Our Story

To complement its harm reduction programmes, Bridge introduced a dedicated abstinence service with the purchase of Unity Recovery Centre in 2007.

Bridge applies the Navigation Model to new services supporting individuals experiencing simultaneous multiple vulnerabilities and deprivations, working closely with statutory and voluntary partners – including MNNS, Lotus, Housing First, MARRS, and MARAC and IOM (both now part of Bradford RESET).

Bridge pilots a recovery housing initiative to meet urgent client housing needs, taking on and subletting tenancies to provide safe, stable homes with wrap-around support. This gave clients security and a foundation for change, laying the groundwork for a trauma-informed housing recovery model that promotes long-term recovery (what is now called Bridge Recovery Home).

Bridge introduced safety measures to keep services running and implemented the Everyone In scheme to house the homeless. To tackle isolation and loneliness we launched ‘Together Talks’ – an inclusive telephone befriending service that continues to this day through the Wellbeing Network.

Bradford’s adult substance provision is retendered. New Vision Bradford becomes the new provider led by Waythrough (then HumanKind) in partnership with Bridge and Project 6 and Humankind.

Bridge continues supporting under-24s concerned about drug or alcohol use through One80 and pilots a Family Navigator service to support families affected by substance use who are pregnant or have children under Child Protection Plans or in foster care.

Bridges integrated navigator and IDVA work — including MARAC and the evaluated perpetrator pilot — with a new behaviour change strand to create a joined-up approach through Bradford RESET that supports victim-survivors and prevents ongoing domestic abuse. These interventions tackle abuse at its source, strengthen collective efforts, and align with policing priorities on violence against women and girls. The Family Navigator pilot is is upscaled supporting more families referred by Bradford Children and Families Trust.

2025 marks a pivotal year for Bridge Recovery Homes, achieving a strong SHIP (Supporting Housing Improvement Programme) rating. Through twin navigator-led roles and trauma-informed tenancy support, we’ve delivered stability and lasting positive change for over 30 people with multiple unmet needs via Bridge or New Vision Bradford pathways. Our housing expertise has further grown through partnerships with trusted provider Waythrough, a Registered Housing Provider, to deliver Bradfords Temporary Accommodation Service and Housing First.