Psychological Models and
Social Ecological Theory (Bronfenbrenner 1979 on)
This theory tells us how a child ‘nests’ inside several layers of environmental systems, including parent, family, community and culture. The interactions between the child and the outer layers occur in two directions, and the quality of these interactions affects the outcomes. Bronfenbrenner says, ‘we must build bridges between home, school and community’. |
How we apply this at Fresh Start
Our Application Everything that we do at Fresh Start has a focus on strengthening these layers. For example, our ‘Bright Sparks’ homework club supports children with their learning and empowers parents to become engaged, facilitating dialogue between home and school. Our Community Centre is a place where all are welcomed, accepted and relationships are strengthened, building on a culture of growth. |
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Social Capital
‘Social Capital’ is a term that has been used by psychologists and sociologists since the late 19th Century, but it became widely used in the 1990s. The definition used by the Office for National Statistics, taken from the Office for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), is 'networks together with shared norms, values and understandings that facilitate co-operation within or among groups'. Sociologist James S Coleman states, “A whole set of social networks and relationships between adult and family both within the family and outside the family are important in raising children.” Social capital enables people to build communities, trust and commitment. Higher levels of social capital are associated with better health, higher educational achievement, better employment outcomes and lower crime rates. It has been shown that lack of social capital leads to paranoia in families, making the help that is available more complicated to offer and receive. |
Our Application
Fresh Start directly builds social capital. The shared understanding that families develop together as they partake in an environment where they feel valued and respected, and co-operate in our activities, provides a foundation upon which our community is built. East Brighton has a diverse cultural population and individuals and families from many different ethnic groups are welcomed at Fresh Start. Our community is based on the value and respect of each individual and this is seen in practice during each of our activities. 
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Family Stress Theory
This theory is based on research carried out following the Great Depression , and continues to be influential today. With the loss of economic security, families were found to be at risk of the crisis of separation, domestic violence or depression/alchoholism. Research also shows how high stress combined with social isolation can lead to poor outcomes. Protective factors are (a) social support and good relationships, and (b) optimism. |
Our Application
Fresh Start activities directly work to strengthen the protective factors, and also to support families as they move through challenges which may include poverty, addiction and isolation. Practical support such as weekly food bags and Christmas hampers are provided as appropriate, which can reduce the impact of economic stress on families. |
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Brain Research
The brain is a highly complex, adaptable and sensitive organ which is able to constantly modify in response to virtually every experience – a concept known as ‘neuronal plasticity’. This term means that experience changes the brain. Research has shown that it takes 300 repetitions to build a strong neural pathway/network that will survive. |
Our Application
Fresh Start offers many opportunities to repeat positive neural pathways over the sessions that are run. The activities that we run target specific age groups, build neural pathways and also produce positive neurotransmitters (see below). |
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Neurotransmitters
These are chemicals which communicate information throughout our brain and nervous system. Some neurotransmitters can affect mood and cause adverse effects on psychological well-being when they are not balanced. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that can be raised by exercise, positive touch, social status, social connections and certain foods. It helps to promote a sense of well-being, good sleep, and reduces stress levels. Serotonin levels can reduce as a result of high stress, low social status, violence, puberty and too much screen time. Low serotonin can cause irritability, depression, violence and aggression. |
Our Application
Activities at Fresh Start are geared towards raising serotonin levels, and positive examples are given by our project manager and volunteers which will empower parents to connect with their children in a way which raises serotonin levels. 
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Neurotransmitters (continued)
Dopamine has many functions in the brain including important roles in behaviour, cognition, voluntary movement, motivation and feelings of being rewarded. In nature, we learn to repeat behaviours that lead to maximum rewards. Dopamine is therefore believed to provide a teaching signal to parts of the brain for acquiring new behaviour. Things that raise dopamine levels include; making choices, social status, mastery, self-sufficiency, power. Dopamine levels can be lowered by feelings of helplessness, low social status, violence, shame, blame, and addictions. |
Our Application
Fresh Start aims to build activities and habits which raise the levels of dopamine, and begin a positive spiral of reward and success. We do this through relationship, example and providing opportunities for positive experiences with the rewards of praise, encouragement and recognition. 
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Summary and conclusion
Fresh Start Community Association provides a range of activities from a base which is recognised by those who visit us as a safe place of belonging and security. Through the relationships which are built, and the provision of examples, encouragement and opportunity, those who come to us are empowered to increase their social capital and therefore their ability to actively engage in their communities and education. The rationale behind each activity is grounded in research and well-established psychological principles, and since Fresh Start was formed the outworking of this has touched many lives and facilitated turnarounds in multitudes of situations. |
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