Based on St Mary’s Gate, Bridge the Gap wants to create a Family Support Fund, helping children access free support sessions with expert staff — ensuring money isn’t a barrier when a child needs help.
Founder and director Jennifer Wyman says it’s heartbreaking having to turn families away.
“It really upsets me when we find out that a child can’t access sessions at Bridge the Gap because the family can’t afford it,” she said.
“Early intervention should be available to every young person who needs it… Emotional health has to be a priority for our children, so the Family Support Fund will reach children who need help to understand and navigate their emotions before they reach crisis point.”
Black-tie gala at Vaillant Live to raise funds
Jennifer and director/clinical lead Nikki Webster are aiming to reach the £50,000 target through a fundraising gala on Thursday 26 March, hosted at Vaillant Live.
The formal black-tie evening will be hosted by TV personality Baasit Siddiqui and includes a luxury three-course dinner, with entertainment from special guests:
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Nigel Owens, one of the world’s best-known rugby referees
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Sean Heydon, magician and Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist
Raffle prize and local art showcase
Headline sponsor Jaguar Land Rover will be giving away a unique driving experience for 10 people in a raffle on the night.
The event will also showcase entries from Bridge the Gap’s Walk of Hope art competition. Twelve winning pieces will be displayed at Derby QUAD at the end of April in the Participation Studio.
“Lack of funds shouldn’t mean turning a child away”
Nikki Webster says the need for support is growing — and the fund is about making sure no child is excluded.
She added that, when the organisation is already stretched financially, they sometimes have no choice but to turn families away — and they want to change that.
Bridge the Gap was set up in 2017 and supports hundreds of children and families every month, offering support groups and one-to-one sessions designed to build emotional resilience and help young people navigate life’s challenges.
There are 500 tickets on sale, and businesses are welcome to book
tables of 10. To find out more about the event, visit https://www.derbygaladinner.co.uk
For more information about Bridge the Gap, visit: https://www.jwbridgethegap.com/