Programme Menu
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 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?
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?
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)
Can I refer myself to the programme?
Can I register someone else for the programme?
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 a variety of 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)?
I am under 16, will I need permission from a parent or guardian to take part?
Will I be paid to take part?
Will my information be kept confidential?
Should I tell my Work Coach that I am taking part?
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.
