In my New Year’s message I expressed my confidence that Bridge would be successful in securing the Bradford Adult Substance Misuse and Recovery Service Contract. Today I am delighted to announce that in partnership with change, grow, live (CGL) and Project 6 we have been awarded the contract which will commence on 1st October 2017.
Bridge has proudly delivered services in Bradford for over 30 years and we look forward to continuing to serve the needs of our community. We have confidence in our partners and a strong and cohesive vision that will ensure service users continue to receive high quality, person centred care that inspires hope and recovery. Our priority over the coming months will be support our staff and service users through the changes and to ensure the transition is managed as smoothly as possible. You can read more about the new partnership on the CGL website by clicking here.
Whilst it’s always a joy to share the positive developments at Bridge such as winning tenders and funding I have some other news that isn’t so great! Unfortunately I am announcing that Forks café has ceased to trade from 30th May.
Forks has provided work experience and training to our clients since October 2014 and has become one of Bradford’s most popular and respected cafes. We have a loyal customer base, fantastic and dedicated staff, volunteers and trainees and the expectations we had when we set out on this journey have been exceeded. Our business model has always been dependent on external funding, as the costs associated with providing a training venue for people with complex needs far exceeds the turnover of even a successful commercial café. Unfortunately, due to central government cuts this funding is no longer available and consequently Forks has become financially unsustainable.
We will continue to provide work placements and traineeships to our beneficiaries in a modified format by transferring operations to our other café venue the Vault. I would like to thank all those who have supported us, given us their custom and contributed to the Forks success. We are proud of Fork’s achievements, especially the many trainees who have gone on to find employment and whose lives have been enriched.
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