Changing Bridges’ own context: building supportive networks

Given the Bridges Network Approach’s theme "Recognising and changing contexts", it is important to consider Bridges’ own context.  

Bridges has been operating within the alcohol and other drug field. Similar to many others, this is a field that is defined by "the problem". In addition, societal strageties for addressing issues  are often compartmentalised. Yet many of Bridges' strategies have been strengths-based and collaborative - seeking to address the complexities and interconnecting issues related to alcohol and other drug problems. Bridges has been helping to bring about broader contextual change.   

In addition, Bridges has been mainly operating from short-term funding and from a number of different sources. This involves much time in managing mulitple reporting requirements as well as constantly seeking funds for sustainability. 

Despite the funding challenges, Bridges has undertaken long-term strategies and  has had periods of growth. 

Over many years, Bridges has been proactive in building supportive networks for itself and for other organisations.

In 1999 Bridges (then called Blacktown Alcohol and other Drugs Family Services)' funding base covered the equivalent of two full-time staff, and with increasing costs each year in real terms this funding base was decreasing. Despite being seen as an innovative organisation with  social capital strategies and a strong vision for the future, there was limited financial support for Bridges.

Many small organisations were facing similar challenges. In general small organisations were operating in an environment  or context where there was limited understanding of their value and potential, and therefore limited support for them.

Concern for the Bridges' future viability as well as that of other innovative and responsive small community organisations led Bridges' Manager to begin raising the organisation's sustainability issues as common issues for the sector. Bridges' advocacy and collaborative efforts with grassroots and peak body stakeholders led to the establishment of Voice for SONG. Voice for SONG promoted the value and raised the profile of small community organisations, and in doing so changed Bridges' context. Many people and organisations increased their understanding of the value of small community organisations. Bridges ' context changed as it also became more valued and supported.

In many other ways, Voice for SONG has contributed to Bridges' survival and development. Bridges benefited from new relationships and networks formed through Voice for SONG. Conference presentations on Voice for SONG raised the profile of Bridges. Using her "voice" and her struggles as Manager of Bridges, Tirrania Suhood promoted her experience as common for many managers of small community organisations (Passion Challenge and Hope, 2000).

In 2002 Bridges promoted itself  as a  model_of_a_small_community organisation, while encouraging promotion of other models of small community organisations. In the same year, Nirimba TAFE students ran a campaign for funding for Bridges.

The decreased isolation, increased recognition of Bridges, supportive partnerships and increased project funding enabled Tirrania to remain with the organisation and progress the development of Bridges Network Approach.

Over time, Bridges has also benefited from many other networks that have developed. Bridges has gone from strength to strength, despite the ongoing challenges that come with operating on short-term funding. Bridges’ resilience and success relies on our relationships, partnerships and our innovative approach to addressing drug issues and strengthening communities. This includes the relationships we have with individual funders who have been supportive and who have been able to think outside the square.The name change from  BADFS to Bridges has also institutionalised the organisation's systemic and network-building or "bridging" approach to addressing issues, including alcohol and other drug issues.

Bridges continues to be active in Voice for SONG and to advocate for improved funding models and more supportive policies and environments for small community organisations.

While Bridges has strengthened, the challenges related to short term project funding continue. We are now putting out a  Call to Action