A New Lifeline
“Bridge to Freedom is not just for supporting people dealing with their addictions. Yes, it’s helped me stay off the alcohol, but it’s so much more than that.”
Pictured: Jamie, Recovery & Resettlement Worker at Bethany Christian Trust
Last year, our Community Support and Development East team have supported over 700 people with ranging issues that could lead to homelessness (such as addiction, isolation and loneliness) by providing a safe space to connect.
In Edinburgh and Gorebridge, people in recovery are assisted with support and belonging through the Bridge to Freedom (BtF) programme.
In addition to our weekly recovery groups and one-to-one sessions, our Recovery Worker has also arranged successful social outings including bowling, visiting the Christmas markets and rides, enjoying a meal together and going go-karting.
These moments provided opportunities for our participants to engage in activities that they wouldn’t normally do and strengthened relationships within the group.
Jake has been attending our Bridge to Freedom recovery group in Gorebridge for the last few years. He’s shared a little about what the group means to him:
“For me, BtF, it’s a lifeline. I’m enjoying living again. It’s a space where I can be open, it’s safe and we’re encouraging and strengthening each other; it’s like a family and has given me new social and support networks.
As a result of connecting in with other groups at the church, I’ve now been given the keys to the church and am part of the maintenance team. That would never have happened a few years ago! I’ve got a routine and responsibilities I could never have imagined.
It’s affected other areas of my life too. I’m more honest with my doctors now and I don’t keep things from them anymore. Forgiving myself has been the hardest thing, but Joe and BtF have helped me receive that gift. Bridge to Freedom is not just for supporting people dealing with their addictions.
Yes, it’s helped me stay off the alcohol, but it’s so much more than that.
As soon as I start being dishonest, things start slipping. I need to be vulnerable and honest, and this group has given me the skills to do that. It gives you a purpose, as well as the social side and helping with well-being.
I didn’t think I had a purpose in the past, but that’s all changed now. It’s a lifeline for me and my family as they feel supported when they see my progress and recovery. I can never say enough good things about BtF. It’s such a beautiful thing.”