Six years of Building Bridges

By Daisy Matthews, Building Bridges Support Worker

After six extraordinary years, the Building Bridges Programme has come to an end. The programme, which has been jointly funded by the National Lottery Community Fund and European Social Fund, has supported adults across Swindon and Wiltshire to overcome their barriers and develop skills to achieve and sustain employment. This local programme has been part of the wider national Building Better Opportunities Programme since 2016.

Since the start of the programme, Building Bridges has supported over 100 people who were considered to be furthest from obtaining work, due to factors such as a long-term health condition or disability. During their time on the programme, they have been supported through weekly activities carrying out conservation tasks, wellbeing walks in nature and one-to-one support.

We are delighted that over 50% of the participants have gained employment or a volunteer placement and 80% have gained new skills and/or qualifications that will help them find employment.

Read our blog to learn more about the impact of the Building Bridges programme: www.wiltshirewildlife.org/buildingbridges