Bridges has provided 150 bus tickets to support people to attend hospital and medical appointments. |
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As part of Shelter’ s Breaking the Cycle scheme, Bridges supports people to open bank accounts – particularly those blocked by lack of ID, unstable housing or previous financial difficulties. |
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Receiving a SIM enables people to check messages daily, upload evidence, respond to requests in real time, stabilise income and engage with support. |
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What Bridges is doing is replicable. It relies on partnerships, modest flexible funding, and a willingness to see‘ practical help’ as a core rather than an add-on. |
have been able to visit regularly – the support reduced distress, preserved connection at a critical time and removed an impossible financial choice.
Others have used bus tickets to attend outpatient appointments, mental health services, or substance use reviews. Importantly, some people reported feeling more willing to attend A & E when unwell, knowing they would not be stranded there if they were assessed and discharged rather than admitted.
‘ They take you in an ambulance, check you over, then you have to walk home’
– KT, 48-year-old male.
This kind of transport support prevents problems escalating. Missed appointments turn into emergencies; emergencies turn into admissions, and admissions
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often trigger housing and safeguarding crises. A bus ticket can halt the spiral early, cheaply, and with dignity.
FINANCIAL EXPLOITATION For people without a bank account in their own name, everyday financial transactions can carry serious risk. Bridges is part of Shelter’ s Breaking the Cycle scheme, which supports people to open bank accounts – particularly those blocked by lack of ID, unstable housing or previous financial difficulties.
The need for this work is stark. Some people supported by Bridges reported that, without an account of their own, they were effectively charged a‘ tax’ of up to 50 per cent to have benefits or wages paid into someone else’ s account. This is not a minor inconvenience; it’ s exploitation in plain sight.
Having a bank account restores control. It allows people to receive money safely, pay bills, budget, and reduce reliance on others who may misuse or withhold funds. From a safeguarding perspective, it reduces exposure to coercion, debt manipulation and financial abuse. From a recovery perspective, it creates stability and predictability – key foundations for change.
Staff have also noted that once people have an account, other barriers begin to fall. Housing applications move forward, employment becomes viable, and people feel more confident managing their own affairs.
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SMALL DOCUMENTS, BIG CONSEQUENCES One of the most underestimated barriers faced by people accessing services is lack of basic identity documentation. Without it, people can be locked out of housing, employment, banking and benefits – often for years.
Birth certificates locally are‘ order online’ only – a further complication for those without data or a bank account. Bridges – through funds from the University Hospitals Tees’ infectious diseases outreach team – has been covering the cost of birth certificates where needed, and the impact has been immediate.
One individual was able to register with a local housing provider for the first time after years of exclusion. Another was able to start work once they could evidence their identity – something that had previously felt out of reach despite motivation and readiness.
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‘ I went to the council to buy a birth certificate as I had a job waiting. They don’ t take cash and you have to order online. I don’ t have a bank card so without this support I would have lost the chance to work’ – JM, 37, male.
For a relatively small financial outlay, the return is significant. A birth certificate can unlock a chain of progress – ID, bank account, housing, employment.
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It also removes a persistent source of shame and frustration.
VITAL WORK None of these interventions are flashy. They don’ t come with complex frameworks or long delivery plans. But they work because they address the reality of people’ s lives.
When someone can’ t get online, can’ t travel, can’ t prove who they are or safely receive money, expecting consistent engagement with treatment or support is unrealistic. By removing these barriers, Bridges is not only supporting individuals but making the whole system work better.
These interventions support dignity, show people that they’ re worth investing in, that their place in society matters, and that recovery does not happen in isolation from poverty, exclusion and inequality.
What Bridges is doing is replicable. It relies on partnerships, modest flexible funding, and a willingness to see‘ practical help’ as a core rather than an add-on.
In a sector under intense pressure, let’ s remember that sometimes the most effective intervention is not another form or referral pathway, but a SIM card, a bus ticket, or a piece of paper that proves someone exists.
SMALL SPEND. BIG CHANGE.
Liam Knowles is project worker at Bridges Family and Carer Service
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