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Being homeless can be a traumatic experience - no matter who you are or what your background is. The Bridge Trust exists as a response to this. Our aim is one of Christian compassion, dedication and determination, underpinned by the conviction that no one should be without a safe and secure home of their own. Our mission therefore is to offer what we have come to see as the essential services that a single homeless person may need in their journey from homelessness to independent living. If you are single, homeless or in threat of becoming homeless, please read about our services here and contact us if you think we can help you.

Supported Accommodation

The Bridge Trust has 5 residential properties based within the communities of Tonbridge, Southborough and Tunbridge Wells, providing short-term supported accommodation for up to 22, otherwise homeless people. We give each resident the security of a bedroom with their own washing facilities, although from time to time residents may have to share. They also have access to other facilities in the house, including the lounge, kitchen, showers, bathrooms, washer/dryers etc, which are shared by all the residents in the property.

Residents can remain with the Bridge Trust for a maximum of 24 months, but the average stay in one of our houses is just over 12 months at which point we assist residents to move-on to either private rented or local Housing Association accommodation.

Providing accommodation addresses the primary need of each resident. They are expected to work with one of our Supported Housing Officers who will key work with them and agree and regularly review Support Plans, with goals set in consultation with the resident. They will also look at other issues in their lives such as emotional, financial, dependencies, health, training, employment or general life skills. The Supported Housing Officers also facilitate access to outside support agencies if needed. Our aim is not to take-over responsibility for our residents but to empower them to fulfil their potential and regain control of their lives.

Access to our accommodation is by Application Form and interview. We usually have a waiting list but that can change on a daily basis. We have no direct access accommodation available.

Please see our Home page for our Admissions Policy and Application Form.


Supported Move-on Project

Homelessness for many people is often the result of many years of problems they have experienced in their lives. When a resident moves out of our accommodation the work of the Bridge Trust does not end there. Continuity of flexible support may be provided through the Move-on Scheme.

Being offered accommodation can bring mixed feelings of excitement but also worry and apprehension. Moving from a shared environment to living alone can also heighten feelings of loneliness and isolation which are contributory factors in whether a person will return to being homeless.

The Move-on Support Worker will work with a former resident for anything up to 2 years. This gives each person the time they need to adjust to living on their own again.

For every person signed off of the Move-on project it means success for us at the Bridge Trust but more importantly success for the individual. What is the end of the story for us is the start of a whole new beginning for them.


Advice Service

The Advice Service is unique in the West Kent area as it specifically caters for single homeless adults. It also acts as the first line of referral to our own accommodation.

Tel:01732 368363
Email: info@thebridgetrust.org.uk


Mediation Service

According to Government guidelines, 16 & 17 year olds are classed as vulnerable and in ‘priority’ need when they present as homeless. Assuming they fulfil the criteria, Local Authorities are obliged to find them alternative accommodation. Unfortunately, this accommodation is often unsuitable and can be detrimental to the young person. Due to lack of resources however, they may find themselves in a B&B out of area, away from family, friends and support or in a hostel environment with peers who may compound and influence their difficulties.

We feel that the ideal solution is for the young person to return to their family home (with a few exceptions – e.g. abuse, violence, etc.) We are optimistic that Mediation can be used at any stage of the young person’s homeless experience. We work from the premise that a young person's needs are best served at home wherever possible if communication and compromise can be established. Parent /child bonds are bound for life and even if it not possible for the young person to return home, that relationship can be helped to a new footing where parents can still support their offspring. The opportunity for the parties in conflict to sit down in neutral territory to listen, talk and communicate is often all it takes to reach better understanding.

Homeless mediation is great for young people who maybe for the first time, are enabled to put their point of view across in an acceptable manner. Likewise they may have never listened to how their behaviour impacts on the family before. Mediation can also work for any relationships where conflict threatens living arrangements. If you wish to know more, please email lmepham@thebridgetrust.org.uk