General Parameters

General Parameters
Bridging the Gap will not normally fund childcare independently of support from other partners and agencies.The maximum support available, at present, to an individual client is limited to £250.00.
The financial support provided might cover a range of needs including: * Childcare * Travel * Equipment / Tools * Fees – courses/associations/etc * Books * Clothing – protective/interview/etc * Luncheon Vouchers The maximum of £250.00 is to cover any of the above items. If we pay £250.00 childcare this will obviously ‘prevent’ further support being provided for other items from the list. If we hope to provide on-going support over a period of time it would seem sensible to restrict the level of funding for childcare to allow for additional provision in the future. Where possible childcare should be limited to 50% of the total cost and related to a fixed period to achieve an outcome. E.g. Short college courses, work experience, job interviews. If the individual is making a contribution themselves, however small, this will also benefit the case!	If other partners, in particular college access funds, are providing support this will also be considered an advantage. Apart from the reduction in financial commitment it probably indicates the provision of other support resulting in a more holistic approach. Childcare funding will only be available whilst the beneficiary is undertaking activities supported by BtG. Payments will normally be made on a monthly basis subject to receipt of an invoice and confirmation of the hours of childcare provided. Childcare (Employment Support) During the wage subsidy period a contribution of up to 25% towards childcare might also be available for a maximum period of 10 weeks. (Up to 50% might be available if support is limited to the first 4 weeks). This allowance will be applied with "Working Families Tax Credit" in mind.

How to contact us.

Initial contact should be made via the main office by telephone or through referral by another support organisation.

Bridging the Gap, Brunswick Court, Brunswick Square, Bristol, BS2 8PE
Tel: (0117) 970 5820
Fax: (0117) 942 6763
Email: contact@bridging.org.uk

Hours of contact are as follows:

Monday – Friday, 9.00am – 5.00pm

A voice-mail service is available outside normal working hours or when the office is not staffed. We will respond to any messages left within 2 working days.