Bridge is a substance misuse programme based in Northampton but working throughout the county.

Our sites are not yet fully reopen due to COVID19 but we are running a number of activities and groups as well as providing one to one support and virtual support to our members. Those groups and activities that are running at Bridge sites are listed in our timetables. We are also providing information and advice on facebook.

Members can keep in touch and maintain contact with Bridge workers on the numbers below. All our Recovery Workers from the three sites are there for support and guidance, just give us a call.

• Northampton (9am - 5pm): Monday - Friday - 01604 621259.
• Corby (10am - 2pm): Monday - Friday - 01536 268133, 07931 316289 and 07958 664338.
• Wellingborough (10am - 2pm): Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday - 01933 228453, 07931 109353.
• Wellingborough: Tuesday to Friday (10am - 2pm) - 07775 280602.
• For Housing Support (9am to 5pm): Monday - Friday - 01604 621259.

CURRENT SERVICES AND SUPPORT

Following the lifting of the national restrictions on 2nd December, many of our groups and activities have reopened. We are contiuing to offer support and are looking at ways to increase the support provided within the revised government guidelines. Please click on the links below to view our updated timetables.

• Corby timetable.
• Northampton timetable.
• Wellingborough timetable.

Housing, employment and financial support is all still available; just give us a call and we can give you advice over the telephone on the number above or booked you in for an appointment.

Peer support groups are available via social media and members are encouraged to share any advice and coping techniques they are participating in with each other.

For information on other tips, support being offered by other local services and courses, feel free to give us a call or click here.

---

Keeping fit with Gerry

During this period, we are aware that some of you will find it hard to either find the motivation to exercise, or to know which exercises are the most effective. Our gym instructor Gerry has put together a video to help you with your home workouts.

 

Bridge is a peer support project which links volunteers who have recovered from alcohol and/or drug misuse with members with serious substance misuse problems. Bridge also provides a range of activities, events and support. There are recovery workers who work with members to sustain their recovery and staff who specialise in advice and guidance on benefits, housing and employment.

Members will have some motivation to control, reduce or cease their drug/alcohol use and benefit from the support and encouragement of volunteers who have direct experience. Volunteers are trained for their role and fill an important and sensitive position.

Members can benefit from all the services Bridge provides or choose those that would be most beneficial.

---

The Big Walk 2020

We are taking part in The Big Walk to show support and raise awareness and money for Shelter. The walk will be taking place on 10th December in Northampton and Wellingborough and on 9th in Corby. There will be walking routes for all abilities with support and good company along the way. Any members who wish to join in and get involved, please call us or send a message via facebook.

MacMillan Coffee Morning Event 2020

So, on Monday 28^th September with all the necessary precautions and safety restrictions in place we hosted an Afternoon Tea event at Northampton Bridge. We had two sittings where our members enjoyed a sumptuous and generous amount of sandwiches and cakes, freshly made by our talented Café staff.

The members were waited on by Becki and Grace, who did a great job in making sure that no one had an empty cup of tea or coffee.

It was a very relaxed and enjoyable way to raise money for such a worthwhile cause and was enjoyed by all who attended.

The total sum raised by the event was £75. Bridge will match that amount and so, in all, we will be sending £150.

Many thanks to all who participated.

---

Earlier this year Bridge began creating a quarterly newsletter that goes out to all members by post. Click here if you wish to view the latest newsletter.

---

Our volunteers are keeping busy by completing online training courses such as safeguarding, information sharing, mental health; so far 8 volunteers have completed 47 courses between them! Two of our volunteers in Northampton are currently volunteering for the NHS helping at the hospital. One of our volunteers is taking this time to learn Portuguese. Four volunteers have returned to their paid employment due to being vital keyworkers (care work, nursing, telephone support for a bank and at a supermarket) whilst others are helping the local community by getting shopping for family members, friends and neighbours who are in need. Three Wellingborough volunteers have been working hard to maintain the allotment; members can now join them but need to arrange this via Bridge. Another Wellingborough volunteer has been facilitating Relapse Prevention Group being held at Bridge whilst some of the Northampton volunteers are going in to help the Recovery Workers with making phone calls to members. Another volunteer in Northampton has been working hard to get the Hairdressing Room ready for our hairdresser to come back to work and one volunteer has gone back to his other volunteering role in a charity shop. Finally, one of our volunteers has gaind employment with Bridge.

---