BuSE
Building Social Equity
Reducing harm linked to economic insecurity
Upstream prevention initiative
The Challenge
Financial hardship, inequality, and stigma create stress and exclusion across communities. Economic pressures are not the result of individual failings, but of structural systems that produce disadvantage and shame.
When support is only offered after crisis, harm is already embedded — in mental health, social cohesion, and access to opportunity.
BuSE addresses these upstream conditions to prevent avoidable harm, reduce stigma, and strengthen fairness before stress escalates into crisis.
Our Approach
BuSE works upstream to shift systems, narratives, and environments that create economic stress and stigma.
Rather than framing hardship as a personal failing, BuSE highlights the role of structural pressures and promotes stigma-free approaches to financial resilience and inclusion.
This reframes wellbeing as a shared, systemic responsibility — prevention by design, not crisis management.
What this Work Involves
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Examining systemic drivers of financial stress and exclusion
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Reframing narratives to reduce shame and stigma
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Promoting equitable access to resources, information, and support
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Collaborating with organisations and communities to build inclusive economic environments
BuSE does not provide direct financial assistance or casework support.
Why this Matters
Economic pressures affect mental health, social inclusion, and the ability to participate fully in society.
By addressing structural and cultural drivers of financial stress early, BuSE reduces avoidable harm, strengthens dignity, and promotes fairness across communities.
Prevention here means improving systems and reducing stigma — not placing responsibility on individuals.
How this Fits the Prevention Ecosystem
BuSE is part of AFF Missions SCIO’s upstream prevention work, alongside THiMO.
Together, these initiatives address the structural and cultural conditions that shape wellbeing, while midstream initiatives — AoIn and AIHS — focus on improving how systems operate and are experienced in practice.
BuSE’s impact is experienced within community settings, where equitable access, trust, and resilience can take root and be sustained.