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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
See the tabs below for answers to some Frequently Asked Questions about the Building Bridges programme. If you have a question which is not answered below, please contact us
What is the Building Bridges programme?
The Building Bridges programme supports people across Swindon and Wiltshire who are facing significant challenges in being able to develop their skills, access education or move towards the world of work. Taking part in the programme is entirely voluntary and all of our advice and support is offered free of charge.
The programme is a partnership of local organisations who are experts at supporting people and giving them the skills and confidence they need to move forward. We work with people on a one-to-one basis to help them address the challenges and barriers they are facing and develop a personalised plan to help them achieve their goals at a pace they are comfortable with.
Each participant will have someone who works with them as a mentor, helping them to access support from across the partnership. These mentors can also work with family members, carers, key workers or other people supporting you if you give us permission – it is entirely up to you.
We understand that there are many factors which affect whether people feel ready to take the next step forwards – this is why we also offer specialist help and support in a number of areas including physical and mental wellbeing, accessing debt and financial advice and help with issues such as transport and childcare.
Is this a voluntary programme?
Yes. Taking part in the Building Bridges programme is entirely voluntary. If you register you can also withdraw at any time.
Is there a cost to take part in the programme?
No, all of our advice and support is offered completely free of charge. The programme is jointly funded by The National Lottery Community Fund and the European Social Fund.
Who can take part in the Building Bridges programme?
In order to take part in the Building Bridges programme you must be unemployed, aged 15 or over and living in Swindon or Wiltshire. You must also have the legal right to work in the United Kingdom in order to take part (including registered refugees).
Please note that we are not able to work with anyone who is employed in any capacity, but we can work with people who are on zero-hours contracts that have not received any income from employment in the last three months
We cannot work with:
- Anyone who is currently in employment (except people on zero-hours contracts who have not had any income from employment in the last 3 months)
- Asylum seekers
- People who are currently in prison
I am on a zero hours contract, can I register to take part?
The programme can only work with people on a zero-hours contract if they have had no income from employment in the last three months.
I am currently in education, can I take part in the programme?
If you are aged 15-18, we may be able to help you if you are having difficulty in engaging with your education, employment or training, or not engaging with them at all. Please talk to us about your specific situation and we will look at how we could help you.
I am currently in employment, can I take part in the programme?
The programme can only work with people who are not currently working.
If you are currently employed you are not eligible to take part in the programme, the only exception to this is people on a zero-hours contract who have not had any income from employment in the last three months.
Will taking part affect the level of benefts I currently receive? (e.g. Jobseekers Allowance)
Unless your circumstances change (e.g. you start working) your benefits payments shouldn’t be affected by taking part in the programme.
Can I refer myself to the programme?
Yes absolutely. If you would like to register yourself to take part in the programme, first check that you meet the eligibility criteria and then apply using this quick and easy online form.
Can I register someone else for the programme?
Yes, we welcome referrals for people who meet the eligibility criteria for the programme. We also ask that you get permission from the person before sharing their details with us. Please use the Building Bridges referral form to register on someone else’s behalf.
Who is funding the Building Bridges programme?
The Building Bridges programme is jointly funded by The National Lottery Community Fund and the European Social Fund.
Which partners are involved in the Building Bridges programme?
There are over 40 partners involved in supporting the Building Bridges programme across Swindon and Wiltshire. The programme is led by managing partner Community First, you can see a full list of Building Bridges programme partners on this website.
What support is available for people with additional needs (e.g. disabilities)?
The Building Bridges programme is designed to support people with multiple, complex needs including disabilities. As such, there is a comprehensive range of support available and our partner organisations have experience working with a range of different needs. Once participants have registered with the programme we will support them to identify what specialist help and support they need.
I am under 16, will I need permission from a parent or guardian to take part?
Yes, if you are under 16 years of age you will need permission from a parent or legal guardian to take part in the programme.
Will I be paid to take part?
No, you will not be paid, however we can offer support towards the cost of transport as well as advice and support with childcare costs.
Will my information be kept confidential?
Information about you will never be shared outside of the programme without your permission. Your information will be kept in a secure database and only members of our team will have access to it. We will not tell anyone else that you are taking part in the programme, but we can work with other people who are giving you support, if you give us permission to.
Should I tell my Work Coach that I am taking part?
Yes, if you are accepted into the programme you should let your Work Coach know. Your Key Worker will give you a letter to share with your Work Coach to confirm you are taking part in the programme.
Take Part
Register yourself or refer someone who you think could benefit from the help and support on offer.
Get in Touch
If you have any questions about the programme please feel free to get in touch with us directly.
