about Bridges
what is Bridges?
Bridges is about bringing young people, adults and organisations to respond positively to alcohol and other drug (AOD) issues. Bridges is about seeing what's behind harmful alcohol and other drug use. It's about building stronger relationships and connections to reduce drug-related harm. Bridges is also about getting the voices of people heard in relation to AOD issues. Here are some of the projects that Bridges has initiated:
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| the BYSA Bridges video | Celebrate the Power of Community 2004 | UWS students design Bridges posters |
3 themes
Bridges has 3 themes:
- There's more to drug use than drugs We need to look beyond the drug use and understand why someone might use alcohol and drugs in a harmful way.
- Strengthening relationships Stronger relationships between young people, adults, organisations and communities means that people are supported to make safer choices. Giving people a voice is an important way of doing this.
- Working together By making connections and focusing on common ground rather than differences, Bridges aims to bring different groups together to deal with alcohol & other drug issues.
resilience
With the 3 themes in mind, Bridges also promotes resilience* in people and communities to reduce harmful drug use. This looks at what's important in people's lives that can help them get through tough times. This includes things like:
- Meaning: what gives our lives meaning?
- Meaningful Relationships: they don't have to be many, but we need to be part of caring relationships
- Participation: people need to be actively involved in their own lives and what is happening around them. They need to have opportunities to participate and contribute.
- Personal Power: people need to feel that they can influence what happens in their world.
- Expectations: people need to have positive and high expectations of themselves, with others expecting the best from them.
*These principles of resilience were developed by Peter Slattery
You can be part of Bridges in lots of ways. Check out some of the past and current Bridges projects.
Click here to find out how you can get your voice heard.
Bridges seeks to influence the development of culture where there is a stronger emphasis on strengthening relationships and increased understanding on the complex nature of AOD issues. Within such a culture AOD issues are more likely to be addressed effectively. We aim to engage agency representatives and community members to take leadership in their communities. Bridges works with and brings together children, young people, adults, families, organisations, community, public and private sectors to support this process.
