Jayne Ross keen to bridge over financial threat to Brighton charity
Jayne Ross is keen to beat the financial threat to a respected local charity. Frank le Duc reports
It’s been quite a year for the Bridge. Just over a year ago the popular community centre was threatened with closure as its home in the grounds of the old Falmer High School was about to be demolished and it had nowhere to go. Four months ago it moved into its modern temporary new home. Now it faces a threat much more common to charities and voluntary groups, not just in Brighton and Hove but around the country. Its finances are strained. If they can’t raise enough money, the charity will close.
Chief executive Jayne Ross said: “This year we have a shortfall of about £60,000 because of the costs of moving and because of the reduction in central and local government grants. Our overheads are quite low but it’s still very difficult to cover core costs. We’re funded through Big Lottery type grants. And I’ve managed to find a few contracts. Room hire provides essential income for us. We’d like to do more of that. We’ve got these fabulous new facilities.”
Many of the grants that are available are for capital projects rather than running costs so, like many charities, the Bridge relies on donations. Some come from corporate sponsors and others are small amounts given by individuals locally. A wealthy benefactor who supports the aims and methods of the Bridge is high on Miss Ross’s wish list.
As for the way that the Bridge works, she said: “Some people find it easy to participate in the many forms of learning that are available. But others may lack motivation and confidence, find learning off-putting because of their previous experiences, face financial barriers, lack the additional support they need to access learning, for example if they are not very mobile, suffer mental ill-health or have learning difficulties.
“The Bridge works to create a range of learning opportunities that are delivered in a welcoming, safe and non-judgmental environment. We strive to make those accessible to a diverse range of people by identifying the needs and demands of our learners by providing low-cost opportunities, dedicated information, advice and support and, for those most in need, financial assistance with course fees, materials and childcare. People may access some or all of our services as they are designed to work together in an holistic way.”
While the Job Club is one important part of the mix, courses in pottery and cooking are popular across the generations. Courses aimed at improving reading, writing, maths and computer skills give many people a second chance in adulthood, others such as knitting or playing the piano help attract people back to a supportive learning environment.
There is no doubt about the need for a place like the Bridge but Miss Ross was quick to challenge some of the stereotypes that exist about the area that it serves. She was keen to emphasise the warmth of local people and the strength of the community – or communities, given the clear identities of some parts of the area. The main communities are Moulsecoomb, Bevendean, Coldean, Bates Estate and Saunders Park.
The Bridge’s achievements include:
• Helping more than 100 people back into work since 2009
• Bringing on board up to 100 volunteers a year, all of whom progress either into work, further volunteering or further education
• Providing services for up to 900 people a year with up to 500 attending at least one of the many courses on offer
• Enabling more than 500 people to complete personal learning action plans since April 2011
Miss Ross said: “Learning is such a powerful tool for creating socially inclusive and cohesive communities. We’re about engaging local people to learn whether it’s formally or informally. It’s a great model. And we provide information, advice and guidance.
Miss Ross, 50, and two part-time staff are cutting their hours to bring down the running costs even more – the overall budget is about £250,000 a year – and the Bridge is reliant on volunteers. One of the better known is Brighton and Hove Albion first team coach Charlie Oatway. He became the charity’s new patron last month and the figurehead for the Bridge’s new Reading Coach Scheme.
The scheme aims to build reading skills and confidence with adults tutored, sometimes one-to-one, by experienced volunteer reading coaches. Oatway’s involvement forms part of Albion In The Community’s initiative in the area of education. He said: “I have had my own struggles with literacy and I know that, with the right kind of help, people like me can ultimately win. I’m really pleased to back a local charity that is on the side of those who don’t find reading easy.”
There will be many people, not just in and around Moulsecoomb, who hope that the Bridge makes up the shortfall over the coming months. The imminent closure of Safe and Sorted near by underlines the seriousness of the threat. Miss Ross, a long-time former bank manager, said: “We’re talking to a number of foundations about supporting us. The challenge for charities like us is that we all have to rely more and more on personal donations. We’re also keen to attract philanthropic investors. I would urge anyone who can help us to get in touch.”
www.thebridgebrighton.com
SAFE & SORTED
The Safe and Sorted charity-funded drop-in centre is due to close by the end of this month. It is based at the 67 Centre in Hodshrove Lane, Moulescoomb, and has been helping young people aged 10 to 25 for more than six years. It used to be in Barcombe Road. Its workers give confidential advice and offer support on issues such as sexual health, bullying, education, employment, money, drugs and family-related matters. Two years ago it featured in an episode of the TV programme Secret Millionaire.
The centre has run out of funding and has struggled to find funds over the past few years. It has been on the verge of closure on several occasions but this time it looks as though its doors are to shut for the final time. Rachel Brett, who runs Safe and Sorted, said that it had become harder to find funding, particularly for advice centres.
Councillor Mo Marsh, one of the Labour members for Moulsecoomb and Bevendean, said that the expertise and professionalism of the staff had helped many people and its closure marked a dark day for those who rely on its support. She said: “This is incredibly sad news for the young people of Moulsecoomb and Bevendean and for all the staff on the project who have provided such important support for those in our community. I am particularly frustrated that the Green administration running the council did not see fit to ensure the funding of this vital project.
“This has been a fantastic project for the people of Moulsecoomb and Bevendean which is not just one of the most deprived wards in the county but in the whole country. This was a project that was embedded in the community and trusted by the people.”
Councillor Sue Shanks, a member of the Green administration running Brighton and Hove City Council, pointed out that it was never a council-run service. She said: “It was originally lottery funded. We’ve protected our youth service funding. Last time we did find some extra money to keep it going. And it is now in a council building. Projects like this are absolutely vital. By no means are these places an unnecessary frill. It was an absolutely great project. But we need to have a proper approach to make projects like this sustainable.”
A council spokesman said: “Safe and Sorted was set up to provide advice in Moulsecoomb with National Lottery funding but when that ran out we provided a one-year grant which is now running out. This was a decision in agreement with Sussex Central YMCA and we are working on a plan to ensure young people in this area have the advice and support services they need.”
SAMANTHA LANE
“I had always known a bit about the Bridge. The course brochure always came through my door and I always wanted to do some of their courses. I just never seemed to get round to enrolling, which is a shame really because they always had some great courses.
“Anyway, I was recently told by my lone parent adviser at the DWP (Department for Work and Pensions) that I would be moving on to JSA (jobseeker’s allowance) and asked if I had ever been to the Bridge and that they ran a Job Club there, that it was local to where I live and more convenient for me.
“I agreed to go and they set up an appointment for me with Emily, who is one of the learning and participation workers there. She showed me around and told me a bit about the Job Club. It runs on a Thursday from 10am to 1pm. My first session, I was so nervous about what to expect, at the time I wasn’t looking for work, but I need not have worried as I was instantly made to feel welcome.
“I have been going to the Bridge every week since March. I have even attended an office skills course which I gained an NCFE (National Centre for Further Education) level 1. I am currently enrolled on the IT qualification, interpersonal and initial counselling skills NCFE level 1 and the social media course. I started volunteering at the Bridge in August, I work on reception and I also assist Simon who runs the Job Club every Thursday.
“To sum it up, the Bridge for me is a warm, friendly place with an infectious atmosphere. You help the Bridge and the Bridge helps you. The staff are so lovely and helpful, you end up not wanting to leave and I’m always eager to return. If a permanent job came up, I’d take it with both hands. I’m proud to be part of the team there and think it would be a terrible loss to the community if we lost the Bridge. I hope that never happens. I have a huge amount of respect and adoration for the staff and fellow volunteers as well as the people that use it.”
MRS P
“I first came to the Bridge in 2008. I had retired from work sooner than I planned and I felt very low and discarded and on the scrapheap. My first course was sign language which I took with my daughter. It didn’t take me long to fit in and in that first year I passed the exam and won the Learner of the Year award.
“In the past four and a half years I haven’t looked back. At school I never achieved much although I was willing. Now I have the time I am enjoying learning all over again and have achieved my Level 2 Numeracy and Literacy as well as learning to use a computer and taking dressmaking, art and mindfulness courses.
“The Bridge has given me back my self-respect and I meet all sorts of people from varied walks of life. Nobody is made to feel uncomfortable or different and all abilities are welcome. I have made lots of new friends.
“I now have the opportunity to give something back as a volunteer. When the Bridge started the reading scheme, Yes I Can Read, and were looking for coaches, I jumped at the chance and luckily for me I was accepted. This has been a very rewarding experience for me, seeing my readers’ progress.
“I have also just started helping her gain confidence on the computer. I remember what it was like when I started learning so I feel I can pass on my experiences and hopefully make things a little easier for her too.”
