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The Bridge Substance Misuse Programme started life as The Bridge Mentoring Project in 2005, funded by the Northamptonshire Drug Intervention Programme (DIP), a government scheme set up to provide specialist help to offenders with drug-misuse problems. It is now a Social Enterprise, i.e. a not-for-profit company owned by the staff and volunteers. Its primary funders are now the DIP and the Drug and Alcohol Action Team.
The programme recruits ex-drug users to act as volunteer mentors to clients. There are two aims; one is to provide a ‘different’ type of service to drug and alcohol users, i.e. the chance to be mentored by people who know what it is like to recover from addiction. The other aim is to help both the volunteers and clients get into work by providing them with experience, training, information and guidance. A history of problematic drug use and offending are major barriers to employment.
The programme has had significant success with both mentors and mentees. Some of the mentees have made major progress in dealing with their problems and with their offending and have secured training, education or jobs. Several of the mentors have gone on to work with local drug agencies, Housing Associations and other areas of social care. Three have gone to university and others have completed counselling courses. A couple have secured work in other fields. Some now also volunteer with other organisations.
One of our mentors recently featured in the Channel 5 documentary series ‘Banged Up’. He was one of several ex-offenders working with young offenders to help them take a different path.
The programme has now expanded to encompass ‘Positive Activities’. We aim to build on the intensive programmes of supervision and treatment which are in place within DIP, drugs agencies and Probation, and provide activities, groups, guidance and training for clients to help fill their time, improve their health and well-being and address their problems.
We have developed a programme of physical and other activities, which are available to problematic drug or alcohol users. In partnership with borough councils and leisure centres in Northampton, Wellingborough, Rushden, Corby and Thrapston we offer a number of free gym memberships to clients. We have a group for women which focuses on complementary therapy (Reiki, Indian head massage etc) and personal care (hair, nails etc). There are training events open to both mentors and clients aimed at improving their skills and we are working with the local councils and other bodies to enable those interested to undertake courses such as F.A. coaching badges and Community Sports Leader Award.
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