We believe that building stronger communities is one of the best ways to reduce social and economic disadvantage and that community building is one way to achieve this aim. "Community building" is about supporting people to take steps to find solutions to issues within their own communities.
How we work with communities
Our community projects all look different as the work itself is guided by each local community. However, there are some common principles:
- Working in partnership – with local residents, government and non-government organisations and others who are able or want to be involved
- Focusing on community strengths – this means building on what communities have rather than what is lacking
- Supporting the community – to develop locally identified strategies guided by the community itself
Growing Communities Together
Growing Communities Together is a new approach for The Benevolent Society in working with communities. The project is based on research that shows people are healthier and happier when they have close connections with at least a few other people, can easily access services and networks in the broader community and actively participate in community life. Learn more about our 'on the ground' activities in Bankstown where the Growing Communities Togther project is underway at www.strongcommunities.org.au or follow the team on Facebook.
Service networks
We also work with service networks to improve service provision and coordination for children and families. The Central Coast Networks of Practice project brings workers together to focus on sharing ideas, experience and approaches, with the aim of improving services and outcomes for families with young children.
Children and families
We know from research and our own experience that children are happier and safer when they have positive relationships with their families, schools and communities. We work with communities in Eastern Sydney, South West Sydney and on the NSW Central Coast to help them meet the locally identified needs of families with young children. Find out more about the Communities for Children.
Resources and research
- What constitutes child friendly communities and how are they built? Read our paper prepared for the Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth (ARACY).
- Read another paper written for ARACY about practical strategies for building pathways to community participation.
- Read the latest practice journal Central Coast Practice Xchange and the magazine Family Net-Works for workers on the Central Coast.
- Read Families on the Fringe, a snaphot of our research into why young families relocate to non-metropolitan areas and the impact on their lives.