1. 1 Bridging the Gap: Addressing poverty and disadvantage in NSW communities Genevieve Nelson Annette Michaux Andrew Anderson

2. 2 Our purpose… To create caring and inclusive communities and a just society

3. 3 Place Poverty Social and economic disadvantage is geographically concentrated Tony Vinson’s Social Disadvantage Indicators 1.7% of communities are substantially overrepresented

4. 4 Social inclusion Social exclusion Social cohesion Social alienation Social marginalisation Social isolation

5. 5 Bridging the Gap Project AdvocacyResearch

6. 6 Why is “social cohesion” so important?

7. 7 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!

8. 8 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

9. 9 Review of the Literature… Contact: GenevieveN@bensoc.org.au to request a copy

10. 10 P.L.A.C.E P – Prevention and early intervention L – Long term commitment A – Approach whole of community C – Community owned E – Evaluation

11. 11 Project areas…

12. 12 Project areas…

13. 13 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

14. 14 Research & Evaluation Multidimensional Measurement Longitudinal: Establish Causality Mixed-Method: Quantitative & Qualitative Control Group & Communities

15. 15 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

16. 16 Bridging the Gap Project AdvocacyResearch

17. 17 GenevieveN@bensoc.org.au AnnetteM@bensoc.org.au AndrewA@bensoc.org.au