Partnership to strengthen social programmes

The Salvation Army and the University of Otago have formed a partnership that will ensure the Army’s social programmes are based on the best national and international research.

On Friday, 23 September, The Salvation Army and the University signed a memorandum of understanding. The new relationship will see some of Otago’s leading academics team-up with the Army’s social service programmes to provide rigorous international research-based evidence for those programmes.

It will also help reinforce the policy debate around social deprivation, alcohol and gambling, mental health and family violence.

The first programmes to receive evaluation will be the Bridge Programme and Positive Lifestyle programme.

Territorial Commander, Commissioner Don Bell, says in addition to the University’s independence and research competence, its Centre for Theology and Public Issues is able to provide the faith-based focus to the evaluation of our programmes that we were seeking.