The Bridge Trust provides action and support for single homeless people in West Kent, bringing hope to those who feel they have run out of options. It seeks to do so within the ethos of the Christian faith, but is open to those of all faiths and those of none. The Bridge Trust also seeks to provide suitable accommodation with support to those in need, and in particular the single homeless, to create a bridge between homelessness and independent living, and a bridge between the Statutory and Voluntary sectors.

The Bridge Trust was formally registered as a charity in October 1991 and incorporated in 1995. Since that time it has received nearly 5,000 referrals and has accommodated over 850 people in its houses.

FACT: 57% of all homelessness is caused by some form of domestic or relationship break-up. The high cost of housing particularly in the West Kent area is grossly out of proportion to the average income of people in the area.

Through a Volunteer Co-ordinator, a Street Team Project running four nights a week, 52 weeks a year operates in a central Tunbridge Wells car park. Over 30 dedicated volunteers supply not only food but if asked support and practical assistance to the street homeless.

The Bridge Trust opened an Advice Centre in 1999, which is unique in the area as it deals specifically with single homeless people. Since opening, it has averaged over 350 referrals each year. Acting as an independent and impartial advice centre, the staff have many years' experience between them dealing with homelessness and housing issues. The Advice Centre also acts as the first line of assessment for the Trust's own houses.

The Trust particularly seeks to re-establish communication between all involved parties, through a mediation process. It has found that this can help to prevent homelessness or delay it, enabling someone to make plans for alternative accommodation, with particular success with young people and their parents/carers.

FACT: 5% of homeless people sleep rough. The other 95% are ‘hidden homeless’ staying wherever they can and with no permanent, secure and safe place to live.

As of 2007, the Trust owns four houses accommodating up to 20 people, each of whom has their own Support Worker assigned to them. Together they look at other issues that include the resident's physical, emotional and mental state of health, finances, training, education and job prospects. As part of the support plan for the tenants, the Trust seeks to help them secure more permanent housing through local Housing Associations. With the ‘Supported Move On’ project, each tenant will continue to receive support from the Trust as required, for a period of up to two years. This is key to ensuring a sustainable tenancy is established.

The Bridge Trust also operates two homeless charity shops and a Furniture Warehouse. These provide valuable revenue for the Trust, but equally as important, provide furniture and household items for residents  of the Trust's houses who are ready to move into their own homes. These operations are very reliant on, and greatly appreciative of, donations of household items and furniture.

Whilst the Trust receives some funding through housing and support charges, it still needs to raise about 40% of its income through its shops and grants, fund-raising events and donations.

(Material provided by The Bridge Trust)

For further information, visit the website of The Bridge Trust or contact them on 01732 368363.