GETTING OUT AND STAYING OUT
Community Based Services: The Bridges
The Bridges is a residential treatment unit that was set up to help offenders resettle into the community when they leave prison. All residents have served sentences in prison and have completed a 12-step programme. They are provided with decent accommodation in a friendly and supportive environment where everyone is provided with a single bedsit.
The intensive secondary care programme lasts 12 weeks. All treatment is delivered through lectures, workshops, assignment groups, group therapy and 1-1 counselling sessions.
The Bridges aims to enable men to learn new ways of life free from chemical dependency. Full professional support is provided with regard to finding employment and housing, as well as engaging with local 12-step fellowship meetings.
All clients have their own bedsit accommodation
Third Stage
The Bridges has a number of affordable self-contained flats designed for those working on the final steps of their drug treatment programme. They are supported in this third stage by a Resettlement and Education Worker who helps clients to find work locally. Time spent in third stage accommodation helps them to save money so that they have a real choice about where they live when they finally resettle. Many ex-residents live and work locally and have made the successful transition from The Bridges back into the community. Others have been helped to relocate in other areas.
"I can work and save money while I am here and then have a real choice about where I live when I leave The Bridges. I'd much prefer to leave here with the money for a deposit on a flat rather than have to rely on benefits." ( Mark)
How much does it cost?
Funding for secondary care at the Bridges depends on the case of every individual applying for it. Referrers should contact the admissions team at The Bridges on 01 482 588 454 or email jen.barb@rapt.org.uk
Who is Eligible?
Any man over the age of 18 who has completed a 12-step primary drug treatment programme can be considered for secondary treatment and third stage care at The Bridges.
Tony Thompson
TONY THOMPSON
Tony underwent both primary and secondary care at The Bridges. He now has his life back on track and is about to resettle into the community.
"The 12-Step programme and my experience at The Bridges has given me the ability to change my behaviours. I now have a purpose in life. I look forward to carrying the message into the community. I feel very grateful for all the support I have received at The Bridges and hope that, one day, treatment centres like this will spring up around the country."