History
Visionary and caring volunteers launched the Bridge Project back in 1983, with the aim of providing practical support to users of street drugs in Bradford. Government funding was secured for two counsellors, a co-ordinator, an administrator, an information officer, plus a training officer.
The following year, staff continued to provide advice, counselling and information for drug users and their families. They also provided awareness training to others working with drug users. A rehabilitation hostel was opened and a community-based solvent user advice worker appointed. Sadly, withdrawal of funding in the early 1990s meant the hostel had to close – a graphic demonstration of the ever-present concern about financial backing.
In 1997, Bridge moved to its present home in Salem Street and built on its expertise to develop specialist advice and information, a harm reduction service and needle exchange. Complimentary therapies were introduced as an innovative way to help users detoxify.
And for the first time, clients could look further than becoming drug free, as a training unit for them was opened.
By 1998 Lottery funding enabled Bridge to set up a separate service for young users and their families; for the first time a substitute prescribing programme was set up for this age group.
Over the next few years, a gym was installed– in cellars beneath the treatment areas, a Dual Diagnosis worker was employed to provide substitute prescribing to people with mental health problems not in touch with mainstream services and a specialist Hepatitis C worker joined the team. Specialist services for women drug users followed together with a post dedicated to working with homeless men. And in 2004 another building, 4 Hallfield Street, was purchased so that we could develop an independent Stimulant Service.