Communication & Confidence

Bridge of Hope

Bridge of Hope is a health and wellbeing service of Ashton’s Health & Wellbeing Department. We support individuals affected by the conflict, those experiencing poor physical and emotional health and individuals impacted by suicide and self harm.

We deliver services from our two wellbeing centres at Wellbeing department and works from two bases in North Belfast – McSweeney Centre close to Carlisle Circus and Alliance Avenue. Our mission is “To empower and promote positive change for victims and survivors through delivery of quality health and wellbeing services”. Support includes:

• Complementary Therapies including massage & reflexology

• Life Coaching

• Counselling and Psychological Services

• Accredited VTCT Training

• Troubles Permanent Disablement Pension Scheme support

• Personal Development courses in stress management, resilience and mindfulness

• Health and Wellbeing Caseworker support.

The Bridge of Hope team strive to ensure the highest quality services for our service users. We offer a BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) Accredited counselling service.

BACP accreditation is a recognised quality standard for counselling and psychotherapy services. This service accreditation demonstrates that we offer an accountable, ethical, professional and responsive service to clients, staff, volunteers and stakeholders. 

All of our services are designed to help manage and reduce stress, and encourage the development of positive, healthy and resilient lives. They also encourage exploration of the causes and effects of conflict, dealing with the past and social justice issues. Our services are person-centred and based on the theory that no single approach will suit everyone.

All services are monitored and outcomes recorded. We support people through a range of funding streams made possible by the Victims & Survivors Service, Belfast Health & Social Care Trust (BHSCT) and Public Health Agency. We are a Primary Care Talking Therapies provider delivering services to meet the needs of individuals who are experiencing common mental health problems.

We are based in North Belfast where 577 conflict-related deaths occurred and thousands of people were physically & psychologically injured. Statistically, the highest number of conflict deaths took place in areas of high deprivation. North & West Belfast are highest regionally for deprivation and poor health outcomes.

North Belfast death rates to cancer, suicide and alcohol are historically high in comparison to regional levels. North Belfast also has the highest level of peace walls and conflict continues here.

Since 2001 over 36,000 people have accessed our wellbeing services.

Our core staff team is supplemented by a team of sessional practitioners who are Access NI checked and registered with the professional bodies including: British Association of Counsellors and Psychologists (BACP), Association of Coaching (AC) and Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT). We adhere to Keeping Adults and Children Safe policies. Staff and practitioners are Mental Health First Aid qualified.

Values

• Open – We are available to anyone.

• Respect – We respect everyone’s journey

• Together – We’re stronger in partnerships and collaborations

• Responsive – We listen and are accessible.

• Trustworthy – We act with integrity

• Victim-centred – We are empathetic and understanding of the impact of the conflict. This guides our work and informs decisions

• Best Practice – We adhere to best practice at all times.

• Quality – Our services are of the highest standard.

Bridge of Hope operates in line with the General Data Protection Regulations 2018. This means we treat your information with respect and in accordance with the law. If you would like further information on this please click below to read our Privacy Statement.