Bridge the Gap Child Mental Health C.I.C., based on St Mary’s Gate in Derby city centre, has created the fund to subsidise its services for families who may otherwise struggle to meet the cost of private support.
The money was raised during a fundraising gala at Vaillant Live in March, organised by Bridge the Gap founders and directors Jennifer Wyman and Nikki Webster, alongside the wider team and supporters.
Jennifer said the fund had been created after seeing first-hand the impact financial pressures can have on families seeking help for their children.
“Having to turn away families who need support because of financial barriers is heartbreaking, which is why we created the Family Support Fund,” she said.
“Alongside our community work, we run a successful paid-for service, but we recognise that private support is not financially accessible to every family.
“This fund will enable more primary-school-aged children who are beginning to struggle to access early, relational support.”
The support is designed to help children better understand and manage their emotions, develop emotional resilience and learn skills that can benefit their mental health throughout their lives.
Jennifer added: “Early intervention should be available to every child who needs it. Emotional health must be a priority for our children, and we want to reach families before their difficulties escalate or they reach crisis point.”
Supporting Derby families since 2017
Bridge the Gap is an award-winning, not-for-profit community interest company which has supported thousands of children, parents and carers since it was established in Derby in 2017.
The organisation provides personalised emotional literacy and mental health support, with programmes designed around the individual needs of each child.
Its work has also been recognised nationally, with Bridge the Gap receiving The King’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award given to local voluntary groups in the UK.
Alongside its direct work with children, the organisation works with schools and other organisations, providing parents, carers and professionals with the knowledge and confidence needed to better understand and respond to children’s emotional needs.
Nikki Webster, a registered mental health nurse and Clinical Director at Bridge the Gap, said the organisation was incredibly proud of what had been achieved through the gala.
“We would like to thank every person and organisation who supported us,” she said.
“The Family Support Fund will help children and families who would find it difficult to meet the full cost of our services.
“It will contribute towards one-to-one emotional literacy and mental health support, enabling more children to receive the right help at the right time.”
Nikki explained that Bridge the Gap’s programmes are carefully paced around each individual child.
“They give children a safe space to understand what they are experiencing and develop skills that can provide strong foundations for their future emotional wellbeing,” she added.
How Derby families can apply
Families interested in receiving support through the new fund are invited to contact Bridge the Gap and explain their circumstances and the support their child requires.
Applications will be considered according to the child’s individual needs, the family’s circumstances and the funding available.
Jennifer, who has worked with children and families for more than 25 years and has recently been shortlisted as a finalist in the Charity Champion category of the Best Businesswomen Awards 2026, said financial barriers should never prevent a child from receiving support.
“We never want finances to be the only reason a child cannot receive help,” she said.
“Financial pressures can add to the strain families are already experiencing and this fund will allow us to make our support more accessible.
“Being able to turn the generosity shown that evening into meaningful support for local families means everything to us.
“Our motto at Bridge the Gap is that every child should feel hope. As a city, we need to show up for our children and let them and their families know that support is available.”
Families can find out more about the Bridge the Gap Family Support Fund, including how to apply for subsidised support, at www.jwbridgethegap.com.