NICHE SPECIAL
CHARITY
The Bridge turns The demand for local homelessness charity The Bridge (East Midlands) services rose by more than 90% in June 2020 compared to June 2019 WORDS BY EMILY MILLER
T
he demand for The Bridge’s services here in Leicestershire last year was exceeded as the charity worked hard with the local community to continue to support those that needed it. Molly Boggis, Head of Housing Services at The Bridge, said: “While celebrating our 25th anniversary, it gives us great joy to see how far we have come and what our impact is on the local community on a daily basis. “Whether it’s a food parcel, tenancy support, assistance with housing applications, or family mediation, we will always continue striving towards our vision of resilient and compassionate communities. “There are always new challenges to be faced; this past year has presented more obstacles than ever before. Despite the on-going pandemic, we have adapted our services and continued operating, while dealing with the vastly increased demand for support. “Times are tough for so many, and we are extremely grateful to those who have helped us reach our £25,000 2020 fundraising target in just nine months. We are excited to set a new challenge though, to help us expand some of our services to cope with the increase in demand, including our 0800 number which has
dealt with 75% more enquiries from March to September than the same time last year. “Having doubled our initial fundraising target, we are so proud to say that we have now successfully raised over £50,000 during 2020. We hope that the community will continue to support us and get behind us in the ongoing fight against homelessness, particularly as we go through the difficult upcoming months.” Since 1995, The Bridge has grown significantly, and the organisation now employs 45 staff who deliver 12 different services across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. Working holistically, The Bridge helps local people to address the root causes of homelessness and find longerterm sustainable solutions. It offers assistance to a range of client groups including young people, ex-offenders, street homeless people, families, landlords and those who are housed but at risk of crisis. The award-winning homelessness prevention charity has gained great recognition over the years, presenting at national conferences and receiving long-term support from the likes of Children in Need, and the National Lottery Community Fund. The organisation has
IT GIVES US GREAT JOY TO SEE HOW FAR WE HAVE COME AND WHAT OUR IMPACT IS ON THE LOCAL COMMUNITY ON A DAILY BASIS
benefitted from the fantastic generosity of local people, and adapted ways of fundraising throughout ‘lockdown’, including hosting online quizzes and social media call-outs. Paul Snape, Deputy Chief Officer, who has worked at The Bridge for 18 years, commented: “Our longevity is testament to the success of our work, and we are also incredibly proud to have nurtured great partnerships with the council, the wider voluntary sector and other statutory organisations. I’m also incredibly proud of our team who work tirelessly to improve the lives of others.” The charity is now seeking further help from the Leicestershire business community and is looking to partner with businesses who want to make a real difference to the lives of people in their local communities and the economy. For more information on The Bridge’s services, to read client stories or to gain support for a fundraising event visit their website at thebridge-eastmidlands.org.uk or call 01509 260 500.
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