The Brighter Futures program is a community-based health promotion and ill-health prevention program for First Nations and Inuit communities. The program typically, promotes health and prevents ill-health through learning-related activities that strive to increase awareness, change attitudes, build knowledge and enhance skills.
Program Components
The program is made up of five components-mental health, child development, parenting, healthy babies and injury prevention. First Nations and Inuit communities have the flexibility to determine which program component(s) to provide community-based programs, services and/or activities in.
- Mental Health The goal of this component is to promote the development of healthy communities through community-based mental health programs, services and/or activities. Information and awareness activities on a variety of topics (ex.: depression, family violence and stress management), counselling services and wellness activities (ex.: a course in traditional shawl making and recreational activities) are some of the ways communities have promoted the health of their community.
- Child Development This component aims to ensure that children receive the nurturing they need to reach their full potential. A wide variety of community-based programs and activities have been funded under this component, such as school breakfast programs, a math learning program, a parent-child crafts program, after-school programs (ex.: a drama club and a computer club), school-based “Stop Bullying” sessions, cultural heritage activities (ex.: teaching of traditional throat singing) and toy lending libraries.
- Parenting The aim of this component is to promote culturally-sensitive parenting skills. A variety of activities have been funded through this component and include parenting workshops, parenting training programs (for example, the “Nobody’s Perfect” parenting program) and a support group for parents of children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
- Healthy Babies To improve the health and well-being of mothers and babies is the aim of this component. A variety of activities are eligible for funding, such as pre- and post-pregnancy services and pregnancy-related education. For instance, education about breastfeeding, the importance of healthy eating, regular medical examinations and the avoidance of drugs, alcohol and tobacco during pregnancy are all examples of pregnancy-related education activities.
- Injury Prevention As the title suggests, the goal of this component is to prevent injuries. Examples of activities funded include first-aid and CPR training, water, fire and bicycle safety workshops, awareness campaigns and promotion of the use of seat belts and car seats.
- A holistic approach is essential to support First Nations and Inuit individuals, families and communities;
- A holistic approach is best achieved when the five components of the program-mental health, child development, parenting, healthy babies and injury prevention-are coordinated and linked with each other, as well as with other programs and services;
- Including community members in the design of a program increases the likelihood of meeting the community’s needs;
- Program designs that are community-based are more likely to meet the needs of the community;
- Program design should occur at a pace determined by the community; and
- A more comprehensive health program is achieved when a continuum of programs and services are offered, from health promotion and ill-health prevention to intervention and rehabilitation.
Guiding Principles
The Brighter Futures program is guided by the following principles: