We aim to help people to climb out of chaotic and dependent lifestyles and become responsible contributors to society.

The Bridge Drop-In

The Bridge opens from 9am to 12 noon Tuesday to Thursday and Saturday (Friday is for Your Future courses), and from 9am to 10.30am on Sundays. The weekend provision is particularly appreciated.

The 70p breakfast goes down very well. It costs at least twice that. A laundry load is £1; showers, clothing, use of the phone, hot drinks are all free.

So basic needs are met and we give information, referrals and perhaps most important, friendship. Other agencies send outreach workers to the Bridge, including the Anchor medical team, the Community Drugs Team, the Community Alcohol Service, Local Jobs agency, a dental health advisor, and more.

Services have over 1500 users a month (half in the Bridge) providing over 1000 outputs a month and recording around 700 outcomes (progress made by people) including finding accommodation, job hunting, sharing feelings, medical help and gaining skills.

The Upper Well Café

The Upper Well café is open from Tuesday to Friday 11.30am to 2.30pm serving hot and cold food such as all day breakfast, baguettes with espresso coffee, milk shakes and ice cream. It is largely run by volunteers in support of the drop-in and the Centre as a whole.

It combines good food, good prices and a friendly atmosphere. There are now three PCs in the cafe with Broadband for public use. We have an Internet Cafe!

Christian Fellowship

The Jesus Centre is used by the Jesus Fellowship on a regular basis, as a meeting place for prayer and worship. The congregation has grown significantly to around 140 on a Sunday.

Many Bridge visitors have attended services and a number have been baptised in water. This is largely because the Gateway hall is on site because all staff and volunteers are trained not to impose their faith on visitors in the Bridge. 13 visitors have also become trained volunteers so far.

The Centre has drawn all kinds of people in and church services usually have a rich mix of types, including asylum seekers and various nationalities, local youth including goths, chavs and whoever calls by, all ages, colours and kinds!

The church has benefitted greatly from having the Centre as a key resource with which to serve many.

Other churches have also been hiring rooms regularly to hold services at the Centre.