2021-03-31-accounts

Charity Registration No. 1050596 Company Registration No. 3114996 {England and Wales) THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS) ANNUAL REPORT AND CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 SOMERBYS LIMITED CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS 30 NELSON STREET LEICESTER LE1 7BA

THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS) CONTENTS Page Rgport of the Board of Trustees 2-11 Independent Audf(or's Report 12-14 Consolidaled Slalemenl of Financial Aclivrties Consolidated Balan￿ Sheet 16 Charity Balance Sheet 17 Consolidated Slalemenl of Cash flows 18 Charity Slalemenl of Cash flows 19 Notes lo the Financial Slalements 20-35

THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS) REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 The Board of Trustees presents ils rewjrt and the audited financial stalemenls for the year ended 31 March 2021. Reference and Administrative information Charity name.. Operating name.. Charity registration numEer'. Company registration number.. The Bridge (Easl Midlands) The Bridge 1050596 31149 Board of Trustees Karen Jewell- Resigned 20107r2021 Ashiedu Joel Susan Lees Jonathan Olds Rosemary Thomas- Resigned 08KJ912021 Jay Webb- Chair Richard lthile Joanne Emmell- Appointed 2410712020 Sleveri Ablell- Appointed 2310712020 Helen Tighe- Appointed 2310712020 Amanda Soraghan- Appointed 23107r2020 Company Sacrgtary Peter Davey- resigned 0810912021 Chlef Offlcer Peter Davey- Resigned 26K)312021 Paul Snape- Acting Chief Officer- Appoinled 26103r2021 Registered Office and Operational Address 38 Leicester Road. Loughboiough. Leiceslershire. LE11 2AG Statutory Auditor Somerbys Limited, Charte￿d Accounlanls. 30 Nelson Street, Leicesler, LE1 7BA Bankgrs Cambridge & Counties Bank, Charnwood Court, 5B New Walk. Leicesler LE1 6TE CAF bank Limf(ed, Kings Hill, West Malling. Kent. ME19 4TA The Charity Bank Limited, Fosse House. 182 Hw3h Street. TonbTrJge. TN9 BE

THE BRIDGE {EAST MIDLANDS) REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES ICONTINUEDI FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 Structure, Governance and Management Goveming document The organisalion is a charitable c(xnpany limited by guarantee. The company was established under a Memorandum of Association, which sets out the objects and powers ol the company and is governed under ils Articles of Association. In the event of the company bein9 wound up. mèmbers are required to contribute an amount not exceeding £1. Recruilmenl and appointment of Twslees The Directors of the company are also charity Trustees lor the purposes of ¢harily law and under the company's Articles are known as memters oflhe Board of Tnjslees. The charity may, by ordinary resolulion, appoint a peison who 15 willing to act lo be a Trustee_ No person olher than a Truslee retiring may be appointed a Trustee al any general meeting unless.. he or she is re¢LYnmended f￿ re-eleCt￿n by the Trustees., or not less than foLJrteen nor more Ihan thirty-fi￿ clear days before the dale of the meeting. the charity is gNen a notice Ihal.. lal is signed by a memLEr enlilled lo vole al the meeting". Ibl slates the member's intention lo propose the appoinlmenl of a person as a Trustee., Icl contains Ihe details Ihal. il the person were lo be apFM)inted. the charity would have lo file al Companies Hovse., and Idl is signed by the person who is lo be proposed lo show his or her wllingness lo be appointed. All members who a￿ enlilled lo receive noti￿ of a general meeting musl be gwen not less than seven nor more than twenty eight clear days, notice ol any resolution lo be pul lo the meeting to appoint a Trustee other than a Trustee who is to Telire by rotation. lal Ihe Trustees may appoint a person who is wlling lo aci to be a Trustee. Ibl a Trustee appointed by a resolution of the othei Trustees mtjsl retire at the next annual general meeting and musl nol be iaken into accounl in delemiining the Twslees who are lo retire by rotation. Icl the Trustees may co-opt any indNidual who has appiopriale specialist skills lo support them in fulfilling the objectives of the charity. The appointment of a Trustee, whether by the charity in general meeling Of by the olher Trustees, musl not cause the nun*er of Trustees lo exceed any number fixed as the maximum number of Trustees. The organisalion iecognises that reciuitmenl of new Trustees by way of pErsonal ￿¢0MmendatIon is flawed. When looking lo recruit new Trustees, the organisatson advertises extemally and invites expressions of interest from individuals. Information packs are then dispatched lo indrviduals along with an applicalion form. Individuals who return a completed application are invited lo an inlerview with the Chief Officer and an existing Trustee lusual the Chaifl. The organisalion is keen lo recrurt individuals with specific areas of interest or expertise. Trustee InductSon and Training The organisalion provides all new Trustees wlh an in1￿M3tK>n pack containing details of the rights and respollsibililies of Charity Truslees-lhis includes info¥mation published by the Chanty Commission. All new Trustees are invited lo attend an indu¢tion evenin9 facilitat￿1 by an eXper￿need Trustee. Training is ongoing and based around Trustee Meetings wth an empha&s on using the indiv￿u21 expeiti5e of Tnjslees in Specif￿ areas of work.

THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS) REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 Risk Management The Tnjslees condud their own revEw of the risks lo whKh the charrty is exposed and establish Systems lo mitigate those risks. These systems are periodically reviewed lo ensure they still meet the needs of the charity both now and for the future. The organisalion has develo1￿￿ a robusl Risk Regisler which is rewewed by the Board ol Trustee5 bi- annually. Organisational Structure The charity Provides a number ol services. earty inlervenlion and h¢Jnelessne&s p￿vention services, Including a Specialist Housing AdV￿e and Tenancy Relatk)ns SerV￿e, Housing Related Support Servi¢es, the lalk.sort Mediation Service, a Single Access Point for 16 & 17 year cAds, a Homelessness TransilK)ns Rough Sleeper Programme, Rulland's Community Prevent￿n and Welbeing Service5 a￿1 tsvo European Sockal Fund and Big Lottery Funded Servi￿$, Moneywise Plus and YES Projett. The chanly has a central off￿e providing Customer Services induding Welfare Prowsion (Starter Packs and Food and Fuel Vouchers) and financial and administratNe support lor the overall operat￿n of the charity. The Trustees are ponsible for devebping overall Wicy, ahjed by the Chiel offi￿r. Volunteers a￿ welcomed in all our work and are gNen training and supw to enable them lo work alongsKSe ovr paid staff. Objectives and Activities The objeclwes. for which the charity was established. as defined by the Memorandum of Association, and amended in February 2012 are lo promote Charitable purposes onty., MO￿ specificalty for the relief and rehabililalion of homeless persons in need in the East Midlands and in particular by the PTOV1sion of accommrxlalion and associated facilities calculated lo alleviate their need, lo promote any other Charitab￿ purpose for the benefit of homeless persons and those al risk of homelessness in the East Midlands. Public Benefit The Trustees confirm that Ihey have referred lo the guklance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benelrt when revEwing the Trust's aims and objectives arKI in pL3nning future activities. Public 8enefil is demonslraled more specifically in the folk￿ing Perfoimance and Achievements secbons which highlight specific client work frcAn each of the seryices wrthin the Organ￿all0n. A Message from the Chair Another year for us all lo rememberin one way or 8nolherl W8 haveiusl completed our 25W Anniversary Year of delivering se1vi￿S in the community we seThe. 11 has been a whirfwind of aclivily for everyone at The Bridge, including staff. volunl&ers, our Twslees and the organisallons we partner with. We have seon such generosity otspiril from so many people during Ihe pai?demic. We have juggled the provffsion of sem1￿$ whilsl having lo adapl to the changing circumslances of ourcommunity and our servre users with the restrict￿￿5 pla￿d uwn us due lo Covid-19 and two national lockdowns. The team have don8 a tremendous job and continued to WO￿ Ihrwghoul with changes lo ensu￿ Ihal slaff and our clients We￿ prolg¢led. Unfortunately, we had lo relain the lemporary closure of our front facing doors, but we redefined and adjusled our serv￿eS lo a sonificanlly increased number of Cl￿nIg, ￿s￿¢(￿n9 social distancing and simultaneously dealing with additional, new 8nd very vulnerable clienls in collaiK)ralion with ourlocal partners. We have lost some very key rneMbe￿ (rf our team WI￿ have gone onlo pastures new, including our Communications & Fundraising Manager. Je￿1¢a Melson. who has done so much lo raise (wr profile since she joned us. Ourhearttelt thanks to everyone ofouremployees foralllheir hard wo￿, dedicalmin, and Iheirsupport. 11 is never easy lo lose greal slam. bul I￿art-Wa￿lIng lo know Ihal they aTr advancing their careers.

THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS) REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 We have also had to face Ihe loss of our lynch pin. Peter Davey who was our CEO for over 20 years and will be missed greauy. l always said Ihat if yots cul him in hvo, he would have "7he 8ridge' wrillen all the way Ihrough. P&lergave unslintingly of his lime, and effort, anddidso much to help so manyoverlhe years, developing a slrong leam wh￿h he leaves as his legacy. Throughout the year we have experienced generosily on an epic scale fr￿￿ Ihe public, members of 11?e business oommunily, local organisalions, volunteers. our community partner5, the local council, churches. politicians and clubs as we hav8 worked logelher and been supwrted lo rnise funds lo help some ol the mosl vulnerable in our sociely. Thank you all so much loryourconlinued support. Foodpovertyhas been highlighted byso manyin Iheircampaigns Ihis yearas this d￿5￿fvISItuatIOn has coi?linued lo worsen for so many. Togelher wilh our partners in Ihe ¢￿￿M￿n11Y we have been able lo alleviate some ol the issues, but we know Ihal ￿ much woth needs lo continue to eradicate this. I vvanl lo pay tribute lo our dedicated and hard-worting Boalll of Tws1￿S who do so much to support the organisalion. Richard While, Jorp Olds. Karen JeV￿lI. Sue Lees. Ashiedu Joel, Steve Ablell. Jo Emmell, Amanda Soraghan, Rosemary Jhomas and Helen Tighe. Nol only do they ensu￿ Ihal we undertake our govemance role property, but they (lo also so much more to support Ihe organisat￿n and consislenlly give of Iheir lime and expertise. This year has been a roller coaster nd8 as our new Truslees embedded themselves inlo the organisalion and look up Ihe mantle lo help and SU￿ort our slaff. Thank you each and every one olyou forgoing above and beyond wilh your support. No organisalion can exist wilhout Ihe hard woth and d8dAcalion of ils Slral8gi¢ Management Team and Ihe staff who work lo deliver seThiGes and I wanl lo thank them all for the fabulous work Ihal Ihey have undertaken during the lasl 12 months and for rising to the challenge every day. You make me pmud to be part of such a grBal organisalion. Jay Webb, Chair of the Board of Trustees Service Aims and Outcomes Young People's Services (Single Access Point ISAPI. talk*ort and Youth Employability Support IYESII Aim To prevent homelessness and reduce the use of 8&B accommodation lor 16117-year-old5. To improve young people's life chan￿s. To enable family members lo plan luluie accommodation options and avert crises which often result in youth hom6lessness. To In¢￿3$e the yourvj person and f￿lty members underslandirg ol the reality of their personal and housin9 Srtualionlsl. Aims talk'sort To prevent homelessness_ To undertake one lo one Mediati¢￿ sessions and lacililale meetings between young people and families where appropriate. To provide an opportunity for families lo wnprove relationships. lo build agreements and plan for the future. To raise awareness of mediation Serm￿S, other Ifxal support swvices and homelessness issues in general.

THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS) REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 Aims To support young people lo access education, employment. or training. To enable young people lo overcome ChaI￿ngeS and barrieis to positNe oulcLYnes. Provide intensive support lo bu1￿ confidence, self-eslewn. and wellbeing. Deliver one lo one mediation support and joint appointments between young people and families where appropriate. Performanee.. 194 young people supported during Ihe ￿riod. 100Q/o homelessness prevenledlrelieved. 91 23Vo impioved communi¢al#)n skills. 87.47 /0 improved mental heaKh. SLSPPOrt Services {Housing Matters, Rutland Cornmunity Wellbeing Servi¢el To prevent ￿peat homelessness a￿1 prijnote independent Iwing. To piovide effective support in order lo assisl people lo susiain their tenancies. To promote Social Inclusion and encourage clients lo access and engage in meaningful aclivily. To improve the health and wellbeing of clients accessing the servi￿. Performance". 85.720/0 of clients were p￿Vented from beC(￿Ing homeless. 85.949h fett that their housing condtb'ons had improved_ 90.33°/o fett Ihal they were making more posilwe lire choices and taking belter care of themselves. 77.380/. felt Ihal Iheir confidencel selfesleem has improved. Street Homelessness and Offenders Service (Homeless Offenders and Rapld Rehousing Aims Homeless Offender Service5 ". To provkge specialist housing advi￿ to those who are homeless and have an offending history. To provKSe intensive support lo those who ale homeless lo help them access accommodation. To support those who are homeless lo addiess any bar{￿rS lo accessing accommodation. To provKJe outreach support lo rough slpers and prisoners due lor release wrth no fixed abode. Aims id Rehousin Pathwa To support those who are homeless with no accommodation oplions available lo them outside of the pathway. into 5uilable accommodation. To provide outreach support to those who are rough $￿ping. To support those who are homeless lo address any barrErs lo a￿esSing accommodation. To provide support lo those who access accommcJalion to promote positive tenancy management.

THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS) REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 Perfomiance.. 656 referrals received, of which 407 eng•Jed, 319 cbsed. 93.570A homelessness prevenledlrelieved. 90.740A clients making better life choices. 81.69°h improved mental health. Houslng Advice, Tenancy Relations Servlces Airns.. To provide a free, independent and holisb¢ H￿sing Advi￿ Se[V￿ lo all residents in the Borough of Charnwood. To provide an emefgency advice and assistance service lo those in housing crisi5. To prevent homelessness Ihtough partnership working antl lenancy relations work wth both private and s¢xk81 landlord. To provide a free, independent telephone advice semce. performan￿.. 713 clients live during Ihe pericKI. 96 08Qh improved housing conditions. 64.79Qh improved financial circtjmstances. 85.15Qk fell more able lo make their own choices. Customer Servi¢e5 Aims.. To provide a drop-inlielephone Serm￿ to those who are h(￿ne￿$S 01 at risk of homelessness. To provide an effectNe and efficient hcxjsiro triage Serm￿ lo ensure wple have access to the right service for their needs. To deliver a We￿are servi￿. provKling foLxJ parcels. fuel voucheis. starter packs and a¢￿$S lo the telephone andlor computer To support the organisalion's seNKes in an administrative capacty Perfomance". 186 households issued with fuel V0￿herS worth £6.340 for gas and e￿ctr1cty. 29 hol food vouchers 15SLed lo those who are ol No Fixed ALKxJe INFA} worth £290. 3151arter paL5 issued to those moving into rwi accommcmlation. Trraged and dealt wilh 72°h more enquiries in 2020r21 c(Ampared lo 2019r20. Charnwood Food Poverty Group Aims.. To increase access lo good foc(l. empx)wering ￿e0p￿t0 use and enjoy it. Ynprove advo(3cy forlhe ￿dU¢110n in household food poverty and work logelher in partnership with agencies lo prowde locKI wlhin a non- judgemenlal rnodel. To provide Strateg￿ support. adV￿e and guKlance lo fc¢)dbanks, fcx)d providers and organisalions who offer fcod provisKJn. To deliver fo(xl provisK>n in Moun150rrel. support delwery in Loughborough and identify other localities in Charnw(K)d lo sel up food provisb)n.

THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS) REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES {CONTINUEDI FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 Performance". charnW(￿ Community A¢tton developed in ciisis response lo COVID-19 in Chafflwood, with Charnwood Borough Council, John Storer ChaMW￿d and The Brwjge. 24 organisalion's delivering frxjd provision are nthv meM￿r$ of Chainwocml Fwd Poverty Group. 22,773 food parcels delivered lo households across Chamw¢x)d in 202012021. New food prows4￿ pathway developed for Chamw(th. lo be ￿ur￿hed in Summer 2021. Organisational Achievements During the period 1 $1 April 2020 10 31" March 2021. The BrKJge has made positive progress. despite the challenges which COVID-19 brought, againsl rts 4 Year Slialegy, which has 4 oveiarching slralegi¢ obieclives Specific highlights for the year. for each strategic objective include". 1. The organisalion has expanded its semce offering for clients through a number of new partnerships. A new specialist Housing Advice Service fof the sub-regional IAPT Service, working closely with VITA Health Group. The organisalion has also entered into a partnership with NACRO to deliver an East Midlands wide Dynamic Framework for the Ministry ol Justice. 2. ThroughDUt Ihe last year, the or9anisalion has driven forward work to fvrthei improve its governance. The Board of Tnjstees and SMT have created a Governance Improvement Team remit is to review, and continually improve. the organisalions systems and processes relabng lo the Board ol Trustees and the relationship of the Board with the SMT. Lockdown. as with many voluntary sector organisalions. has created an opportunity lo review fundraising and communicalions practices, and has been a time for innovation and interacting differently with the public and supFK)rters. The organisatKtrn has been able lo work d￿erently, and as a result, has increased the public profile of The Bridge. along with the number of community donations. 4. The organisation is proud lo announce that il passed its Advice Ouality Standard again for ils Spe¢iali51 Housing Adwce Service. This is a bi-annual aud¢t which The Bridge has been committed lo lor the pa51 two decades. Furthermore, the organisalion's Business Improvement Team has continued to meet throughout 'lockdown° and ha5 been inslrumental in the improvements made lo the organisalion's reCru￿￿ent processes. The Bridge's new outcome and inwact framth¥ork has enab￿d the organisalion lo better capture the outcomes rts clients have been achieving. and to beller underslarMJ the impact the charity has had. from a client perspeclive. For the period 1st April 2020 10 31 sl March 2021, The Bridge received 6,187 relerrals and enquiries and wortied wrth 2,494 househokjs The increase in the num￿ of ￿ferra1$ and enquiri&s is 39.1 /0 in comparison to the same period last year, with the number of households Inueasing by 13.9'/. Throughout the same perk)d, clients have self- reported the following outcomes.. Homelessness Prevenled 92.13% Improved Housing 87.94° Improved Finances 79.55% Improved Mentsl Health 83.68% Improved Physical Health 81.16% Feeling Less Isolated 68_920 Improved Relationships 67.83% Involved in the Wider Community 43.48% Accessed Employment 41.38Q Accessed TrainingEducation 47.890 Impi0v￿1 Independence 81.S30 Reduced Substance Misuse 76.14% Reduced CrimelASB 84.42° Improved Confidencelself Esteem 81.77% Improv&J Communication Skills 71.149/0 More Abk lo Make Own Choices 88.00% Over ancl atx)ve the achievements against the organisatK>n's strategic objectives and the client outcomes detailed above, The Bridge has had further success during the last finantiJ year. The biggest achievement has lo be the fast response lo COVID-19 pandemic. In March 2020. the organisatK)n was hil was the announcement of the national l(tkdown, 8nd therefore had lo quickly decide how rt would continue to deliver the much-needed serVi￿S to ils clients. Firstly, the safety of staff and dienls was paramount. and ak)ng wrth that, came the reluctant decision lo close the off1￿5 and the fronl d￿r. This decision was taken alongside the Intrixluclion of a new 0800 freephone number which was a lifets'ne to many people needing lo access the organi5al￿'S SerV￿e$.

THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS) REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 The introduction of the 0800 number, al(￿g$ide the financkgl impact that Cov1￿19 was hawng on The Bridge's dEn15 and the communrty. the organisat¢on saw a signifunl inuease in the number of enquiries coming through the C￿S1Omer services and triage team Over last financial year, there was a 720A year on year Increase in enquiries and referrals, as demonstrated in the graph belcw. It is anltipaled that demarKI will continue lo grcm following the en of the eviction ban in May 2021. CST Referrals Received - April 2019 onwards 376 186 333 239 314 313 305 278 216 280 253 218 201 211 189 183 172 173 174 171 170 173 139 2019120 ￿202[￿11 Throughout the year, the organisalion has been succe55ful in applying for COVID-19 emergency funding, COVID-19 recovery funding, and where available, other grant fvnding lo conlinue lo deliver Se￿￿5, or ddNer new services in response lo COVID-19 and the challenges that the pandemic has brought for the communty Over the course of Ihe financial year, the organisalion has generated an add11￿)rtaI £109,546 in core cost grants, £45.546 in emergency COVID-19 funding lincludirKJ for Io<KII, and £12.000 lo expa￿1 its rough slee￿r services. This funding enabl￿ the organisalion to expand ils slaffiTh3 ￿elS ￿rO$S some of its se￿￿$, Specrfic81￿ an addrtional member of staff in the Rapid Rehousing Se￿￿ foi Rough Sleepe15. Furthemiore, the organisalion was able lo increase rts staffing capacity wilhin rts HcyJ&ro Triage selv1￿ by 35%. wh￿h went sorneway lo supporting the 72% increase in enquiries through that team. Finally, The Board of Trustees and Strategic Management Team would like to say a bwJ thank you lo the Individu815, business, Communrty groLJPS and trust funds who have generousty donaled £96.996, in addition lo the considerable amount ol food donalk)ns, lo the organisalion ove¥ the L4s¢ year, contributs'n9 to core costs, delivery of Servi￿S, enabling the organisation lo provide emergency food pa￿1$ and respond quickly and robusuy lo the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS) 10 REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES (CONTINUED} FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 Pay Awards Recommendations are made to the Twslees by Strategy Advisory Gr(yJps. consisting of Executwe Off￿e[S and Trustees, for annual pay awards including any one off perfomiance relat￿ or enhan￿rnentS in pay. The Board ol Trustees are responsJle for agfeeing any recommendations. Plans for Future Periods The BrKSge's vision of'resilnl, compassh)nale communities, where indwiduals thrive in safe and secure homes" ha5 provided the foundations Iof the devekjpmenl of the charty's Four-year Strategy lor the perwjd 2020-2024. The Strateg￿ objectives ouyined wthin the strategy 5upporl and guide the organisation with its direction. SlralegK Objectives We wll expand upon our early intervention and prevenlron offer. We will build resilience in communities lo combat loneliness, isolation, and stigma. b. We will demonslrale the impa¢l that 5uslainable housing has on health and wellbeing. We will identity gaps in our service delivery and develop innovative solutions. d. We will maintain and build upon the organisalion's stralegic relevance. 2. We will ensure that everyone continues lo be valued, nurtured. and respected. a. We will invest in our staff and cultivate a high performing workforce. b. We will strengthen our govemance and Gullivate a high performing Board. c. We will adopt a slrenglhs-based approach for Ihe benefit of our clients. d We will be a compelilNe and well-regarded organisalion to work for. 3. We will continually drNe forwaid a sustainable organisalion built upon our reputation and inlegrily. We will create successful and innovative income generation solutions b. We will enhance our approach lo marketing & PR lo raise the organisations profile. We will slrwe lor the organisalion lo have continued nationwide recognition. d. We will identify, and explore. effeclwe finance. and asset, management opportunities. 4. We will be advocates of best practice, taking a refle¢live approach lo continual improvemenl a We will continue lo invest in the ongoing improvement of the business. b. We will belter evidenGe our social value and impact. developing a robust ieporting framework. We will maintain high levels of compliance across the organisalion. d. We will establish a bespK)ke and supportwe consultancy solution through TheBridge'Excellence. Financlal Review The results for the year showed a 22.2% increase on ksl year in total inccyning resources. Total resources expended in the year ShOv￿d an increase of 24.￿ on lasl year, resulting in a nel surplus for the year of £2,513 12020 - £26,073>. Investment Policy Under the Memorandum and Articles of ASs￿lation. Ihe charity has the power lo make any investment which the Trustees see lit. Reserves Policy The charity has sel tiself a policy of mainiaining vnreslricted ftjnds, which are the free reserves of the charity. al a level which equates lo approximately six months expenditure. This p)licy is designed lo provide the charity with sufficient funds lo sustain ils operalions in the event ol any changes to rts fvnding streams and is aligned lo Charbty Commission recommended go(Kl practi￿. The iarget ￿Ve1 of free reseNes based on current activities is appr0￿matelY £750,000. At 31 March 2021 the actual level of free re5eTves, excluding designated funds, was £160,382. The chatity continues to wc¥k on adding to these reserves and wntin￿eS lo keep the policy under reviGw.

THE BRIDGE {EAST MIDLANDS) REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES ICONTINUEDI FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 The Tiuslees Iwho are also Directors ofThe Bridge (Easl Mxjlandsl fcKthe putposes of company lawl are responsible for preparing the Report ofthe 8oard ofTrustees' and the financial statements in accordance with applicable Law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (Unit￿ Kingdom General￿ Accepted Accounting Praclicel. Company law requires the Boaid of Trustees to prepare financial slalemenls for each financial year, which give a true and fair view of the slate ol affairs of the charilable eompany and of the incoming resources and application ol resou[￿s. including the income and ex4)enditure, of the charilable company the year. In preparing these financial slalemenls, the Trustees awe required to". select Suitab￿ accounling and then appty them consistently: observe the methods and principles in the CharilEs SORP.. make judgmenls and eslimales that are rea￿nable and prudent., slate whether applicable UK Accounting Slandards have been follow8J, subject lo any material departures csisclosed aiKI explained in IIE financial siatemenls". p￿pare the financol slalemenl on a wing ¢c¥￿[n basis unless rt i5 inappropriate lo presume that the charitable Company will continue in operation. The Board of Trustees are responsible IL¥ keepiThJ proper acccyJntitvJ feccyds that disclose wtth reasonable accuracy al any lime the financial p0srtl(￿ of the charrtable conN)any an(1 enable Ihem lo ensure that the financial statements compty wrth the Companies Acl 2006. They are also resw)nsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hen￿ lor taking reasonable steps for the prevenb'on and detection of fraud and othei irregularities. Members of the Board of Trustees who seThed during the year and up lo the dale of this report are sel out on page In accordan￿ with ¢¢)mpany law, the company's Directors certfy thal.. $0 lar as they are aware. there is no re￿vant audrt infom)alK)n of which the company s audrtor is unaware., and they have taken all the steps that Ought lo have been taken in order lo make themselves aware of any relevant audit infomiation and lo establish that the charity's auditor is aware ol that information. Auditor The auditor. Somerbys Limited. has indicated its willingness to continue in office. This report has been prepared in accorda￿ wrth the Statement of Recommended Praclice.. Accounting and Reporting by Charities (issued in January 20151 and in accordance with the provisions applicable lo companies, subje¢l lo the small companies regime within Part 15 of Ihe Companies Act 2¢Th. Approved by the 8oa¥d of Trustees on 2V Seplember 2021 and signed on ils behalf by-. J Webb Chair

THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS) 12 INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE BRIDGE {EAST MIDLANDS) Opinion We have audited the financial statements ol The Bridge (Easl Midlands) Ithe 'parent charitable (x)mpany'l and its subsidiary Ilhe'group'l for the year ended 31 March 2021 whKh ccmprise the Consolidaled Slalemenl ol Financial Aclivilies. Group and Company Balance Sheets. the Group and Company Cash Flow Stalemenls and notes lo the financial slalements. including signrficanl accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in Iheir preparation is applicable L9w and United Kingdom Accounting Slandards. including Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The FinanGAal Rewrting Slandard applicable in Ihe UK and Republic of Ireland Iuniled Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practicel. In our opinion the financial slalemenls". give a Ifue and fair view of the slate of the group and parent ¢harilable company's affairs as at 31 March 2021. and of the group's incoming resources and applicalion of resources, including ils income and expenditure, lor the year then ended., have been properly prepared in accordance wilh Unrted Kingdcmn Generalty Ac¢epled Accounting Practice.. and have been prepared in accordance with the requ1￿mentS of the Companies Acl 20(￿. Basis for opinion We conducted our audit in accordan￿ with Inlemalional Slandards on Audiling IUK) IISAS IUKII anLI applicable law. Our responsibililies undei IF¥)se standards are further described in the Auditor's responsibililies for the audit of the financial slalemenls section of our report. We are independent of the group and parent charitable company in accordance wilh the ethical requirements that are ielevanl lo our audit ol the financ121 slalemenls in the UK, including the FRC'S Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate lo provide a basis for our opinion. Conclusions relating to going concern In auditing the financ1al statements, we have concluded that the use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appiopriale. Based on the work we have performed, we have not identifie(l any material uncertainties relating lo events or conditions that. individualty or collectively. may cast signrfi￿nI doubl on the group or parent charitable company's ability to ¢onlinue as a going concern lor a per￿ of al least ￿efve months Irom when the financial statements are aulhorised lor issue. Our responsibilities and the responsibilrties of Ihe trustees wrth respect lo going conc£rn are described in the relevanl secb'on5 of this rerx)rt. Other inforniation The0t￿ InkKmat￿n eC￿￿ri￿ ndLthJ in IhekxtyddlnJS￿, rqyrt otrErthant￿fi￿r￿4al slatwts afxl raudrtorfs reFOrtthereon. Trlwstees are resrA)nsbktstreottErnkJmatKkn c￿￿￿"ne￿Wthin the annual rewrt. OuropinDn the finanaal statenEnts not cLNerthe odEr a￿1. exc¥ k)the exÈnt othgwseexplicitty Stat￿ in our reKX)rt, e do not express any f(Ym ofasgjrw ctsKkJs¥Jn the￿￿. Our reskKnsbitty isto read ttE dlErinfonrob'on and, In doing so, cCnshlerwhet￿the otrr inkxmakn is materpty wwi951enlvth finavial statgmenls, kr￿￿e obtain&J In I r of audit or clh&vise arpar5 tr) be makn1￿ rrisstd. If VE Mkntrfy swh materia inC(¥)5￿tencieS or apparent nwerial misstaleTYEnts. we are ￿Uired to detemirE wlEllv thts gi￿ rtse to a [T￿l mtsstemenl n the firngnoal staI￿rEntSth￿s&￿. If, ￿er￿K￿￿thalth￿ Ba Matw1￿ ml5gA￿nt olthrsolh informat￿, we are required lo retXKtllwtf We have nothing to report in this regard.

THE BRIDGE IEAST MIDLANDS) 13 INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS) (CONTINUED) Opinions on other matters prescrlbed by the Companies A¢t 2006 In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit.. the infomialion given in the trustees. ￿port for the financial ye8r for which the financial slalemenls are prepared is consistent wilh the financial slatemenis.. and the trustees, report has been prepafed in aCc￿danCe with appI￿able ￿gaI requirements. Matters on which we are required to report by exception In Ihe light of the kno￿edge and Ljnderslanding of the group and parent charitable company and ils environment obtained in the course of the audit. we have not identified material misstatements in the board of Iruslees, report. We have nothing lo report in respect of the following malters in ￿lat￿)n lo which the Companies Act 2006 require vs lo rewrt lo you if. in our opinKJn". lepuateaThS ￿￿￿EnIa￿L￿ntl)g r￿d5 keFI tytherowt cunpany. ￿retU￿￿ adwuate for cur ajdit ￿ ncklken T￿eN￿￿ tr￿n twan(es vBled by us., the pa￿nt tharrtab￿ c(xry)a￿s fwwrThIstat￿nts a￿ n(A in agreemenlwth ttE•X￿ntirQ reccxds ￿K1 rdums.. c rtan dEck)sures oflntslees, fer￿nerat￿￿ s￿arEd by ￿ are male.. or e have not r￿1Ved all the inkymakn th exrknab"cTh we rwjire fU￿raUd¢. c( the twees were nort entst￿ lo ¥xeparethe statennts li V￿th tt gnai ccrnpanES' rwjime and take thanlage oflhe snal cLw￿S. exempkns in prep￿ txgrd of1rust￿. rerx)rt and frcm I Responsibililies of trustees As explained more fully in the trustees, responsibilib.es statement Sel out on page 11. the truslees are responsible for the preparation of Iinancial slalemen15 which give a true and fair view. and for beirlg satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such inlefflal conlrol as the ItVStees detemiine is ne￿sSary to enable the preparation of financial slalemenls that are free from malerkql misslalement, whether due lo fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements. the trustees are responsible fo¥ assessing the groups and parent charitable company's ability lo continue as a going concern, disclosing. a5 applicable. mallers related lo going concern and using the goillg concern basis of accounting unless the Iruslees erther intend lo liquidale the group or parent Charitable company or lo cease operations. or have no realistic atiernalwe bul lo do so. Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements We have been appointed as auditor under the Companies Act 2006 and report In accordance with this Act. Our objectives are lo obtain ￿asOnable assurance about whether the financial stalemenis, as a whole, are free from malerial misslalemenl. whether due lo fraud or error, and lo issue an auditor's report that in¢ludes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assvran¢e bul is not a guarantee that an audit ¢ondvcled In accordan with ISA5 IUKI will a￿ayS dele¢t a malerral misstalemenl when il exists. Misslalemenls can arise from fraLJd or error and are considered material if. individually or in the aggre9ale, they could ￿asonablY be expected lo influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial slalemenls. Irregularities, in¢luding fraud, are instances of non<0mplian￿ with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our reSpOns￿bIllI1es, outlined atrx)ve, lo delecl material misslalemenls in respect ol irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our prlxedures are Capab￿ of detecting irreguLgrilies, including frau(S, is detailed below. The risk of not detecting a material misslalemenl resulting from error is considered lo be low. The iisk of not delecling a material misstalemenl resuf(ing from fraud is higher. as f¥aud may involve collusion. forgery, intentional omissions. misrepresentations, or Ihe override of internal controls. In the context of the Bridge (Easl Midlands) and the group we have not identified any specific Liws and regulations applicable other than general Commercial laws and reguL41ions such as-. CompaniesA¢l 2006.. Charity Commission guidance, employment law.. health & safety legislation and GDPR.

THE BRIDGE IEAST MIDLANDS) 14 INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS) (CONTINUED) In response to the audit risks idenlrfEd, we have undertaken the follwng prctedures.. Enquiry of trustees lo identify any instances of non-cc4npIBnce with Laws and regulations. Enquiry of Iruslees of actual andlor potential litigation and cLaims_ Reviewng financial slalemenl disclosures arKI testing to supporting documentation lo assess compliance with applicab￿ laws and regulations. Auditing the risk ol managemenl override of controls. including IhroLTrgh tesliThJ journal entries and other adjustments lor aKproprialeness. and evaluation of the rationale of any significant transactions falling oulside the normal course of activilies. A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on Ihe Financial Reporting Council's website at.. vMv.fr¢.org.ukJaudrtorsresponsibilities. Thi5 descriplion lom)s part of our audilof's report. Use ofour report This report is made solely lo the charitable company's Iruslees, as a body. in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 01 the Companies Act 2006. Our aLHSil work has been undertaken so that we miohl stale lo the cJ)arilable company's Iruslees those matters we are required lo slate to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullesl extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility lo anyone other than the charitable company and the charitable ¢(¥npany's trust￿S as a bcrtly. fcK our audrt work. for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. Marcus Dockerty FCA FCCA (Serbior Statutory Audttorl for and on behalf of Somerbys Limited Date". l Zo21 Chartered Accountants Statutory Auditor 30 Nelson Street Leicester LE1 78A

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THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS) 16 CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2021 Notos 2021 2020 Flx8d a5¥ets Taroible assets 18,446 18.625 Currènt assets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 45,018 448,288 39.286 380,258 493.306 419,544 Creditors Amovnls falling due withirb one year 12 {180,3281 1109,2581 312,978 310.286 Net assets 331.424 328,911 Funds Unrestricted funds Restricted- Income Pemanent end￿￿￿ent 14 16 15 328,828 2.122 474 326,925 1.512 474 Total funds 13 331.424 328,911 Approved by the Board ol Trustees on 29 September 2021 and sgned on ils behaw by-. J Webb Chair Company Registration number 3114996 The notes on pages 20 10 35 form part of these ffinancial statements.

THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS) 17 CHARITY BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2021 2021 2020 Notes Fixed assats Tangible assets 17,384 17.344 Currant assets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 45,017 436.100 66,294 339,917 481,117 Cr&dito Amounts falling ¢Juè within one year 406.111 12 169,157 100.610 311.960 305,601 Netassets 329,344 322.945 Funds Unreslricled funds Restricted Income Pemianent endowment 14 16 15 326,748 2.122 474 320.959 1.512 474 Totsl funds 13 329,344 322,945 Approve(I by the Board of Trustees on 29 September 2021 and swJned on ils behaw by". J Webb Chair Company Registration number 3114996 The notes on pages 20 lo 35 fom part of these finanaal slalemenls.

THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS) 18 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASHFLOWS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 Note 2021 2020 Cash flow from operating activitie$ Cash generated from operat￿>￿S 20 82.339 80.379 Net cash flow from oporating activiti8$ 82.339 80,379 Cash flow from investing activities Puichase of new property. plant and equymenl Investment income receive{¢ 116,6941 2.385 17.7241 2,541 Net cash flow from investing activitigs 14.3091 15,1831 Net increaselldecreasel in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equwalenls al 1 April 2020 68.030 75,196 380.258 305.062 Cash and cash equwalenls 8131 March 2021 448,288 380.258 Cash and cash equivalents consists of: Cash al bank and in hand 448,288 380.258 Cash and cash equivalents at 31 March 2021 448,288 380.258

THE BRIDGE IEAST MIDLANDS) 19 CHARITY STATEMENT OF CASHFLOWS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 Note 2021 2020 Cash flow from operating activities Cash generated from operations 20 109,537 66.137 Net cash flow from operating activities 109.537 66,137 Cash flow from Investing activities Purchase of new property, plant and equipnEnt InveslnEnl income received 115,7391 2.385 17,1801 2,541 Net cash flow frorn investing activrf(ies 113.354} 14.6391 Net increasalldgcreasel in cash and cash equivalents 96,183 61,498 Cash and cash equNalents at 1 April 2020 339.917 278.419 Cash and cash equDialents al 31 March 21Y21 436.100 339,917 Cash and Cash equivalents consist5 Of- Cash al bank and in harnl 436,100 339,917 Cash and cash equivalents at 31 March 2021 436.100 339.917

THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS) 20 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 Accounting policies The principal accounlir4J Pol￿*$ are summarised below. lal 8asis of accounting The Bridge (Easl Midlands) is a prNale company limrted by guarantee (regislralion number 3114996} and registered charity reguLated by the Charity Commission Iregislered number 10505961 wf(h a registered address at 38 Lei￿ster Road. Loughborough, Leicestershiie, LE112AG. The financial slalemenis have been prepared in ￿￿dan￿ with Companies Act 20(E, Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Slalemenl of RecommeThJed Practi￿ appbcable to chariles pieparing their accounts in accordan￿ wlh the Financial Reporting Standard apPI￿able in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021 (effective 1 January 20151- Icharities SORP IFRS1021) and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Irelarvj IFRS 102). The financial stalemenls have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reportsl RegULat￿nS 2008 only lo the extent required lo provide a true and lair wew. This departu￿ has involved folbwing the Statement ol Recommended practi￿ for charities apptyin9 FRS 102 rather than the version ol ihe Slalemenl of Recommended Practice which is referred to in the RegulatK)ns but which has since been withdrawn. The Bridge (East Midlands) meets Ihe definrtion of a Publ￿ benefit enb'ty under FRS 102. The linancHI slalements are prepared on a going col￿eM basis under the historical cost convention. modified lo Indude certain items at fair valve. The financial stalemenls are presented in slerlin9 whid) 15 the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financkgl stalemenis are rounded lo the nearest £. The principal 8ceounling poI￿leS a1opted in the preparation of the finan¢i81 slalements are sel out below. These poli¢ies have been consistently applied lo all years presented unless otherwse slated. There have been no changes lo accounting eslimates during the reporting period. Ibl Basi5 of consolidation The consolidated finan¢ial statemen15 present the resulls of the ¢harily and ils subsidiary I'lhe Group) as if they fomed a single enlily. Inlercompany transactions and balances between the Group entities are therefore eliminated in full. The restJtts of the subsidiary undertaking are shown in the consolidated statement of financial activities within income and expenditure. The assets and liabilities ol the subsidiary undertaking are combined with those of the company in a consolklated balance sheet and a consolidated cash flow statement on a line by line basis. A Separate slalemenl of financol activities lor the company is not presented as permilled by section 408 of the Companies Act 20C6. Icl Fund accounting Unreslricted funds are awdilable use at the discretion of the TrUst￿S in furtherance of the general objectives ol the charily. Designated fuTK¢s ale u￿restr￿ted hjnds eamiarf(ed by the Boar(S of Truslees for particular purposes. Restricted funds are subject lo reslnciM)ns C￿ Iheir expenditure imposed by the donor.

THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS) 21 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ICONnNUEDI FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 Accounting policies Icontlnuedl Id) Recognition of Income All incoming resources are induded in the Stalemenl of FInar￿tal AdNf(ies when the charity is entitled lo the incoffle and the amount can be quantified wlh ieasonable accuracy. The folk)wing specrfic policies are applied lo particular Categ￿*$ of Inco￿£.. Voluntsry incorne Is receNed by Wdy of donations and grants and is included in full in the Slalemenl ol Fina￿la1 A￿1vrtIes when receThiab￿. Grants. where enlillemenl is not conditional on the delivery of a specrfic perf0M)an￿ by the charty are recognised when Ihe charrty becomes unconditionally enlrtled lo the grant. Legacies are rec(NJnised where there is an entitlgnenl. certainly ol receipt and the amwnl can be measured wi(h 5uffiaent reliability. Ircoming resOUr￿S frcm grants, where related lo perfomiance and Specif￿ deliverables, are awunled lor as the charity earns the rwJhl lo conSiderat￿n by its perfomiance. The value of se￿￿e$ PlOVKled by volunteers h8s not been induded in these accounts. Investment in¢onE is included when receivable. lel ExpendItU￿ recognition Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis as a liability is incuried. ExpeThYrture includes VAT, which carinol be recovered, and is reported as part of the eyndrtufe lo wh￿h il relates.. Costs of generating funds Comprise the costs as50cialed vAth attiacling voluntary income and the costs ol fundraising purposes. Charitable acliwlies expenditure eLYnprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its adivitEs and serVi￿S for rts beneficrdrEs. G0Veman￿ costs include those cos15 assock4ted wi(h meeting the constitutional and slalutory requirements of the charity and indude the audf( fees and costs linked to the strategic management oflhe charty. All costs are alkxated befv￿en the expenditure calegorEs of the Stalemenl of Financial Activi11es on a basis lo refled Ihe use of the resource Costs relating to a particular activity are allocated directly. The resources expended in the opeRtion of the Charity's central Services syslem and central office which rxnnol be diredly alk)caled are apportio￿ belween the expenditure categories on the basi5 of the estimated amovnl of staff time inVo￿ed in each actimty. ifj Tangible fixed assets and depreciation Deprecialion is provKled at rates Calculated lo wrrte off the cost, ￿sS the eslifflated resKJual walue. of each asset over ts expected useful life, al varying fates". Fixtures and equipment Leasehold propety improvements Computer equipmenl 20.00 6.67 33.33 SlraEhl line SlraKJhl line Slraighl line All items of equipment that are not consumable in nature are capttalised. Donated a55ets are broijghl in al their second hand value al the dale of rec&pt. Igl PensSons The charity participates in a defined conlribulK)n pension schgne for the benefrt ol the employees, the regular costs ofwhich are ex￿nded in the Stateft￿nI of Financial ACtM't￿ as and when incurred.

THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS) 22 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 Ihl Leases All leases are regard￿ as operats.ro leases and payments made urxjer them are expended in the Statement of Financkol Actiwties over Ihe lemi of the lease. lil Employee Benefits When employees have rendered service lo the eharily. shorl-lerm employee benefits lo which the employees are entitled ace ￿COgnISed al the discounled amount expecled lo be paid in exchange lor that service. lj'l Debtors and credrtors ￿ceIVable1PaYab1e within one year Debtors and creditors with no Stated interest rate and receivable or payable within one year are recorded at transaction price_ Any losses aftsing Ir(Mn impairment are recognised in expenditure. Ikl Taxation The Conyany is a reJislered charty and thus is exempl frcffi taXat￿n on rts inctyne and ¢apilal gains. For the subswjiary company lax currentty payable is based on taxable profil loi the year. Taxable profil differs from nel profil as ￿ported in the accounts because it excludes rlems ol income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other years and it further exclude5 Items Ihal are never taxable or deductible. The company's liability lor current tax is calculated using lax rates Ihal have been enacted or subslanlively enacted by the reporting end dale. 111 Judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty The ¢harty makes estimates antl assumplK)ns concerning the lylu￿. The resulting accounting eslimales will. by definition. seldom eqval the ￿lated actual results. The eslimales and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing material adjuslmenl lo the cairying arnounls of the assets and liabilities within the next financial year are addressed below. il Useful economic lives of tangible assets- The annual depreciation charge for tangible assets is sensilNe to changes in the estimated useful economic lives and ￿SIdUal value5 01 the assets. The useful e¢onomi¢ lives and residual values are reassessed annually. They are amended when necessary lo reflect current estimates. based on technological advancement. ftjlure inveslmenls, economic utilisation and physi¢al ¢ondilion of the assets. See accounting policy note labovel for the useful economic lives for each cla55 of assets. ill Expenditure allocations: Expenditure is apportioned where it relates to mole than one category (see note 51. lill Covid-19 pandemic- The Impact of the Covid-19 pandemic became sKJnrfi¢anl throughout the UK in March 2020. As a result the way in which some Ser￿￿$ are deliVe￿d has been affected. A degree of estimation uncertainty exists surrounding the financial and operatK)nal impact as the economic and social effects ol the pandemic unfold. Voluntary income Unfvstricted Re5tricied 2021 2020 Donations £166,732 £166,732 £23,250

THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS) 23 NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS ICONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 Incomlng resources from charitable activities 2021 2020 Unreslrided funds". Government and other wblic authoritie$ Public Sector Health Garfield Weston Foundation Leathersellers Charitable Fund Subsidiary income- govemment and other pUl￿1C atJ¢horilies s13,￿1 36,000 418,445 36.000 30,000 15,000 117,257 111,787 661.748 616,702 2021 2020 Restricted furKIs" Children In Need Loughborough Vvelfare T￿￿t- Canvas Bag Stherr 8ig Lottery Fund Vicars Relief Fund Glasspo Charity Link Maud Elkington Charitable Trust- Food Poverty Grant Henry Smith Mountsorrel United Charities Moneywise Plus DW Client 8eneffits Ruuand Grants YES BLF- Homelessness Preventh"on CBC - Canvas Bag Schen CBC - Emlhink li￿nce fee reimbursement Open Gale Trust- Food Poverty Grant Co Cp F¢xJd Poverty FurKling ite Bread Trust Arnazon Police and Crime Ccmnmisyoner medk1th￿ Grant NVVLDC Rapid Rehousng Loughborwgh Welfare Twst Leicestershi￿ County Council CW Su￿￿5 Funding Leicestershire County Counol Shire Community Grant LeieestérshirÈ and Rulland Community Foundation. Intelligent Energy Schroder Trust. 7 Stars Foundabon grant Shire5 Community Grant Chamwood Borough Counal Members Grant other food poverty donabor 44,162 43,324 500 107,746 2,099 2.025 320 2.000 38.000 3,000 127,515 291 195 48.980 128,464 1,146 92,070 3.411 2,591 645 1.000 7,104 99.370 158 53.7 218,517 1,146 6,419 2,292 1,856 58 348 300 6.125 75,000 548 17,978 8,000 12.249 117,630 250 7,930 22,015 1,600 500 10,000 2,336 1,000 707,813 616,196 ' Funder has pmvided furtheramounls Ihal have been defeffed inlo Ihe following year- see note 19.

THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS) 24 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 The Bridge (Trading) East Midlands Llmlt9d 2021 2020 Income 111,787 1109,8291 117,256 {111,2921 Administration expenses Surplus before taXat￿n 1,958 5.964 Tax on surplus 1,958 5,964 Surplus for linancial peri¢)J This is a wholly owned trading subsidiary incorporated in Engla￿1 and Wales and limited by guarantee The Bridge (Trading) East Midlands Limiied1109224641 undertakes activities of a similar nature lo The Bridge (East Midlands). A Summary of the trading results are shown above. Audrted accounts have been filed with the Registrar of Companies. The distributable nel profil is lo be disliibuted lo The Bridge {East MidLands).

ozo I￿01 oz 01A0? AyBAOd POO 78 8 8 2 2 % s $4A % 8 iUaLUPIHaSè¥ (rvs uoiipipa SUOW.SIIPJI Ajwpisgns voddns 8 8 8 $Jwe 6uisnoH IVH auK+JUI wnioA olle)oiiv 15 e5 t5 O 0 (S 0 O t5 ÈS si$e8

THE BRIDGE IEAST MIDLANDS) 26 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ICONTINUEDI FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 Auditor's remuneration 2021 2020 Auditors. remuneration- audit sem￿$ Auditors. renMJnerab"on- audil ol subsidiary Fee5 paid to A￿JitOr lor non audit SeNi￿S Fees paid to Auditor lor non audit Servi￿S- subshdiary 6.710 2,000 2,500 1.000 4.002 1,500 1.620 925 12,210 £8,027 Stsff costs and number5 2021 2020 Staff costs wern as follows: Salaries Agency and other staff ws15 Soaal security costs Pension contributions Ex 9ratia payment 873.590 25.262 42.030 77,ITI 29,0(X) 839.547 43,862 58,486 £1,047,059 £941.895 The company operates a defined conlribulKJn pension scheme in respect ol ils employees. The scheme and 115 assets a￿ held by independent managers. The pension cha¥ge represents coniribulions due from the company and amounted to £77.17712020- £58.4861_ Unpaid contributions al the balance sheet dale amounted lo £9.15812020 - £5,920}. The ex gralia payment was made lo a fomier employee to settle a dispute and polenlial employment rights claims, which would have olheTWi5e been kxjged. During the year £nil12020 - £nill of wt of pocket expenses were reimbursed lo Tw51ees and no Trustees in this year or the Pr￿e￿[rO year were in re(tipl of remuneration No enpkjyee ￿Ceived emoluments of MO￿ than £60.0￿. The Chief Officer is considered lo be a key empbyee alorwJ wth the Oeputy Chief oificer (Head ol 8u5iness & Developmenll. Quality & Business Man8ger and Head of Programmes & Services,. their rèmJneration for the year was £192.567 12020." £773.5201 The average number of employees duiing the yearwa5 as fo1117rf5'. 2021 2020 Charitsble activities Generab"ng funds 42 40 43 41 Taxatlon The charity is exempl from C4)￿ratiOn tax on its charitable acbvitses. The trading subsidiary company is liable for tax.

THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS) 27 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ICONnNUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 Tangible fixed assets Leasehold Improvamènts Computèr Equipment Fixtures & Equipmgnt Total GroLtp Cosl At 1 April 2020 Additions Disposals 84.863 50,236 16,948 {1.973) 51,518 1.062 186,617 18.010 11,9731 Al 31 Marc* 2021 84,863 65.211 52,580 202.654 Accumulated Depr•ciatSon At 1 April 2020 Charge for year Eliminated on disposals 78232 5.636 44,113 8.657 16581 47,648 2,580 167,993 16,871 16581 At 31 Marth 2021 81.868 52.112 50.228 184.206 Net book values At 31 Marth 2021 2.995 13,099 2.352 18,446 At 31 Mard) 2020 8.631 6,123 3.871 18.625 Tangible fixed assets Leasehold Improvements Computer Equipment Flxtures & Equipment Totsl Charity Cost At 1 April 2020 Additions Disposals 84.863 47.284 15.994 {1.9731 51,517 1.061 183,664 17,055 11,9731 Al 31 Marth 2021 84.863 61.305 52,578 198,746 Accumulated Dèpreciation Al 1 April 2020 Charge for year Eliminated on disposals 76.232 5.636 42,441 7.481 {6571 47,647 2.582 166,320 15,699 16571 Al 31 Marth 2021 81,868 49,265 50,229 181.362 Net book values Al 31 March 2021 2.995 12.040 2,349 17.384 At 31 March 2020 8.631 4.843 3,870 17.344

THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS) 28 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 Subsidiary The Bridge (East MidLinds) is the sole member of The BrKlge (Trading) East Midlands Limited- 10922464 a company Inco￿orated by guarant* in England arKI Wales. The subsidiary's accounts have been cvnsolidaled in line Trmth the ac￿lI)bn9 wAi(ies. A suThiary of the trading results is slated in note 4. Debtors Group 2021 2020 Trade Debtors Prepaymènts and other debtors 28.299 16.718 25,073 14,213 £45.017 E39,286 Charity 2021 2020 Trade Debtor5 Prepayments and olherdebtors 28.299 16.718 24,929 41,365 £45,017 £66,294 12. Creditors lamounts falling due within one year) Group 2021 2020 Trade ueditors Other taxe5 and social security Accruals and deferred in(x)me Olher Creditors 20,151 27,356 123,6S4 9,157 13,692 19,780 69.865 5,921 180.328 £109,258 Charity 2021 2020 Trade creditors Other taxes arKI social security Accruals and deferred in(x)me Other Creditors 14.619 24,416 120.964 9.157 13.401 13,772 67,516 5,921 £169.157 £100.610

THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS) 29 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ICONTINUEDI FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 13. Analysis of nat ass8ts b8twèn fvnds 31 March 2021 Group Unrestricted Funds Re¥trtcted Incomg Funds Endowment funds Total Tangible fixed assets Nel ￿rrent assets 18,446 310.382 18,446 312.978 2,122 474 Nel a5sels at 31 March 2021 328,828 2.122 474 331,424 Charity Unrèstrictèd Funds Restricted Ineomè Fund5 Endovmièftt funds Total Tangible fixed assets Nel wrrenl assets 17,384 309.364 17,384 311.960 2.122 474 Net assets at 31 Marth 2021 326,748 2.122 474 329,344 31 March 2020 Group Unrestricted Funds Restrictsd Income Funds Endoynnent fund¥ Total TarvJible fixed assets Net (Jj￿nt asts 18.625 308,300 18.625 310.286 1.512 474 Nel assets al 31 March 2020 326.925 1,512 474 328.911 Charity Unrestricted Fund5 Restricted Income Funds Endowment funds Total Tangible fixed a55èts Nel current assets 17,344 303.615 17,344 305.601 1.512 474 Net assets at 31 Marth 2020 320.959 1.512 474 322.945

THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS) 30 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS IcoprriNUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 14. Unrestrlctèd fun(ls 31 March 2021 Group General Undesignated Funds Premises & Rapairs Redundancy Contingency Total BalaTr￿ at 1 April 2020 Suq)lusll¢Yeficill for year 176,925 1.903 120.000 30,0 326.925 1.903 Balan(* 8131 March 2021 178.828 120.000 30.0 328.828 Charity General Und•sign8ted Funds Premises & Repairs Redundancy C¢)ntingency Total Balance al 1 April 2020 Surplu51ldefirill for year 170,959 5.789 120.CV)O 30,000 320,959 5.789 8alan￿ al 31 Marth 2021 176.748 120.000 30.000 326.748 31 March 2020 Group G8n•rnl Undesignated Fund5 Premises & R•pairs Redundancy Contingency Total Balance al 1 April 2019 Surpluslldeficitl for year 152.c132 24.833 120,C 30.0(KI 302.092 24,833 Balance at 31 March 2020 176.￿25 120.000 30.0(￿7 326.925 Charity Generdl Undosignated Funds Prernise5 & Repairs Redundancy Contlngency Totsl Balance al 1 April 2019 surpluslldef1￿tI for year 144.332 26.627 120.C()o 30,000 294.332 26,627 Balan￿ at31 Marth 2020 170,959 120.rJ)o 30,000 320,959

THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS) 31 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS {CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 15. Restricted fund$ - pemianent endowment Thi8 fund represents the assets donated by ChamwLx)d Shef(er Project lo The Bridge (Easl Midlands). There has been no movement on this fur￿ during 2021 2020. 16. Restricted funds 31 March 2021 At 01104120 Incoming Resources R8s0urces Expended Transfers At 31103121 Child￿n in Need Fund Rutland Granis Loughborough Welfare Trust- Canvas Bag ScherT Vicars Relief Fund The Nati￿al Lollery Communily Fund Glasspool Leioesler Charity Link ile Bread Trust Monewse Plus YES BLF Homelessn25S- Prevenbon Buttle Trusl Leicestershire County Council- Shire Community Grant Leicestershire County Council- CVVP Supplies Funding Maud Elkington Charitable Trust- Food Poverty Granl Chafflwood Borough CouncAI - Canvas Bag Grant Chamwood Borough Council - Emthink licence fee reimtxjrsemènl NWLDC- RapKI Rehousir¥J Grants Police & Crime Commissh)ner Mediation Grant Mountsorrel United Charities Loughborough Welfare Trust SGhroder Trust 7 Stars Foundatv)n Grant Intelligent Energy Chamwood Borough Councal- Council members grant Co-op FtK)d poverty frjnding Other food poverty donations 44.162 158 44,162 158 40 3.411 3.408 43 92.070 2.591 645 58 99,370 53.796 92.070 1,853 527 58 99.370 53,7 270 160 1.008 278 218.517 218,517 192 192 10.0 10,000 6(NJ 7.930 7.930 600 1.000 1.000 1.146 1.146 6.419 6.419 117.630 117.630 12,249 7,104 250 1.600 12.249 7.104 499 1.600 5ryJ 22.015 250 22,015 2.336 1.856 1.000 2.336 1,856 1.000 1,512 707.813 707.203 2,122

THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS) 32 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS {CONTINUEDI FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 The main funds are held for the lollowing purposes- Children in Need - funding towards 3 x mediator posts and a CAinlribution towards non-slaffing costs Rulland Grants - funding loi client essenlials/fiJrnilurelrenl Lovghborough Welfare Trust - contribution towards canvas baj inrtiative 1reducb.on in plastic carrier bag use for food parcels) Vicars, Relief Fund- Funding for Client essentia151fumiturelrent The National Lottery Communrty FU￿1- Funding lo delNer h￿ne￿ssnesS prevention seNices lo fwnilies Henry Smith - funding towards the costs of employing the Head of Housing Servi￿$ Glasspool - funding for client essenlkAlslfurnrturelrenl OWP Client Beneli(s- clients benefit paid in due lo no bank account Leicester Charity Link - funding lor Glienl essenlialslfumiturelient While Bread Trust - ftjnding for client essentialslfurniture Moneywise Plus- funding to work with people lo inuease their financial and digital skills YES - funding lo with young people who are furthest from the labour market The National Lollery Communrty Fund IMHCLG}- Funding lo a homdessness offenders service Bullle Tru51- funding for client essenlialsllurnilure Leicesler5hire County Council Shire Community Grant- contribution towards Charnwood Food Poverty Group Leiceslershire County Council CWP- lunding for Charnwood Welfare Provision {emergency food and fuel). Maud Elkington Charitable TTusI- conltibution lowards Chamwood FLyJd Poverty Group CBC Icanvas Bag Granll- wnlribulion towards canvas bag inilolive Ireduclion in plastic carrier bag use lor food par¢elsl CBC - Reimbursement ol database lunce costs for rough sleeper programme. Open Gale Trust - Contribution lowards canvas bag inrtialive lieduclion in plastic bag use for food parcels) NWLDC IRapKI Rehousiw}- funding for 3 x support woAters lo delNer a rapid rehousing service Police and Crime CommissK)nei - ftjnding for a mediator lo work wrth missing young people Mountsorrel United Charrties - conlnbulion towards Charnw¢Jxl Food Poverty Group Amazon - Funding for ¢I￿nI essenlialslfurnilure. Loughborough Welfare Trust- funding for client essenlialsllufflilure 7 Stars foundation grant- lunding young people packs Schroder Tru51- funding for starter packs Intelligent Energy - funding lor food povety ChaMWoc￿ Borough Council ICoun(il rnembers grantl- Food FX)verty gfwp Co op- funding for food povety Other fwd poverty donations- various indNidual donors who specified that the rnoney be used for food povety relief. Where the balance is in credit this represents a short lem) liming difference with expenses yet lo be ￿couPed through service conlracls.

THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS) 33 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS {CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 16. Restricted funds 31 March 2020 At 01104119 Incoming Resources Resource$ Expended Transfers At 31103120 Children In Need Fund Ruland Grdnls Loughborough Wdfare Trust- Canvas 8ag Schen Vicars Relief Fund 43,324 195 43.324 195 5( 2.099 500 2,099 40 40 Big Lottery Funding Henry Smith Glasspool OVVP Client Benefits Charity Link W)ite B￿ad Trust Moneywise Plus YES 8LF- HomelessrEss Prevenb"on 8uttle Trust Leicestershire CoLnty Counol Shire Community Grant Leiceslershire County Counal- CWP Supplies Funding Maud Elkinglon Charilabe Trust- FOCAY Poverty Grant Chamwood Borough Council- Canvas bag grant Open Gate Trust- F(x>Y Poverty Grant NWLOC- Rapid Reh￿JSI￿j Gfants Police & Crin CommissK)ner Mediation Grant Mounlsorrel United Charities Amazo Loughborough Welfare Tnjsl 107.746 38.0 2.025 291 320 107,746 38,000 1,755 291 2C4J 348 127,515 48.980 270 40 160 127.515 48.980 128,464 128.464 192 192 8.OCKI 8,000 17,978 17.378 soo 2.000 2,000 1,146 1.146 2.292 2,292 75,OC 75.0 6,125 3.000 3(X) 548 6.125 3.000 3CKJ 250 272 616.1 614.956 1.512

THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS} 34 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ICONTINUEDI FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 17. Operating lease commitments Group and Charity The charity had the following c￿m￿entS under ￿n-¢ar￿lIable operating ￿aSe$ as sel out below.. Land and Buildings 2021 Other Operating Leases 2021 2020 2020 Operating leases which expire.. One year Between two arKI five years After five years 12.SCKJ 392 3,194 25,OCrf) 2,897 £12.500 £25.000 £2,897 £3,586 The operab.ng ￿aSe commitments rdate solely to the charity. 18 Related Party Transactions During the year there weie no related paty transarAKJns.

THE BRIDGE (EAST MIDLANDS) 35 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 19. Deferred Incom• Group and Charity Deferred income conwri*s grant and other inccffie paid up front for the fulfilmenl of chariiable aclwits"es.' 2021 2020 Balance as at 1 April 2020 Amount released lo income earned from charitable aGiM"lies Amount deferred in year 64.335 164,3351 111,004 8.000 16,0001 64,335 Balance as al 31 Mar¢h 2021 £111,004 £64,335 There is no deferred income in relation to the subsidiary. 20. Reconciliation of net Income to net cash flow from operations Group 2021 2020 Net income for year Depreciation of tangible fixgj assets Investment incon Decreasellincreasel in debt￿$ lnuease1ld￿fease) in credi(ors 2.513 16.872 12,3851 15.8511 71.1 25,953 13,978 12,5411 19,3241 52,313 £82,339 £80,379 Charity 2021 2020 Net income for year Depreciation of tangibb fix&1 assets Investment incon De¢￿ase1[lnCreaseI in debiors Increase1(d￿Teasel in creditofs 6,399 15,699 12,3851 21,277 68.547 27.867 13.152 12,5411 125,8271 53,486 £109.537 £66.137

IMPACT REPORT 2020/2021

In memory of the

976

homeless people whose deaths were recorded across the UK in 2020; an increase of a third from 2019

TOGETHER, WE CAN PREVENT AND RELIEVE HOMELESSNESS

3

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CONTENTS
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25. Support Services

02. Contents Page

27. Mark’s Story 29. Linda’s Story

03. A Thank You to Peter Davey

04. Fundraisers, You Are Amazing!

05. A Message from the Chair of Trustees

30. Support Services 32. Mukesh’s Story

06. Looking to the Future

34. Homeless Offenders Services

08. Numbers to Note

35. Joseph’s Story

10. Our Strategy

36. Building Better Opportunities

12. The National Picture

37. Jordan’s Story

14. Food Poverty

38. Stephen’s Story

16. Customer Services Team

40. Our Staff

17. Victoria’s Story

41. Working With Us

18. Housing Advice

42. Partners and Supporters

19. Donna’s Story

20. Young Peoples Services

21. Sonia’s Story

22. Myah’s Story

24. Alison’s Story

Front page statistics gathered from The Guardian, 2020.

A THANK YOU TO PETER DAVEY

Last year marked an incredible milestone in the career of our long-standing Chief Officer, Peter Davey, as he celebrated his 20th Anniversary of leading The Bridge (East Midlands).

Having nurtured our organisation from its small beginnings to the twelve thriving services we currently offer, Peter decided it was a good time to step down from his role as Chief Officer and leave the organisation earlier this year. Under his leadership tens of thousands of local people have received advice, support, and avoided housing crisis or homelessness.

“As staff, Trustees, volunteers and clients of The Bridge, we owe him so much thanks.”

As Chief Officer, Peter’s passion for social justice and equality was inspirational. His dedication to supporting overlooked members of our society and creating strong communities has undoubtedly enabled our charity to achieve so much in the last twenty years.

Working with elected members and Councils and advocating for change both nationally and locally, Peter was often the voice for thousands of local people who had sought support from The Bridge.

His ethos has played a huge part in shaping our mission, vision, and day-to-day working style. In fact, much of what our organisation prides itself on has stemmed from his leadership: the family-feel amongst our staff, the person-centred approach to our work, and our shared desire to never let a member of our community go without support.

Peter; as an organisation, we are so grateful for your twenty years of service. Your longevity is testament to your success, commitment and to the incredible relationship you fostered with your staff team.

Thank you.

“Developing sustainable housing solutions for individuals and communities through partnership, empowerment and good practice.”

- Peter Davey

OUR VALUES

RESPECT

We have a commitment to fairness and equality. We acknowledge an individual’s needs, beliefs and their right to make their own choices.

QUALITY

We have a commitment to delivering excellence; providing a high standard of services with a personcentred approach.

PARTNERSHIP

We work with others to create trusting and positive relationships which enhance the delivery of services for the benefit of the community.

EMPOWERMENT

We encourage clients and staff to develop their existing skills and knowledge. We help to build self-confidence and increase opportunities to make positive contributions.

POSITIVITY

We have an optimistic attitude and approach which is focused upon identifying innovative solutions for all.

5

A MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR OF THE BOARD

FUNDRAISERS, YOU ARE AMAZING!

This year has been extremely tough for us all but, despite the circumstances, you have supported us like never before. Words cannot thank our donors enough for the funding we have received in the last year.

When we started out on our 25th Anniversary campaign in 2020, our target was £25,000 – a higher amount of community donations than we had ever received before...

Thanks to you, our 25th Anniversary community donation total for the year 2020 was an incredible £61,049!

But, your generosity did not cease: our April 2020 – March 2021 community fundraising total was a mind-blowing £96,995!

Your unwavering support and kindness has meant that our services have been able to achieve fantastic outcomes throughout periods of vastly increased demand.

The creativity and enthusiasm of fundraisers was fantastic, during a year where normality was halted. A few examples of what you achieved are:

Loughborough Hospital’s Jumper Days

Josie’s 40k @ 40 Run

Diane’s Pet Portraits

The Needle & Pin’s ‘Brave the Shave’

St Paul’s CE Primary School’s Taste & Try

Redefine Living’s Bake Sale

Pleasant Close Crew’s £1 Meals Challenge

Another year to remember for us all in one way or another! We have just completed our 25th Anniversary Year of delivering services and it has been a whirlwind for everyone at The Bridge. We have seen such positive spirit throughout the pandemic, juggling the provision of services whilst adapting to constantly changing circumstances due to COVID-19.

Unfortunately, we had to prolong the closure of our front facing doors, but we redefined and adjusted our services to a significantly increased number of enquiries, respecting social distancing and dealing with additional, new and very vulnerable clients.

We have lost some very key members of our team who have gone on to new pastures, including our Communications & Fundraising Manager, Jessica Metson, who has done so much to raise our profile. We have also had to face the loss of our lynch pin, Peter Davey, who was our Chief Officer for over 20 years and will be missed greatly. Peter gave unstintingly of his time and effort and did so much to help so many over the years, developing a strong team which he leaves as his legacy.

Throughout the year, we have experienced generosity on an epic scale from the public, businesses, local organisations, volunteers, community partners, the local council, churches, politicians and clubs. We have worked together and been supported to raise funds to help some of the most vulnerable in our society. Thank you all so much.

I want to pay tribute to our dedicated and hard-working Board of Trustees who do so much for The Bridge, and who are pictured below. While ensuring that we undertake our governance role properly, they do so much more to support the organisation and consistently give their time and expertise.

No organisation can exist without the hard work and dedication of its Strategic Management Team and the staff who work to deliver services. I want to thank them all for the fabulous work that they have undertaken during the last 12 months, rising to the challenge every day. You make me proud to be part of such a great organisation.

Jay Webb Chair

We even had extremely generous individual donors who have funded whole projects, such as Christmas Food Parcels and Private Rented Deposits for those in need!

On top of this, we would like to thank our regular monthly donors, whose ongoing support means the utmost to our charity and has made the world of difference to our work.

Every time that you donate, fundraise, spread the word about our services, or share our posts online, you are helping us fight homelessness every day, and we couldn’t do it without you!

Jessica Metson Communications and Fundraising Manager

Amanda Soraghan

Jay Webb

Jo Emmett

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Rosie Thomas Ashiedu Joel
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Steve Ablett Richard White

Sue Lees

Jon Olds Karen Jewell Helen Tighe

7

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

RESILIENT, COMPASSIONATE COMMUNITIES WHERE INDIVIDUALS THRIVE IN SAFE AND SECURE HOMES.

Hello, and welcome to this year’s annual report.

I am sat here reflecting on the last year and a half, just as the Government have relaxed all COVID-19 restrictions and we venture into the unknown. Are cases going to run out of control? Are we going to go back into lockdown? Will things ever go back to “normal”? Who knows? All we do know, is that this last year has been a whirlwind of ups and downs, for so many reasons.

The COVID-19 pandemic has really shown how resilient our staff are, and how much they care about the clients who we work with. Being locked down from March 2020, and forced to work from home ever since, they have continued to provide our services throughout, and have had to quickly adapt to new ways of working – I could not be prouder of the team.

Unfortunately, this year as also seen the departure of our leader, Peter Davey earlier this year. Peter first employed me when I was 18 years old, and has always been so supportive, both professionally and personally. We will all miss him, but we thank him for everything he has done for the organisation, the sector, and our communities, over his 20-year tenure.

Moreover, our communities’ strength and compassion has really shone through as well. From the first lockdown to the street parties for VE Day, to the weekly claps for the NHS, highlighting just a few examples of people really coming together as a society. 2020 also saw the public raise a record amount of money for our organisation as we celebrated our 25th anniversary, for which we will be eternally grateful.

There is still so much work to do though as we begin recover from the last 18 months. As an organisation, we are still experiencing very high levels of referrals, the same high level of demand for our services that we had during the peak of the pandemic. The impending cut to Universal Credit, and the rising costs of food and utilities, have meant that poverty insecurities are rising at an alarming rate, and for more people than ever.

With the economy recovering, we must not assume that everything else is too. The lack of availability in housing, combined with the aforementioned difficulties, our work could not be more vital. We strive to continue to deliver the highest quality services we can offer and look forward to working with our community, our partners, and colleagues across the sector to overcome the challenges which lie ahead – together we can achieve so much more.

I shall end by saying that it has been an absolute honour to “steer the ship” throughout the pandemic, and our recovery phase. As we now enter an exciting new stage of development, I will be handing the reins over to our new Chief Executive Officer who will be in post by the end of 2021. I look forward to working closely with them, to further build upon the great work we do to ensure The Bridge (East Midlands) continues to provide crucial services for our communities.

I wish you the very best.

Paul Snape Deputy Chief Executive (Head of Business & Development)

9

NUMBERS TO NOTE

That includes working with 2,483 households - a 13.4% increase compared to the previous year.

From April 2020 to March 2021, we received 6,202 referrals

A huge 39% increase compared to 2019-20!

OF OUR CLIENTS IN 2020-21…

100% happy with 92% of service received homelessness prevented or resolved

Financial circumstances improved[2] for 80%

Improved Many of our services work with housing clients over longer-periods, to conditions help them create positive, stable for 88%[1] futures: of our clients, 48% were helped to access education or training[3] while 41% were specifically supported to access 84% or maintain employment

84% reported improved mental health

• 1 Better living conditions can include moving home or having repairs undertaken, etc.

Improved physical health for 81%

• 2 Including debt reduction, increased income, or charity applications for essential household items.

• 3 Assistance with applications and research, attendance to open days, etc.

• 4 CV writing, assistance with job applications, interviewing skills, etc.

• 5 Including taking better care of oneself

• 6 Increased communicative skills, positive relationships with friends and family.

90% said they were able to make their own choices and solve their own problems, after our support

88% of people

making more positive life choices[5] with 76% reporting reduced alcohol or drug consumption

69% reported being less lonely or isolated, despite so many facing these issues during the pandemic

68% improved relationships - despite so many being distanced from loved ones during lockdown 71% improved communication skills[6]

84% reduced involvement in crime or anti-social behaviour

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR

Peter Davey celebrated his 20th Anniversary as Chief Officer at The Bridge, last Summer!

This year, The Bridge was awarded a contract with the Ministry of Justice, working with Nacro, as the lead organisation, to provide support and accommodation advice to ex-offenders facing homelessness.

We have also teamed up with Vita Health Group, who are the lead organisation for the IAPT (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies) service, who provide in-depth mental health services. Our clients can access their support, and we also provide housing advice for IAPT clients whose mental health is worsened by housing issues.

Working in partnership with Charnwood Borough Council and John Storer Charnwood, we have helped with the distribution of over 25,000 food parcels for Charnwood Community Action, which was set up to distribute food parcels safely during the pandemic. Working alongside our partner agencies on this project has been fantastic.

A new free 0800 telephone line was set up, to ensure that everybody was able to contact us: whether it be by telephone box, or a mobile without credit.

The Bridge, alongside partner agencies of the Charnwood Food Poverty Group and Charnwood Community Action, has led the planning of a ‘Social Supermarket’ model for food provision; reducing dependency and aiming to assist people before they reach crisis point.

11

OUR STRATEGY 2020 – 2024

1

WE WILL EXPAND UPON OUR EARLY INTERVENTION AND PREVENTION OFFER

2

WE WILL ENSURE THAT EVERYONE CONTINUES TO BE VALUED, NURTURED AND RESPECTED

The organisation has expanded its service offering for clients through a number of new partnerships. This includes a new specialist Housing Advice Service for the sub-regional IAPT Service, working closely with VITA Health Group. The organisation has also entered into a partnership with Nacro to deliver an East Midlands wide Dynamic Framework for the Ministry of Justice.

Throughout the last year, the organisation has driven forward work to further improve its governance. The Board of Trustees and Strategic Management Team have created a Governance Improvement Team. The team’s remit is to review, and continually improve, the organisations systems and processes relating to the Board of Trustees and the relationship of the Board with the Strategic Management Team.

3

WE WILL CONTINUALLY DRIVE FORWARD A SUSTAINABLE ORGANISATION BUILT UPON OUR REPUTATION AND 4 INTEGRITY

WE WILL BE ADVOCATES OF BEST PRACTICE, TAKING A REFLECTIVE APPROACH TO CONTINUAL IMPROVEMENT

“Lockdown”, as for many voluntary sector organisations, has created an opportunity to review fundraising and communications practices, and has been a time for innovation and interacting differently with the public and supporters. The organisation has been able to work differently, and as a result, has increased the public profile of The Bridge, along with the number of community donations.

The organisation is proud to announce that it passed its Advice Quality Standard again for its Specialist Housing Advice Service. This is a bi-annual audit which The Bridge has been committed to for the past two decades. Furthermore, the organisation’s Business Improvement Team has continued to meet throughout “lockdown” and has been instrumental in the improvements made to the organisation’s recruitment processes.

13

THE NATIONAL PICTURE AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENT

on our work on the ground. The EveryoneIn campaign (housing rough sleepers during the pandemic) offered accommodation to thousands of people across the UK. Allowing space to self-isolate, it has no doubt protected the lives of vulnerable people. However, the work has highlighted the true numbers of homeless people that still continue to fall under the radar.

When we wrote our Annual Report last spring we crossed our fingers in hope that, by the time of writing this year, we would no longer be affected by the pandemic. Of course, the COVID-19 crisis has maintained its grip on society in many ways; but I am proud of the way that the charity has conducted itself to support local people through this time.

Government statistics suggest that, by November 2020, the scheme has supported 33,000 people into

This year has truly shown the invaluable work of the voluntary sector as a whole. Pushed to our limits in terms of capacity, demand and reconfiguring services, we have seen true determination and dedication from all of our partner agencies and fellow voluntary sector organisations.

emergency accommodation.[1]

The Big Issue confirmed in 2021 that as many as 26,167 people have moved on to permanent accommodation via the scheme.[2] As a consequence, we have seen and continue to expect a swell in demand for our services that support individuals to maintain a tenancy. At The Bridge, we understand that homelessness is not simply resolved with a roof and a bed; often, those experiencing homelessness have complex needs that requires intense holistic support.

Our success over the last year is testament to the ability of all local organisations to work together in such an incredible way; a key demonstration of this being Charnwood Community Action, which is shown within our Food Poverty work.

Across the nation and the world, a new era of digital working was forced upon us. Reconfiguring our services to meet the everchanging landscape of the pandemic has been difficult, and our staff team have taken ongoing changes in their stride. Ensuring that all of our staff members had the equipment and support to achieve our high-quality outcomes from home was crucial, while we fostered a work environment that supported their mental health and overall well-being.

Evidence of the need for this type of indepth assistance is clear: especially for some of those housed in the scheme, who faced their accommodation being withdrawn due to rule-breaking or substance dependency. Without the right support to overcome these issues, many returned to sleeping rough.

The Government estimated that in autumn 2020 there were still 2,688 rough sleepers nationally- not including those who are hidden homeless (such as those sofa-surfing, or avoiding detection).[3] The East Midlands is no exception: our Rough Sleeper Services will continue to identify those who are experiencing homelessness and support them on their journey to safe and stable homes.

Although the nature of our work is peoplefacing, and we are excited to re-open our doors very soon, we anticipate the changes made this year will alter our working practice as we anticipate significant increase in demand for services in years to come.

The Government’s approach to the COVID-19 crisis has had a definite impact

1 Government Statistics, 2021: www.gov.uk/government/statistics/rough-sleeping-snapshot-in-england-autumn-2020 2 The Big Issue, 2021:

country entered its third lockdown. young people were impacted particularly hard, with 4 in 10 young women experiencing some sort of depression.[4]

Moving forward, we will continue to review and build upon our service offer, with regards to supporting people to maintain longer-term accommodation and prevent the cycle of homelessness. It is a prolonged challenge to obtain permanent housing for clients with the national housing shortage, making it as important as ever for us to continue to work preventatively to avoid people getting into, or back into, the cycle of repeat homelessness.

It is with this in mind that we are so grateful to be partnered with VitaMinds new IAPT (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies) Service for Leicestershire. As we navigate our way out of the pandemic, IAPT will link closely with us. Providing specialist mental health support for local people and referring clients who are facing housing crisis for advice here at The Bridge.

More broadly, we are looking forward to expanding our food poverty work. By identifying new areas within the locality that need further support and creating Social Supermarket models to catch those struggling before crisis point, as well as empowering people to work towards financial independence, we believe that people across Charnwood will benefit greatly.

We will have to continue to seek funding for much needed growth and development. Restructuring of the teams at The Bridge will help rejuvenate our work as we foster new and existing partnerships to bring expansion and security to our services.

Both in terms of food poverty and housing crisis, local people have been facing growing instability and battling various issues, which contribute to their vulnerability to homelessness. In some cases furlough or redundancy has reduced income, or a new dependency on Universal Credit caused monetary delays; whilst other families simply tried to meet the increasing food costs and bills during lockdown. Across Leicestershire and nationally, more households than ever have faced uncertainty, and sought support to try and find their way out of a housing crisis.

The launch of our new 4 year strategy in October 2020 has re-invigorated and refocused The Bridge. Not only are we aiming to maintain and grow our offer to clients, we are also looking forward to officially launching TheBridge²Excellence. This will enable us to expand our working relationships with a range of agencies through offering a service to upskill colleagues, and promote knowledge and best practice.

Molly Boggis Head of Programmes and Services

These added stresses, alongside the detrimental effect so many have suffered from facing isolation and being home-bound, have played an important role in to a growing mental health crisis. The Office for National Statistics states than an Opinions and Lifestyle Survey in 2021 showed that 21% of adults were facing some sort of depression as the

3 Government Statistics, 2021: www.gov.uk/government/statistics/rough-sleeping-snapshot-in-england-autumn-2020 4 Office for National Statistics, Opinions and Lifestyle Survey, 2021: blog.ons.gov.uk/2021/05/05/are-we-facing-amental-health-pandemic

15

FIGHTING FOOD POVERTY

Local food banks and food services who are members of the CFPG, worked tirelessly to support different stages of the response as the year progressed. Members of the community who have donated food, fundraising and volunteering hours have very much enabled this community response, of which everyone involved can be very proud of.

In what has been a challenging year, unlike one we have ever known, the community response to supporting the issue of food poverty has been so positive. From the start of the pandemic, one of our greatest challenges has been the sheer size of the response required, the constant need to replenish food and the initial barriers to recipients being able to collect this food.

The success of this emergency food response could not have been achieved without a great deal of partnership work, with the Charnwood Food Poverty Group (CFPG), for which The Bridge (East Midlands) is the strategic lead, played an important role in the coordinated response of Charnwood Community Action (CCA). This work was delivered in partnership with Charnwood Borough Council and John Storer Charnwood.

Finally, I would like to place on record our thanks to Joe McSharry (Independent Chair of the CFPG), colleagues from John Storer Charnwood, Charnwood Borough Council and all members of the CFPG, whose hard work and dedication has enabled a coordinated response to significantly increased levels of food poverty across Charnwood.

22,970 FOOD PARCELS WERE DISTRIBUTED BY THE CCA, FROM MARCH 2020 TO MARCH 2021.

Our projects are growing! For instance, our Mountsorrel Community Fridge is becoming a Social Supermarket; offering support to help a wide range of Mountsorrel residents to avoid crisis point.

WHY IS OUR FOOD POVERTY WORK CRUCIAL?

This reflects a national crisis…

It is a sad reality that food poverty has been rising for a number of years; unfortunately, the pandemic has only worsened this growing issue. With households facing redundancy, ill-health, reduced wages due to furlough - as well as the increased living costs of staying at home, like electricity bills – many more people are struggling to cover the cost of their next meal.

In September 2020, the Food Foundation released research that stated 14% of UK households were unable to eat properly in the previous six months because they could not afford or access food.

That equates to 4 million people, including 2.3 million children.

“4% of adults living with children reported having gone for a whole day without eating in the last 6 months”[1]

469% INCREASE IN FOOD PARCEL DISTRIBUTION BY THE CHARNWOOD FOOD POVERTY GROUP IN 2020/21, COMPARED TO THE PREVIOUS YEAR.

Nobody deserves to go hungry. For more information, visit the CFPG website at www.charnwood-fpg.org.uk

Clare Fillingham

Quality and Business Manager

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1 The Food Foundation, September 2020
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Customer Services

CUSTOMER SERVICES

Customer Services are the first point of contact for people presenting in crisis and for all other general enquiries.

The past year was one of vastly increased demand, as the effects of the pandemic took hold. More local people than ever are facing instability, food poverty, reduced income, ill-health and more. Demand peaked in June 2020 and January 2021, but was most demonstrable in March 2021 when enquiries rose by 123% compared to the previous year.

The Customer Services Team (CST) plays a vital role in the journey of nearly all our clients; making sure every person feels listened to, understood, and triaging them into the most relevant service.

The team can also directly assist people to access a range of help, such as:

• Offering food and toiletry provision and vouchers, and organising referrals for Charnwood Community Action food parcels

To respond to this crisis while our office has been closed in lockdown, our team have worked tirelessly to continue to create a welcoming and reassuring environment, albeit via our free phone number and electronically. We extended working hours through the pandemic and increased staff capacity to work on the phone line. This free phone number has been a lifeline to many; ensuring that people could contact us without phone credit, or even by phone box.

• Signposting to services that can help people access debt advice/food parcels/ meals/washing facilities

• Organising Charnwood Welfare Provision (support with food/heating/lighting)

• Referrals to SOFA for discounted household goods

• Distributing Starter Packs (household essentials)

Every person we support is treated with respect, and by triaging and signposting, we provide a service in which clients are empowered to make positive changes.

• Administering ‘Care of Address’ arrangements for clients without a home

3,747 CST enquiries received from 1st April 2020 to 31st March 2021 – a 72% increase in comparison to 2019/20

100% of clients were happy with the service they received on the day

97% of clients saw improvement in financial situation and mental health

Hannah Brookhouse

VICTORIA’S STORY…

After a drastic change in circumstances, Victoria is lodging with a friend. Usually supporting others, this was the first time Victoria had to reach out for help herself.

“I’ve known about The Bridge for a long time because I’ve supported a lot of people when I was volunteering. When my relationship ended badly, I was left with nothing and no money. So, I’m staying on the floor of my friend’s home.

“He’s an elderly gentleman and he never leaves the house; I support him with washing, cooking, cleaning. But, when I moved in I realised that he only had £1.60 on his electricity meter and no hot water.

“We had no money and neither of us were getting paid for weeks, so I knew I had to ask for help. My friend didn’t know about The Bridge and said sometimes he just sits there in the dark. It was hard to accept that I had to ask for help for the first time, but I did.”

Victoria was able to receive a Charnwood Welfare Provision utilities top-up from our Customer Services Team, and advice on where to get clothes or items as she wasn’t able to retrieve belongings from her previous home.

“It made the world of difference. You can’t go out when you haven’t got hot water to bathe in or if you can’t wash your clothes, feeling bad. You just end up laying there; the emotional toll is horrible.”

“When I was volunteering, I referred so many people to The Bridge Reception for all sorts: food parcels, signposting, support. Having that one place that’s so consistent and a team who have proper, practical knowledge of what to do immediately is amazing.”

“I hope, in the future, they might also be able to help us with our housing situation: the friend I am staying with can’t get up and down the stairs where he currently lives and he hasn’t left in maybe two years.”

“If anyone else is in the same situation, my first advice would be to ask The Bridge for support. I honestly can’t sing their praises enough.”

Executive Administrator

“We couldn’t have managed without the top-up. Even though I’m on someone’s floor at the moment, it’s better than my situation before. The Bridge were so quick and wonderful. Talking to Reception, they were lovely. I didn’t feel judged.”

19

Housing Advice

HOUSING ADVICE

Advice, assistance and advocacy for social tenants, private tenants, the homeless and landlords, who live in the Borough of Charnwood and who are over 18.

Our Housing Advice Team (HAT) has received 799 referrals in the last year from people living in Charnwood requiring housing advice.

Of these clients, 96% stated their housing conditions had improved and 95% said their homelessness was avoided or resolved!

We are fortunate to be well-established within the area, demonstrated by a high number of self-referrals (96%) and we have worked hard to adapt to the changing working environment this year, ensuring that our clients can continue to access the advice they need at the right time.

The proportion of our clients reporting to be statutorily homeless or threatened with homelessness within 56 days has increased by 25% this year, with 10% experiencing rough sleeping.

A further 135 households were at risk of future homelessness at the point they accessed the service.

In previous years, the end of an assured shorthold tenancy has been cited as the most common cause of homelessness amongst our clients. Whilst this has still been prominent this year, the main cause of homelessness has been relationship breakdown, accounting for a fifth of all cases, closely followed by eviction from parental, family, or friends’ homes, and harassment and violence.

The team have faced additional challenges this year in response to the coronavirus pandemic including keeping up to date with the changing legislation around evictions in England. We anticipate an even busier year ahead as the impact of this becomes known.

Leanne Fletcher

Advice Services Team Manager

100% of clients said that they were making more positive life choices

DONNA’S STORY…

Donna was referred to Housing Advice at The Bridge to support her in the process of finding a new home and getting a fresh start. With limited finances, setting herself up in new accommodation was difficult.

“My Advisor also helped me in applying to CharityLink for kitchen goods, like the cooker and fridge-freezer. I would have struggled to do that without their help.”

Donna was also eligible for a Starter Pack from The Bridge. Starter Packs help people who are moving into new accommodation, supplying them with key items, such as pillows, a toaster, cutlery and more.

“When I first started talking to my Advisor, I didn’t have anything at all. I had no way of getting everything I needed all at once, like paying for rent and kitchen appliances. The Bridge helped with all of that side of things.

“They also supported me with other issues too, putting me in touch with people who helped me with my bills and budgeting; for example, I couldn’t afford my water bill and they helped me sign up to make the bill more affordable, and so that I’m not left short. The Budgeting advice has really helped as things are more stable and I’m more confident now.

“I was lodging with my now ex-partner at his mum’s house, but it was overcrowded and so we bid to move into this house. My Housing Advisor helped me initially by applying for a grant from the Vicar’s Relief Fund to cover the first months’ rent as a deposit that allowed us to actually move in.

“I feel a lot more positive about the future, there are only a few things that I haven’t got. I hope to stay on top of my bills but I know that I can reach out again for support if I struggle again.

As Donna’s relationship with her partner broke down because of his behaviour, she was left with all the responsibilities of the house.

“It was difficult at the time, I knew I couldn’t get all these things sorted on my own and coping with that was hard. It was a slow process but I did it.

“Most of all, I’m hoping that I can have my children back at home too. I still see three of them, but it’s been very hard and I miss them.”

21

talk[2] sort

TALK²SORT MEDIATION: SONIA’S STORY…

YOUNG PEOPLE’S SERVICES

talk²sort

A mediation service offered to 11-19 year olds and their families, either individually or in joint appointments.

This last year has brought about challenges for us all. Whether young or old, mixed emotions, increased social isolation and a loss of autonomy have all taken its toll. Throughout the pandemic, talk²sort has continued to deliver a specialist mediation service to young people and families across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

Now more than ever, the ability to communicate effectively, resolve conflict and increase resilience is key. As a service which is recognised as delivering best practice in homelessness mediation, we understand the importance of giving people a safe space to explore feelings, thoughts and emotions. We empower people to make decisions that are right for them in the absence of judgement or a set agenda.

talk²sort is able to deliver a tailored service which meets the needs of young people and families who need help at a time that is right for them. Supporting with wellbeing and mental health, conflict, communication and defective coping mechanisms, we work in a future focused way using tools which can be used long after involvement with the service.

84% of young people reported improved family relationships as a result of accessing talk²sort

90% of young people experienced a reduction in conflict at home

100% reduced their intake of drugs/ alcohol and reduced involvement in anti-social behaviour

Single Access Point

Supporting 16 and 17 year olds in Charnwood who may be having difficulties living at home.

This year we have had 38 referrals to the service, all from young people who are experiencing homelessness of difficulties with their housing situation: one young person had experienced homelessness before, and another had been rough sleeping.

100% of clients said their housing conditions improved, and their homelessness was avoided or resolved.

Did you know? 68% of young people access our services due to family

breakdown.

Other causes of youth homelessness this year have included overcrowding, harassment and violence, and leaving care. Seven of the 38 people we supported this year were parents themselves which, for most, presented further challenges. Additional considerations were needed when sourcing stable and suitable accommodation to enable the young person and their child to feel safe, settled, and happy.

We have signposted many of our clients to relevant mental health services, having seen a significant 340% increase in reported mental health difficulties amongst our clients.

The young people we have supported have engaged well with the changes made within the service due to the coronavirus pandemic, namely the use of telephone and messaging services which has enabled us to continue providing this vital service to young people across Charnwood.

Leanne Fletcher Advice Services Team Manager

When Sonia was first contacted about talk²sort Mediation with her daughter, she was shocked. The family were referred through School and consequently had around eight months of Mediation.

“It came as a surprise at first, because I didn’t think things were that bad. It was hard to have that initial self-reflection but looking back, has helped me so much more than I thought it would. I felt so much better after talking.

“It started with individual appointments, where we would talk to our Mediator separately. That was really helpful as we were able to say things freely.

“We were arguing a lot back then and I put it down to her being a teenager. I felt like I couldn’t say anything right and I didn’t like how she spoke to me.

“Our Mediator would sit and listen, but also identify things about ourselves, to then reflect on. The cogs turned and we saw things that we didn’t realise we were doing.

“I think, for Jessica and myself, it really helped us open up and communicate. Jessica felt that she couldn’t talk to me or her Dad. it gave her the space to be honest about her feelings and we were consequently referred to Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) for further professional support.

“We were both holding a lot of things back before, I also started to think more about my phrasing, or what type of things I don’t have to tell my children. It was such a big learning curve, in learning about how each other works.”

Sonia now recognises Jessica’s behaviour

might not be just because she’s a teenager, and that there might be something wrong.

“I used to snap at her quite easily, but now I stop and think about whether there might be a reason for her acting that way.

“I now know to open up conversations but respect when she doesn’t want to talk sometimes. There were other techniques given too; like writing a letter of our feelings and destroying it afterwards.

“Jess used to be really close to me and we went through that spell where she wasn’t. Me and my husband both feel like that closeness coming back now, which is really lovely.”

“I am so much more confident in my whole life now and our home environment is happier; I am even working again. I feel so much more positive about our relationships as a family. and our Mediator was fantastic. They checked in on us even after closing our case, which I really appreciated.”

Chantelle Bramley Specialist Services Team Manager

23

SAP

SINGLE ACCESS POINT: MYAH’S STORY…

“IT’S BEEN REALLY BENEFICIAL TO GET SUPPORT FROM THE BRIDGE AND FROM OTHER PLACES LIKE THERAPY”

Having to leave home at a young age can be stressful. when Myah was first referred to the Single Access Point, she was splitting her time between her Dad’s sofa and her Dad’s friends’ houses.

“I had just moved to Loughborough from my Mum’s; I had left and then gone back to her initially, but I’d been thinking about properly leaving for a long time.

“I was trying to work out ways that I could move out and have money, but things got too bad and I left quite immediately in the end. I still feel stressed by things that have happened and it feels messy; we’re not in contact at the moment.

“Staying with Dad and his friends is better because there’s no shouting or drinking, and because Dad’s friend is also a Mum, I still get to have that family environment around me.

“My SAP Worker helped me so much with application processes and getting on the housing register, which can take a really long time. There was lots to think about, even just getting my stuff from Mum’s which was hard with the pandemic.

“Other agencies weren’t as persistent as The Bridge, and it was really helpful for my SAP Worker to be so consistent; she would remind us of deadlines, because my Dad often forgets with his ADHD.

“It was also really nice to have her check in with us and make sure that we are doing well.”

Currently, Myah is waiting for the outcome of her housing application.

“Things feel more stable now. I’m studying Level 3 Art and Design at the moment and next year I’m doing Level 3 Applied Sciences because I want to do Neurosciences and Psychology at University; when it comes to my future I’ve always been really driven. I want to learn about that so I can help others.”

“Before, I contemplated leaving for so long that it got too bad and I just couldn’t be there. I learnt that way, but I wouldn’t want people to go through that too.

“It’s been really beneficial to get support from The Bridge and from other places like therapy, which helped more than I wanted to admit when I was there. I would definitely recommend reaching out to the Single Access Point and advice from The Bridge, they do great work for young people who are having a bad time at home.”

“MY SAP WORKER HELPED ME SO MUCH WITH APPLICATION PROCESSES AND GETTING ON THE HOUSING REGISTER”

24

RCWS

PART OF A BIGGER JOURNEY: ALISON’S STORY…

SUPPORT SERVICES

The Rutland Community Wellbeing Service

When Alison first started receiving support from The Bridge, her case was complex. Fleeing domestic violence, her mental health had deteriorated and debts had started to build up.

“I was at crisis point when I first started with the service. Although I lived separately, I was on the receiving end of extreme domestic violence from my family members.

“I relocated, and left everything I had known. My Support Worker helped me through the processes of police intervention and restraining orders. There was a huge emotional impact; I had interventions with crisis teams and was hospitalised a couple of times because I couldn’t cope. I was suicidal and couldn’t see any way out.

“The Bridge was my lifeline and I don’t believe I’d be here without them. I can’t say that enough. They were always there at the end of the phone, referring me to suitable services for specialist help.”

While Alison was dealing with the matters of abuse, housing issues were growing in the background.

“I was struggling hugely with all my finances; everything was being left, which created debts. My mental health had a huge part to play in that. I overlooked my bills because my priority was getting somewhere safe.

“My Support Worker organised appointments with debt agencies, Citizens Advice, contacting companies and setting up payment arrangements for me so that I could work through my debts. It wasn’t just housing; it was all of the other things that needed addressing. They were there for it all.

“I’ve had to move again, and now many of the threats – like severe violence – have gone. I am recovering from surgery from the attacks, and I have mental health problems that I’m still working through.

“But, on moving, there were new challenges; setting up bills, letters from housing benefit, organising a GP, and things like that. I was in a mess. My Support Worker helped me through it all, again.

“The Bridge, when I look back, were always the ones who stepped in. They were friendly and non-judgmental, which I liked. Mental health can be massively misunderstood, and I never doubted that The Bridge could understand me.

“They were easy to talk to, open up and tell them what I was struggling with. I would recommend them to everyone; the help is there.”

Providing the residents of Rutland with support and advice on a broad range of wellbeing issues. The service is delivered in partnership with Citizens Advice Rutland, Longhurst Group, Age UK and Vista.

During the past year, The Bridge has received 40 referrals for clients who wish to access support from the RCWS regarding housing, money management and various health and wellbeing difficulties.

The service works holistically, engaging with other partner agencies to ensure that our clients get the specialist support they need in all areas that they are struggling. This in turn helps in setting them up for a stable and positive future after the service, where they are able to happily maintain their tenancy and are no longer vulnerable to homelessness.

Clients sometimes have complex cases; for instance, their mental health may have stopped them from working, or learning difficulties or disabilities may be preventing them from completing applications or paperwork related to housing or benefits.

Generally due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, client needs have increased throughout the year with many clients requiring intensive support with mental health, substance misuse and social isolation.

The average length of support over the past year has been 1 year and 4 months, demonstrating our desire to help create long-term and lasting change for our clients.

Of the clients that provided feedback following a programme of support:

66% have reduced drug and alcohol use

78% report improved emotional and mental health

80% report improved housing conditions

Molly Splevings Support Services Team Manager

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RUTLAND COMMUNITY WELLBEING SERVICE: MARK’S STORY…

When Mark was first introduced to the Rutland Community Wellbeing Service, he needed support to overcome multiple obstacles. His Support Worker has helped him reach a stable and positive point in his life.

which make the paperwork and processes extremely hard and frustrating for him. We then needed to gather evidence for his case.

“When PIP was awarded, the financial difficulty was eased and Mark was able to buy a washing machine and clothes for example, which all improved his well-being and as a result, he is more stable now.”

“When I first started with the service, I was in a right mess. I had my own place, but I was struggling and had nothing. I was drinking really heavily; I had support from my girlfriend and when that ended I was really stuck.

Mark’s Support Worker has also helped him enrol in English lessons to improve his skills.

“My aim for the future is definitely to succeed with the English lessons. Having my Support Worker has changed my life and I’m so happy with the help I received. I don’t know what I would have done without it.

“With everything going on in my life, including debts, I couldn’t cope and I just turned to the drink.”

“I really needed that support to get through. It was overwhelming. Back then, my future was a mess. I was at breaking point and thinking of ending my life.”

“My support worker/the service also helped me engage with the GP for assistance with my mental health, and I’m feeling a lot more stable and positive about the future now.”

Mark was referred to The Bridge for a Support Worker by a partner agency of the Rutland Access Partnership. At that time, he was going through a tribunal, as he was not receiving the Personal Independence Payment he was entitled to. Mark’s Support Worker, Nicola, said:

“It’s difficult to go and ask for help, but if you leave it everything gets worse. If anyone is facing a similar situation, I would want them to ask for help. It’s not going to be easy but you can get through it.”

“Mark was struggling with money, bills and debt, so it was crucial that we sorted his PIP payment out. I sent a supporting letter outlining Mark’s learning difficulties,

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Housing Matters

“Without the support I’ve received from The Bridge, I honestly don’t think I would be here

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Housing Matters
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HOUSING MATTERS: LINDA’S STORY…

Linda was referred to Housing Matters after neighbourly disputes got so bad that she knew she had to leave her address. On a long journey of PTSD, declining mental wellbeing and a chronic health condition, The Bridge were able to support her to create a new, safe home.

“I knew I had to leave my current home. I knew that I could find a house exchange… But that would take time, and I needed to get out.

“My daughter accompanied me to The Bridge for an initial assessment and I just broke down. They allocated a Support Worker to me and she was my outlet, helping me through some of my toughest times.

“When I first came to The Bridge, I felt like I didn’t belong anywhere. I would cry to my Support Worker, because I didn’t know where to run to. But, I finally felt safe and I needed that stability.”

Linda was able to move into her daughter’s previous house and her Support Worker was there to assist with this transition. Housing Matters offers longer-term assistance like this, supporting people to maintain stability.

“Because of my health conditions and mental health issues, I was overwhelmed by the different paperwork for things like utility bills in my new home. My Support Worker would sit with me; calling people like the Council or nurses, or organising appointments.

“It was the start of me being able to accept someone was on the end of the phone, as I wasn’t even capable of making a phone call before. My mental health particularly bad.”

“My Support Worker helped with my budgeting and helped me get discounts where I was eligible, for things like water bills, which saved me a lot of money.

“The Council had tried to take me to court for not paying Council Tax as my Doctor had signed forms to prove that I was exempt, but the forms had been lost. My Support Worker hand delivered new copies and helped me through the stress of that, even though it is ongoing.

“Without the support I’ve received from The Bridge, I honestly don’t think I would be here. It’s been very difficult for me to accept who I am now, after everything with my health.

“I’d never had to ask for help in my life; but something can happen or you can get a mental health issue and suddenly the person you were is gone. But now I am in a new home and it is so much calmer.

“The Bridge even helped us with food parcels when things got particularly tough last year, in the pandemic.

“When I had heard of The Bridge, I thought it was solely for homelessness. But they don’t just support you with that. I can’t thank them enough; my Support Worker was everything.”

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SUPPORT SERVICES

Housing Matters Families

Housing Matters

This year marked the final year of funding for our Housing Matters for Families service (delivered in partnership with Nottingham Community Housing Association), which came to an end in March 2021 after being funded by The National Lottery Community Fund (TNLCF) for five years: we are so grateful to TNLCF for their long-term support. Families will now continue to be supported under the general Housing Matters contract.

Accommodation and housing related support for individuals over the age of 18 in Leicestershire who require support to positively manage accommodation and reduce risk of future homelessness.

As of July 2020, the service (a partnership between The Bridge, Nottingham Community Housing Association and Falcon Support Services) received two years’ worth of funding to deliver a revised housing related support service. Key changes include a larger focus upon drop-in support, a reduced period of up to four months’ floating support and the introduction of a countywide housing advice line to offer advice and signposting to residents across Leicestershire on a range of housing related issues. Meanwhile, the accommodation aspect of the service remains the same.

During this time, the service has delivered floating support to vulnerably housed families across Leicestershire. It has supported hundreds of clients to make positive changes to their housing, from support to access essential household items to moving to adequate housing that meets their needs.

Over the past year, of the 43 referrals received to the service, 77% were for females and 33% were for males.

In 2020, our Accommodation Project (delivered by Falcon Support Services) received 349 referrals, supporting clients who are not owed an accommodation duty via the Local Authority.

The average age at referral was 36 years old.

Our floating support service (delivered by NCHA and The Bridge) received 307 referrals; 182 of which were drop-in requests.

Of clients who chose to complete our closure feedback:

The most frequent presenting issue continues to be rent arrears and issues surrounding affordability.

75% report their housing conditions have improved.

Of clients that chose to provide feedback:

91% reported that homelessness has been prevented.

84% reported being more independent following a programme of support, with 90% improving their mental health.

SUPPORT SERVICES

Rapid Rehousing Pathway

The Rapid Rehousing Pathway (RRP) focuses upon finding accommodation for individuals across Leicestershire and Rutland who are over the age of 18, homeless and not eligible for help elsewhere.

The RRP is there to support individuals who become homeless with no other options of support; this sometimes occurs when authorities deem that an individual has chosen to leave their home. An example of this is when somebody has decided to leave in cases of relationship breakdown.

Short-term accommodation is provided within the project for up to 6 weeks, whilst longer-term solutions are sought. When a stable source of accommodation is found, clients are empowered to maintain their tenancies through support in applying for furniture, resolving debt issues, setting up bills, and more.

Through this well-rounded support, we can be confident that the individual is no longer vulnerable to homelessness.

Delivered in partnership with Local Authorities across Leicestershire and Rutland, we work alongside Falcon Support Services to support individuals who are rough sleeping to access and maintain accommodation, working to prevent repeat homelessness by offering flexible, intensive one-to-one support to individuals who would not be able to obtain accommodation without the scheme.

DURING 2020, WE HAVE SEEN A STAGGERING 1000% INCREASE IN REFERRALS TO THE PROJECT

after the government’s ‘Everyone In’ initiative revised the approach taken to all rough sleepers during the coronavirus pandemic.

92% of clients said that they are now able to make their own choices and solve their own problems

Of those accommodated this year, 100% have maintained their accommodation with support.

92% said their confidence had improved

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Rapid Rehousing

RRP

RAPID REHOUSING PATHWAY: MUKESH’S STORY…

Mukesh was referred to the Rapid Rehousing Pathway (RRP) after losing his job due to a combination of physical health problems and the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I was supported to discuss my mental health with my GP and to access my medical history so that I could apply for PIP and Universal Credit – a health and disability payment.

Debts built up and, unfortunately, he became homeless. After phoning other agencies, he was referred to the RRP.

“The Bridge also provided food parcels when I have been struggling with my money.”

As part of the holistic support offered by the RRP, Mukesh was able to see improvements such as reduced debts, improved well-being and self-esteem, budgeting in his new home and even applying for English classes to help future employment prospects.

“My situation was very bad, my head felt very heavy and I wanted to just run away somewhere. Because I lost my job I was unable to pay off the debts I had. I didn’t know what was going to happen to me. I had enforcement agents at my door, which I found really worrying.

“This has been a big turnaround for my life, I didn’t think I would be supported as much as I have been by my support worker at The Bridge.

“I felt a lot of pressure on me. I didn’t know where to go or where to turn. I had no family to support me and my mental health got worse.”

“I couldn’t see the future before but now I can see hope in my situation. I know where to ask for help now. It is good to know I have someone I can talk to who knows my situation. I hope to volunteer to help others who are homeless soon.

The RRP seeks to find short-term accommodation for those eligible, in order to resolve their immediate homelessness while longer-term options are found.

“I was able to move into Mill House, and my RRP Worker supported me to apply to the housing register and then to bid on housing.

“People should reach out as there is a lot of different support available. Whether it is food, housing or finances, there are people who can help you.”

“Once I moved into my own home, they helped me set up a bank account, utility payments and also to contact a debt charity – Stepchange. I applied for bankruptcy which has really helped my mental health and my finances.

“I couldn’t see the future before but now I can see hope in my situation.”

Of clients that have offered feedback on the service that they have received:

100% 91% report often agreed that their feeling optimistic emotional and mental about the future. health has improved.

67% stated they have reduced drug and alcohol use.

90%

reported making positive life choices and taking better care of themselves.

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Homeless Offenders

HOMELESS OFFENDERS SERVICE: JOSEPH’S STORY…

HOMELESS OFFENDERS SERVICE

The Homeless Offenders Service (HOS) provides intensive and holistic support for clients with an offending history and who are homeless or rough sleeping, to access accommodation.

We support our clients to access suitable accommodation, sustain a tenancy where applicable, and reduce the likelihood of reoffending.

Our specialist HOS Mediator is available to provide mediation to strengthen and improve relationships with family members or key individuals to support more positive futures.

Service demand is consistently high; we have had a 15% increase in referrals to the service last year from prisons, probation services, and local authorities, along with many self-referrals.

Despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, we have continued to provide street outreach each week to support our most vulnerable clients and identify those who may be new to rough sleeping.

We are proud to share that 96% of our HOS clients stated that their homelessness was prevented or resolved during their time with the service, with 94% stating their housing conditions had improved.

88% of clients reported that they had reduced their involvement in crime or antisocial behaviour

93% of clients felt more able to make their own choices and solve their own problems.

Leanne Fletcher Advice Services Team Manager

Determined to move forwards, Joseph has been engaging with the Homeless Offenders Service, after his Probation Officer referred him for support. However, his case was made complex as he fled a toxic relationship and had suffered violence.

“I was in a relationship but it was very toxic, and there were too many things going wrong. We were in accommodation together, but I just had to leave. I took the clothes on my back and left.

“I had nowhere to turn. I was facing homelessness and I ended up facing a lot of other trouble. Everything’s been emotional. But you can’t stay down forever and you have to make the most of the help you’ve got.”

Joseph suffered a series of traumatic events prior to and during his time with The Bridge, so his Support Workers have supported him through this. Other accommodation options were found after initial placements were deemed unsafe for his circumstances.

“My Support Workers were always on the end of the phone to talk to. They’ve been there for loads of different things really. They even got Primark vouchers because I couldn’t go back to my previous home to get my clothes.”

From helping with private rental accommodations, talking to different councils and looking into accommodation options, food parcels, Universal Credit, PIP, and mental health support, Joseph’s Support Worker has consistently supported him through his journey.

Despite the obstacles he has faced, Joseph has finished his monitoring supervision with Probation and looks forward to finding stable employment as time goes on.

“The main thing is putting one foot in front of the other. I’ve been through a lot but there’s no point staying thinking about it, you have to move forwards.”

“In the future, I just look forward to settling somewhere and having my own flat, hopefully. It feels more achievable now with the support I’ve had.”

“I was a landscape gardener before, and I’d love to do that again in the future. I feel positive about that; I know I can do it and it will only be me that stands in the way. It’s hard work in landscape gardening, but I like seeing the project done from start to finish.

“If anyone else is in a similar situation, I would definitely recommend The Bridge. The biggest thing is getting out and getting the support that’s there, by picking up the phone.”

“In the future, I just look forward to settling somewhere and having my own flat, hopefully. It feels more achievable now with the support I’ve had.”

37

YES Project

BUILDING BETTER OPPORTUNITIES

The YES Project

Supporting young people aged between 15-24 to take steps towards employment, education or training.

The YES Project is delivered by a number of local organisations and offers a range of activities and support services to empower young people to overcome barriers to achievement. It strives to support and inspire young people to meet their goals and achieve their maximum potential.

An Intensive Young Persons Support Worker provides holistic and tailored support, covering a range of areas from housing, benefits and emotional wellbeing and mental health. The support is tailored to each individual and future focused.

COVID-19 has tested young people and adults alike. Increased social isolation, poor emotional wellbeing and a loss of purpose are just some of the issues faced by YES participants. As an organisation we are proud to have continued to deliver support to young people accessing the project throughout the pandemic, ensuring their needs are met.

To date, the YES Project has supported over 600 young people to work towards employment, education or training.

75% of young people have improved their confidence as a result of engaging

72% have increased their skills set through the support and activities delivered on the project.

Moneywise Plus

Supporting those who are unemployed or economically inactive in Leicester and Leicestershire, to move towards job search, employment, education or training through improved digital and financial skills.

Moneywise Plus has supported over 1,200 clients, which we are very proud of. As a service we recognise the importance of digital, financial and employability skills, but understand that there are often barriers to achieving a positive outcome. For example, low confidence and self-esteem, poor wellbeing and unstable housing. That is why Moneywise Plus is made up of a number of local organisations, all of whom offer specialist services, tailoring the support to the individual needs of each client.

Our advisors are dedicated to supporting clients to achieve what is important to them; whether that is increased access to the internet, financial savings or the creation of a CV. We work with the client, at the client’s own pace, ensuring that they feel empowered to succeed.

Chantelle Bramley

Specialist Services Team Manager

JORDAN’S STORY…

When Jordan was first referred to the YES Project, he was not in education, training or employment.

With the help of YES Intensive Young Person’s Support Workers at The Bridge, he has been looking at various volunteering opportunities, community involvement, improving his financial situation and building confidence.

“I started with the YES Project back in early 2020, and they’ve helped me with a lot of different things. One of the main problems was with my bank account, which was closed as I was a victim of fraud.

“My Support Worker has done a lot to help me in contacting the banks and trying to set up a new account, which has made it a lot easier than doing it alone.”

Because Jordan had no active bank account, he was unable to apply for things like Universal Credit. With his Support Worker, he will take these steps to become more financially stable.

The YES Project are able to offer clients involvement in a wide range of courses and opportunities, like online cooking courses, The Princes Trust or, in Jordan’s case, the Leicester Street Soccer Foundation.

The aim is to improve overall wellbeing, confidence and help young people overcome barriers to work, education or training.

“Starting football again has been really good, because it’s getting me used to going out more again and really helping me with confidence. My Support Worker helped me get signed up.

Confidence building is a main aim for Jordan, as he has had negative experiences when out in the community.

“My advice to anyone else in a similar situation to me is to reach out. The YES Project can help you and you just have to get involved.”

“I feel more positive about the future now and I’m looking forward to getting involved with more football and volunteering opportunities.”

“THE YES PROJECT HAS ALSO HELPED ME A LOT IN GETTING INVOLVED WITH THE COMMUNITY AGAIN. I WANT TO GO INTO SOME VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES.”

39

Moneywise Plus

Moneywise Plus

STEPHEN’S STORY…

Stephen struck financial difficulty after the passing of his father in 2016, who he had cared for. As he was not a named tenant in his parents’ property, he was offered a new home by the Council, but debts and arrears started to build.

“It has been an absolute financial disaster since I lost my Dad. When I moved here, the initial wait for Universal Credit left me five weeks without money and so the arrears began.”

Since starting with the Moneywise Plus service, Stephen has received a lot of budgeting support for his arrears to increase his stability; his Advisor has helped with applications, and arranged a monthly repayment plan for his debts.

me for help with those sorts of things.

“Although the main aim is for me to find work again, I’m off sick with osteo-arthritis at the moment, so my Advisor has also helped me to improve my well-being and my home, like getting a donation of paints to redo my walls, and applying for a cooker and new flooring.

“I’ve been close to eviction before, and while the repayment plan is tough, I know I’m not going to lose this place now.”

Although Stephen is still on his journey to find employment and faces barriers such as his health and well-being, he is more stable with the budgeting support offered by his Moneywise Plus Advisor.

“I’ve had various jobs and I’ve really enjoyed some of them, but three months has been the longest employment in recent years; and short-term agency work and the pandemic have made it even harder.

With his repayment plans in place, he is no longer at risk of housing crisis or eviction, and his Advisor will continue to take direct and holistic steps to improving his financial situation, job-seeking and employability skills.

“Having my Advisor there really helps and they’ve been brilliant. Before, I was really at the end with it all.

“The reality is that it’s quite lonely and I am what I call ‘financially depressed’. I owe friends money and that’s the worst bit, I look forward to being able to repay them.

“It’s difficult - once all my payments are done every month; the amount I have left to live on is almost nothing. I have to get gas and electric from that too, so I’ve relied on food banks. My Advisor has helped signpost

“MY ADVISOR HAS ALSO HELPED ME TO IMPROVE MY WELL-BEING AND MY HOME, LIKE GETTING A DONATION OF PAINTS TO RE-DO MY WALLS, AND APPLYING FOR A COOKER AND NEW FLOORING.”

41

OUR STAFF

We value our team highly and recognise the importance of offering our staff plenty of meaningful development and learning opportunities to help them flourish in their careers and create a staff team that we can be proud of.

We also want to achieve the best outcomes possible for our clients as many have complex needs and circumstances. So we seek to ensure that all staff are fully equipped to provide the best quality service possible.

In the last year, we made the most of all that was available to us, despite many events taking place digitally. Our team has taken part in many digital learning opportunities, including:

Personality Disorder Training Adult Safeguarding Training Children’s Mental Health Suicide Awareness Capacity Act Training ACE and Trauma Awareness Workshop Benefits Training Time Management for Effective Anti-Discriminatory Practice Training Remote Working

Transferring a Tenancy Training

Introduction to Radicalisation Training And much more…

Understanding Neglect Training

Universal Credit Training

Welcoming our New Starters…

Catherine Cox Alisia Heslop Jim Dziemianko Rachel Wood Natalie Steiner Hannah Fox

Gemma Skevington Molly Beaumont Marley Emms

A big hello to the newest members of ‘The Bridge family’!

Congratulations to Parmit (Senior Homeless Offenders Officer) and husband Harks on the birth of their baby girl, Amara, as well as to Lydia (Housing Support Worker) and partner Ben on the birth of their boy, Albie. Two of our Intensive Young Persons Support Workers are also celebrating; Kerry and husband Stephan welcomed little Ella-Faith, while Vickee, and husband Kam, gave birth to their baby Arjun. Congratulations!

WORKING AT THE BRIDGE

All the staff are so passionate about their jobs and want to achieve the best outcomes for all the people we support. We have continued to work with many agencies and charities to ensure our service has been consistent and we have still provided the best opportunities and support for all our clients. The Bridge supports us to attend regular training so we develop our skills and knowledge.

If I were asked what I enjoy most about my job, without a doubt my answer would be the clients I support. Within my role I get time to understand each of them as individuals so we can work together to ensure they maintain their tenancies and have a place to call home.

I started at The Bridge in 2019, having worked in a homeless hostel before; I worked initially in Leicestershire then changed role in 2020 to work in Rutland. The past year has been challenging for everyone during the pandemic but I have still been able to maintain contact through visits as necessary as well as being at the other end of the phone for my clients. This has been vital to the people I support, as it has been such an isolating time. Sometimes just having a chat over the phone, taking time to listen and having someone just to ask how things are, has made a huge difference to them.

Reaching out and asking for help can be a difficult first step, however, once clients do, we allow them to feel listened to and never judged.

I am just about to start my new job, joining the Senior Leadership Team as the Trainee Prevention & Wellbeing Services Manager. I look forward to the new challenge- and hopefully a year ahead where we can all start to return to seeing each other face to face, both staff and clients!

Despite not being in our office over the last year, all of us have adjusted to working from home. We still have our team meetings via our laptops, we extended the number of staff being able to take general phone enquiries and continued to fundraise – many of us got more active with our December fitness challenge!

Mary Bullivant Complex Needs Support Worker

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OUR PARTNERS AND SUPPORTERS

Thank You

Action Homeless	Fairfeld Prep School	Leicester City Football Club	Oadby & Wigston	The Blakemore Foundation
Advice Quality Standard	Falcon Support Services	Leicestershire Cares	Borough Council	The Helen Jean Cope Charity
			PACE
AGE UK Leicestershire & Rutland	Florence Turner Trust	Leicestershire County Council		The Henry Smith Charity
Alex’s Wish	Fundraising Regulator	Living Without Abuse	PayPal Perdiem Limited	The John Salmon Trust
All Saints Thorpe Acre Alpkit Amazon Smile Asda Feeding Communities	G. Gamble & Sons Garfeld Weston Foundation George’s Traditional Fish & Chips Glasspool	LLR Community Foundation Longhurst Group Loughborough Churches Partnership	Public Health Leicestershire Reaching People Consortium Redefne Living	The Leathersellers Company The Loughborough Lions The Loughborough Welfare Trust
Big Lottery Fund	Halifax Bank	Loughborough College	Rev’d Lisa & St Paul’s Church Woodhouse Eaves	The Needle & Pin Pub
Blaby District Council Blackbaud	Harborough District Council Harbour Housing	Loughborough Grammar School Loughborough Hospital	Rutland County Council Schroder Charity Trust	The Y Thomas Estley Community College
Broomfeld School Central Seafoods Fish Shop Supplies	Hardwick House School Hinckley & Bosworth District Council	Loughborough University & Students Union	Seagrave Village Primary School Soft Touch Arts	Thornton, Bagworth & Stanton Parochial Church Council
Charnwood Borough Council	HM Probation Service	Loughborough Welfare Trust	Spire Homes
Charnwood Community Lottery	Intelligent Energy Charitable	Markfeld Benefce	St Andrew’s Church Foxton
Charnwood Food Poverty Group	Trust	Markfeld Churches Together	St Bartholemew’s United Church
Children in Need	Iveshead School	Maud Elkington Charitable Trust	St Pauls C of E Primary School
Citizens Advice Charnwood	Job Centre Plus Loughborough	Melton Borough Council	Stonebow Primary School
Citizens Advice Leicestershire	John Storer House	Mountsorrel United Charities	Stonewater Housing Association
Citizens Advice Rutland De Lisle College Department for Work and Pensions	Julian House JustGiving Kirby Muxloe Women’s Institute Leicester Adult Learning College	Neighbourly Community Fund Newtown Linford Primary School North West Leicestershire District Council	Straw and Pearce Solicitors Tesco Bags For Life - Groundwork Tesco Ltd	TH TO SU W FO OR
EASE	Leicester CharityLink	Nottingham Community	The 29th May 1961 Charity	W JU
European Social Fund	Leicester City Council	Housing Association	The 7 Stars Foundation	&

Oadby & Wigston The Blakemore Foundation TK Maxx Loughborough Borough Council The Helen Jean Cope Charity Trinity Reformed Church PACE The Henry Smith Charity TwentyTwenty PayPal The John Salmon Trust Uppingham Town Council Perdiem Limited The Leathersellers Company The Vicar’s Relief Fund Public Health Leicestershire The Loughborough Lions VISTA Reaching People Consortium The Loughborough Welfare Voluntary Action Leicestershire Redefine Living Trust Waitrose Mountsorrel

THANK YOU AGAIN TO ALL INDIVIDUAL SUPPORTERS ALSO, WHO HAVE DONATED FOOD AND TOILETRIES, OR THROUGH OUR WEBSITE, CHEQUES, JUSTGIVING, PAYPAL & VIRGIN MONEY. YOUR SUPPORT HELPS US CHANGE LIVES!

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The Bridge, 38 Leicester Road, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 2AG Tel: [phone]

Email: [e-mail] Web: www.thebridge-eastmidlands.org.uk Charity No: 1050596 Company No: 03114996

twitter.com/ TheBridgeEM instagram.com/ TheBridgeEM facebook.com/ TheBridgeEastMidlands

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www.thebridge-eastmidlands.org.uk/donate-now