dr
wbridge
Empowering and Building School Communities
About Us
Findings from national charities and the Department ​for Education have reported on the impact of ​COVID-19 and the cost of living crisis on the volume ​and severity of children experiencing anxiety and ​unhappiness, leading to negative impacts on their ​overall wellbeing, engagement and attendance in ​schools.
In response, Drawbridge dedicates its efforts to collaborating with schools across the country to overcome these challenges. Drawing from the collective knowledge of communities and education, Drawbridge embraces Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) and is driven by a relentless commitment to positive change rooted in collaboration.
Drawbridge's mission is to foster an ABCD approach to school practice and systems, enabling schools to transform into anchor institutions to empower their local communities and cultivate a more equitable environment.
Through cultivating knowledge, skills, qualities and unwavering dedication, Drawbridge is becoming an instrumental figure in transforming the educational landscape and promoting the principles of equity, empowerment, and community-driven leadership.
meet the founder
MOhamed Abdallah
FOUNDER
Mohamed’s career began in youth work and pupil referral units, before spending over a decade leading pioneering inclusive practice at an ‘Outstanding’ all-through mainstream school.
Mohamed’s own lived experience and his use of an Asset-Based Community Development approach - working with and empowering young people and families - alongside a multi-disciplinary approach to safeguarding and inclusion drove down suspensions and permanent exclusions across the school.
Alongside Drawbridge, Mohamed works for an education charity supporting school leaders across the country to explore and facilitate an inclusive and asset-based approach to leadership within their own school communities.
"Our communities are shaped by our interactions, our relationships, and the wisdom we share with one another. When we achieve something, it is because we have worked with others, supported one another, shared resources and acted together. When we act collectively, we create a sense of agency and shared responsibility, leading to a stronger, more resilient community"
Vision
Drawbridge envisions schools as anchor ​institutions, integrating ABCD in school ​systems facilitating opportunities for the ​discovery, collaboration, activity and ​sustainability of assets within their ​communities. Building and empowering ​the social and emotional capabilities of ​children and young people.
Mission
Our mission is to mobilise the potential of ​schools as anchor institutions by ​integrating ABCD into school systems. ​We actively collaborate with schools to ​facilitate opportunities to connect, ​discover, act and sustain the ​engagement of assets of the school and ​local community. By lowering the ​drawbridge between schools and ​communities, we empower schools to ​facilitate opportunities to positively ​impact student wellbeing and ​engagement.
Guiding Principles and Practice
DISCOVERY
Strengthening Community Connections to Promote Empowered Children, Wellbeing, and School Engagement
Drawbridge will work alongside schools to discover and mobilise the strengths and assets of the local community and organisations to create a collaborative and supportive ecosystem.
COLLABORATION
Empowering School Leaders and Building Meaningful Relationships for Positive Impact on Children's Wellbeing, and School Engagement
Drawbridge will facilitate training and support to school leaders, enabling them to develop civic leadership within the community through collaborative partnerships and empower the school community to foster meaningful relationships.
ACTIVITY
Integrating Local Wisdom into School Practice and Systems that Supports Children's Wellbeing, and School Engagement
Drawbridge will empower schools to integrate local skills, qualities and knowledge into school practice and systems. Aligning the school's vision and measures of success with the needs and aspirations of the community.
SUSTAINABILITY
Establishing a Community-to-School Career Pipeline to Support Children's Wellbeing, and School Engagement
Drawbridge will work alongside schools to construct and establish a community-to-school career pipeline to attract diverse talent, and ensure the school workforce mirrors the local community.
Our Goals
01.
Empowered children and young people:
All children and young people possess the capabilities to experience improved wellbeing, and actively engage with their schools. By prioritising their wellbeing and capabilities, children and young people are empowered to lead fulfilling lives and pursue their goals.
02.
Inclusive and welcoming schools:
Attendance and engagement within schools are improved, fostering a sense of belonging and inclusivity among all students.
03.
Engaged children, families, and community:
There is increased engagement and active participation among schools, local organisations, children, families, and the wider community, supporting overall engagement and creating a supportive network.
04.
Diverse and inclusive school workforce:
Schools establish a community-to-school career pipeline, resulting in a workforce that mirrors the local community and provides a supportive environment for children.
What We Offer
Building Bridges Programme
Year 1
Term 1
- Co-identify goals and objectives
- Map school and community assets
- Form a steering committee
- Develop school knowledge on ABCD approaches
Term 2
- Develop school and community committee
- Design and deliver community engagement sessions
- Build on the evolving map of community assets
Term 3
- Integrate local assets into school practice and systems
- Integrate school assets into the local community
- Strengthen the relationships between community and external organisations
Year 2
- Establish a community-to-school career pipeline
- Develop mentorship programs and internship opportunities
- Capture and engage broader assets
- Establish ongoing collaboration and knowledge exchange among local schools and community partners
Across the two years schools will be enrolled into a Drawbridge network providing coaching, sharing of good practice and support
Other Ways We Can Work Together
Asset-based staff and
school development
Integrating local community assets into school systems
Designing and facilitating school-to-community engagement events
Contact Us
Drawbridge Collective, Lytchett House, 13 Freeland Park, Wareham Road, Poole, Dorset, BH16 6FA
07513 627171
info@drawbridge.org.uk
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wbridge