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Top : Jo Tester , centre , with outreach workers from Oakleaf . Above : Lisa , left , Jamie , fourth from left , with BTG team .
understand that complex multiple disadvantage takes time to address , and they support people to make positive life changes , while making sure they don ’ t fall through gaps between services .’
The system can be overwhelming and complex , leading people to become ‘ service weary ’, she continues . ‘ The only targets we aim to meet are those the individuals set for themselves
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themselves when people are seeking support . When the client is ready the workers will help to engage with specialist services at the request and pace of their client .
Bridge the Gap outreach work ers are clinically supervised by a consultant clinical psychologist , and the service follows an evidence-based approach that addresses the degree of childhood , prolonged and on-going trauma that people facing multiple disadvantage experience .
‘ Perhaps the most important thing to remember is that a lot
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‘ The programme focuses on a person ’ s strengths , rather than their issues and complexities . By taking a traumainformed strengthbased approach , the service sees beyond a client ’ s presentation ...’
of early trauma is relational ,’ says Byrne . ‘ It can have occurred at the hands of people who can sometimes be in positions of power or were caregivers of some kind . Those affected by relational trauma often need to engage in effective relationships to access the care , support , and interventions they need . However , the impact of their trauma means they may be the least likely to seek or receive this help and support .’
BTG adheres to the trauma- Informed principles of : safety , trust and transparency , empowerment , voice and choice , collaboration , intersectionality and respect for diversity and peer support . By doing this the service aims to provide a personled service , as far as is possible , which is always genuinely person-centred .
This approach means the person ’ s own language and preferences are used , and there is no reliance on diagnostic labels or definitions to access
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support from Bridge the Gap .
‘ My story , strengths and hopes ’ is a Bridge the Gap psychological approach to capture and understand an individual ’ s story , strengths and goals . This formulation model is then utilised to inform their outreach support plan , including ways in which they and others can promote keeping them safe and well . It provides a means of capturing the key details of conversations with clients , ensuring their strengths and priorities are known and can be shared with other services . This is used as a passport and guide when engaging with other services to ensure the support provided aligns with their personal goals .
The VCSE consortium , in partnership with Changing Futures Lived Experience and Recovery in Action , has coproduced this human learning system approach that continues to evolve . Jamie Poole , lived experience project manager for the Changing Futures programme with Surrey County Council , said his own lived experience has helped to shape the person he is today . ‘ Having accumulated more than 18 years of experience in recovery , and through my work in the fields of addiction , mental health , criminal justice , and housing , I have leveraged both my personal experiences and professional knowledge to assist others ,’ he says . ‘ The value lived and living experience brings to the conversation when designing and commissioning community services cannot be underestimated .’
To find out more about Surrey ’ s Bridge the Service contact Lisa Byrne , Changing Futures programme manager - lisa . byrne1 @ surreycc . gov . uk
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