The accommodation we provide has plenty of space for you to personalise and to make yourself feel comfortable. You are more than welcome to bring in sentimental possessions including photographs of family and friends.

Our aim is to make your stay with us as comfortable as possible by assisting with your own individual needs when required. The Managers and Key workers are always available to discuss any aspects of your comfort and support.

We encourage young people to keep in contact with family and friends if this is agreeable by all parties including Social Worker, Personal Advisor and Management of Bridging the Gap. We understand that it is nice to have visitors but through experience over the years we have considered this carefully and can not facilitate visitors at Bridging the Gap. We can however discuss this on an individual basis so if families need to discuss this please speak to the Manager.

We will help you attain the highest level of independence and choice, maintaining and improving all aspects of your physical, mental and emotional well being.

Some Rule’s Of The Home

SMOKING: Smoking is not permitted on any premises of BTG

ALCOHOL: Alcohol is not permitted on BTG premises.

DRUGS: Drug’s are illegal and are forbidden at BTG, if anyone is found to be using drugs at BTG, appropriate action will be taken.

ANIMALS: We do not allow pets at BTG, this is due to Health and Safety reasons.

Pathway Plans

You should have a Pathway Plan in place for you before your moving in date. If you are unsure about this you may want to ask your personal advisor. If you do not have one in place, please do not worry we will work with you and any other representative/advocate to put into place a structured pathway plan. We hope that once this is in place you will settle into your new home and begin to work towards your individual goals.

Some of the things you may like to consider and make a list of are your interests and hobbies and what kind of activities you would like us to support you in setting up. The names and addresses of your friends and family members you wish to keep in touch with, so we can give you support in contacting them and let them have your new address, inviting them to visit if you wish.

Your Pathway Plan will include what your current situation is, for example, are you currently at college or further education? in contact with your family and friends? and what independence skills you wish to achieve during your stay with us. This will all be set out so it is easy to follow and your goals and achievements will be recognised at your next review.

The home provides regular services for all our young people. Here is a brief outline of what these are:

Computer Facilities

You will be able to create your own email address and write and receive emails from your family and friends. Learn new computer skills. A policy for Internet use is in your welcome pack. Computer times are at the staffs discretion, all computer usage will be logged and rules of computer usage abided by.
 
Counselling

We have access to a qualified children’s counsellor who you can make an appointment with if you so wish. So if you wish to speak to someone other than your key worker or personal adviser then please ask a member of staff to organise this service for you.
 
Day Trips and Activities

Trips and activities are available to all young people that wish to be involved. You can also put your thoughts and ideas on trips to the staff who will be more than happy to find out information on them. There can be theatre trips, swimming, cinema, theme park trips in the summer and trips to other popular attractions. Trips and activities are to be funded by the young people/local authority.
 
Annual Holidays

We can help you plan and organise your annual holiday, whether it is going abroad or a short break away in the UK.
 
Cooking Skills

Cooking Classes will be available for all the young people. There will be Staff supervision whilst using the kitchen facilities during these classes.
 
Independent Living Skills Assessment

All young people will partake in Bridging the Gaps ILSA in preperation for moving onto independence.
 
Moving On From BTG

 When it is time for you to leave BTG to move on into independence, we will work with you to help you in finding suitable accommodation. Moving into independence is a big step forward for the future and we hope this will be a fulfilling experience for you.
 
We will support you in moving on positively and successfully, and will arrange with your Social Worker/Keyworker to provide you with an outreach service until you have settled in to your new accommodation or longer if needed.