services

Bridging the Gap

Bridging the Gap (BTG) is an innovative training programme designed to help people who have experienced substance misuse related problems gain the skills needed to become work ready.

The programme has received national acclaim as the overall winner of the 2004 Community Care Awards. In 2005, it received a National Training Award and in 2006 was a runner up in the Big Difference North West Awards.

We are currently delivering Bridging the Gap in Wigan, Staffordshire and Tameside. Since we started delivering Bridging the Gap graduates have gone on to do a range of different things from full time work, to volunteering, to full time education.

Below are some of the quotes from former students who have attended Bridging the Gap courses.

"Two years ago I lost my job as a result of several personal problems coming to a head. I was feeling very low and I struggled to get motivated mainly because I had a negative attitude. I enrolled on Bridging the Gap in order to regain some focus and structure. The course definitely served this purpose. I have really enjoyed getting to know new people. I am proud of the commitment I have shown."

"This time two years ago if you was to ask me where I was going to be in the future I would have probably said jail or dead! My life has turned around and this course has been a major part of it. I have achieved so much over the past six months and have a wider awareness around substance misuse, and the dangers of it. I have found this course a pleasurable learning experience and would now like to put my learning theory into practise by maybe doing a work placement or voluntary work in the field of substance misuse. I have made some great friends and will be sad to finish this course."

"Bridging the Gap had been a great course, and I have enjoyed every moment, I feel I have learned so much and have gained so much confidence from doing the course. I now feel that I can move forward from Bridging the Gap with the confidence to succeed in life!!"

"This six month course has been a really interesting time. Having been out of education for over 20 years I must admit to feeling fairly apprehensive about whether I would be able to acclimatise to a learning environment. However, the course content and the people I have met have proven to put whatever fears I had to rest and have finished a course for the first time in my life.

The post course support which is offered is really re-assuring and I am planning on continuing in education with a view to gaining employment in due course.

I feel really privileged to have been given this chance. Thank you!"

If you are interested in learning more about Bridging the Gap then please do get in touch.

Bridging the Gap Staffordshire Karen Ridley: 01543 468590 cannock.btg@adsolutions.org.uk

Bridging the Gap Wigan Tom Hannon: 01942 497 899

Bridging the Gap Tameside Julie Marle:0161 344 5321 tameside.btg@adsolutions.org.uk