Cultural Exchange Program  • Money Minded Financial  Inclusion  • Little Steps to Big School  • Oral History Program • Cultural Events  • MARS (Men Accessing Resources and Services) • Anti-bullying/discrimination school based interventions• Star-gazing for youth @ risk

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Research & Evaluation

Multidimensional Measurement

Longitudinal: EstablishCausality

Mixed-Method:Quantitative &

Qualitative

Control Group &Communities

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Advocacy

Research to practice – finding a common language

Translate findings to other disadvantaged communities in Australia – BTG as a template

Fill a gap in the national and international literature

Inform and change social policy and practice in Australia

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Bridging the Gap

Project

AdvocacyResearch

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GenevieveN@bensoc.org.au

AnnetteM@bensoc.org.au

AndrewA@bensoc.org.au