Enabling Desistance through Community Engagement and Peer Support: The "Buddies" Project
This presentation showcases the impactful work of SideBySide in enabling desistance among ex-offenders through community engagement and inclusion. The "Buddies" project has successfully facilitated a shift in participants' self-identity from drug users to drug users volunteers and peer supporters, leading to increased social connections and improved well-being. The project's Social Return on Investment ratio of 2.20:1 underscores its significant non-financial benefits. Transitioning into its second phase, the project aims to further develop peer supporters and implement innovative programs like the Territory-wide Pilot Peer-in-a-Team initiative. Challenges such as specialized care for unstable participants and enhanced training for peer supporters are being addressed to ensure sustained success. Despite these challenges, the project has shown promising results in enhancing treatment motivation, reducing drug usage, and fostering community acceptance of rehabilitated individuals. The abstract highlights the project's commitment to fostering desistance and successful reintegration, setting the stage for continued progress in the upcoming phase.
