• The description of the programmes that follow are supported by client comments, as these best describe the impacts and values gained.

Community Drug Rehabilitation - a structured group work programme, for substance misusers or individuals recovering from an addiction, offering specific groups for stimulant and cannabis users. The focus is not just on drugs; it aims to support and encourage people to achieve and maintain a healthy and productive lifestyle by; building on existing knowledge and skills and acknowledging the benefits of change and the challenges it brings; by promoting personal independence and responsibility and increasing confidence and self esteem. Interventions include:

Foundation Group (we work with people who are on court orders to address their offending behaviour and substance misuse)

Anger Group ( we explore why we get angry and how to channel that anger in a positive and safe way)

Cannabis Group ( we explore what effects cannabis has on the mind and body)

Stimulant Group (we look at the effects stimulants have on the body and brain and develop withdrawal strategies.

Motivation Group (we explore the different ways we can motivate ourselves and build effective techniques to deal with issues that de-motivate us.

Triggers & Cravings (we identify what triggers us to use, look at the issues surrounding cravings of substances and identify strategies for managing them).

Understanding Yourself and Others (we explore who we are and why we behave the way we do; we look at personal levels of self esteem and confidence;  we look at how we relate to others and how relationships can be improved).

Clients’ feedback;

“I didn’t realize how much work was involved in coping without drugs.”

“I’ve realized I can do something, and I am now in control”

“Knowing that you are not alone and aren’t the only one to have been in this position. It really helps”

“Support, structure and time to change. I wouldn’t be able to do it without the Bridge”

“Crime is now a past behaviour. It’s been months since I broke the law.”

Structured one to one Counselling is provided by professionally qualified staff, for drug users and their families.

Clients’ feedback;

"The journey was one I did not expect to take, but it was appreciated and beneficial.”

“The counselling helped me a great deal in all aspects of my life; understanding my anger and dealing with it, improving relationships”

“ Dealing with, and becoming in control of my drug and alcohol use“The counselling was non-judgmental and I feel it has turned my life around for the better”

Community Integration - Many substance misusers, or those in recovery, have issues in their lives which can create a cycle which they may find difficult to escape.  This may be through debt, housing problems, accessing services such as GP’s and dentists. 

The Community Integration team aim to work with people in order to alleviate these problems.  Often this involves them working on behalf of the client contacting the benefits agency, local council or utility companies in order to that people may live comfortably but still addressing any problems and it also provides an intensive integration service for drug using prolific offenders. 

Clients' feedback

“Thanks couldn’t have done it without you.”

“Probably be dead without you.” 

“I felt listened to for the first time.”

Hostels Outreach - to support drug users who are homeless or living in hostels; to gain trust and build rapport to engage them, when they are ready, into service.  This may involve completing assessments, onward referrals, one to one work, basic drug awareness, safer injecting and harm minimisation advise, and overdose awareness training. Outreach work involves, advocacy work, escorting clients to appointments, assisting with paperwork for various benefits. Clients’ feedback 

“Go and see XX ‘cause she’s safe”

“She’ll help you with whatever you need” 

Rewind - This service was set up purely to support the families, carers and friends of drug users.  Often a great amount of stress is put on these relationships and this group aims to give a good practical all round understanding of how to maintain relationships and understand the stresses that are put upon them.  This service is available in a group situation or 1-1 if preferred. To enhance this support there is also counselling, acupuncture, and complimentary therapies.

Client’s feedback; 

“When I came to the Bridge two years ago I was rock bottom. Thanks to everyone at the Bridge/Rewind I have now got my life back. I have learned to cope with my son’s and grandson’s substance misuse without feeling guilty. I can now say ‘no’ to them. I am confident, assertive and proud of myself.”