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.
Bridging the Gap has a track record of providing a pathway into paid employment, voluntary work or further education through gaining skills and experience in a social care setting.
In Spring 2011 we carried out an extensive evaluation of all the Bridging the Gap courses and it is clear that the course has a positive impact on the lives of the students who participate.
- 100% planned to go onto voluntary or paid work in the future
- 91.7% planned to move into voluntary or paid work in the future
- 100% of the students felt more confident
- 96% had more self respect
- 100% felt more motivate
Click HERE to view the Bridging the Gap website.
Click HERE to view our latest Bridging the Gap evaluation report.
We are currently delivering Bridging the Gap in Manchester,Trafford and Wigan. 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.
“Bridging the Gap has a long standing and demonstrable track record of helping individuals change their lives. The programme contributes to both the recovery and ETE agendas and it is heartening to meet Bridging the Gap graduates throughout the North West who have gained employment, volunteering opportunities and peer mentorships as a result of their hard work and commitment to the programme”. Abby Jones, Deputy Regional Manager, National Treatment Agency NW
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 Wigan
Jennie Archibald - 01942 498 380
Email – wigan.btg@adsolutions.org.uk
Click here to view leaflet
Bridging the Gap Trafford
Leigh Engelbrecht – 0161 786 8250
Email – mailto:trafford.btg@adsolutions.org.uk
Click here to view leaflet
Bridging the Gap Manchester
Dave Cardiff – 0161 831 2400
Email – manchester.btg@adsolutions.org.uk
Click here to view leaflet