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| Working Practices | |
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Bridging the Gap (BtG) is a demonstration project established in January 1999 to provide holistic and innovative support for unemployed people in the Bristol area who are facing barriers to gaining employment. |
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funding from various sources, including ESF Objective 2 & 3, the
project works with people aged 18 to 64 who are currently unemployed.
For a list of criteria that clients must come under to benefit from
BtG services, view our Eligibility Page. BtG consists of two Community Support Team Leaders, five Community Support Workers (CSW), each allocated to a particular part of Bristol, a Team Administrator, Clerical Assistant and Chief Executive Officer. The five CSWs are outreach workers who meet up with our ‘clients’ in a suitable venue nearby their place of residence. This might be a community organisation, library, local café or anywhere else suited to a one to one meeting. Generally our clients are referred through partners and other support agencies which have been briefed on the service we offer. Otherwise, clients come to us via word of mouth or drop-in sessions run by CSWs at various community venues. The support offered to our clients depends on their situation. If a client wants to return to employment then BtG offer advice and guidance regarding the type of work available. Additionally support for specific training can be provided. As most courses are free to unemployed people, we are able to offer limited financial support for travel expenses, childcare costs, books and other small items of equipment, etc. |
If a client needs more support in order to enable them to train or get a job BtG offers an ongoing level of personal support from an identified CSW in addition to identifying other support organisations which may be better equipped to work with the client, e.g. to provide support relating to drug and alcohol dependency. BtG is also able to offer support for clients wishing to enter into self-employment. The same support applies as with employment opportunities except that help is available for start up costs. It is a condition of our support that the client prepares a substantive business plan, with the assistance of one of a number of organisations providing support business planning. BtG cover the costs associated with producing this plan. In an attempt
to ensure that employment is sustainable, where appropriate BtG
will stay in contact with both the client and the employer for up
to six months. Throughout this period we can offer support and advice
on Human Resource Development issues (including training issues),
assist clients to settle into post, support supervisory staff and
aid the mediation process, should this be necessary. |
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