We are The Bridge (East Midlands). Working for the community since 1993, we deliver a number of specialist housing related advice, support, and assistance services and accommodation options to homeless and vulnerably housed people across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
Vision
"Resilient, compassionate communities where individuals thrive in safe and secure homes"
Values
Respect: we have a commitment to fairness and equality. We acknowledge an individual's worth, needs, beliefs and their right to make their own choices.
Quality: we have a commitment to delivering excellence; providing a high standard of services with a person centred approach.
Partnership: we work together and with others to create trusting and positive relationships which enhance the delivery of services for the benefit of the community.
Empowerment: we encourage clients and staff to develop their existing skills and knowledge. We help to build self-confidence and increase opportunities to make positive contributions.
Positivity: we have an optimistic attitude and approach which is focussed upon identifying innovative solutions for all.
Mission
"To develop sustainable housing solutions for individuals and communities through partnership, empowerment and good practice"
Nash Chhatralia
Chief Executive Officer
Anna
Head of Programmes & Services
Mark
Services Manager
Jess
Business Development & Fundraising Manager
Grace
Services Manager
Gill
Mediator
Damien
Services Manager
Nozi
Specialist Housing Advisor
Sue
Triage Worker
Penny
Executive and Business Administrator
Sue
Tenancy Relations Officer
Molly
Accommodation Advisor
Marley
Specialist Housing Advisor
Clare
Outreach Officer
Tammie
Housing Triage Worker
Louise
Supported Lettings Officer
Nicola
Finance and Operations Manager
Rina
Mediator
Jess
Accommodation Advisor
David
Outreach Officer
Trisha
Housing Triage Worker
Jay Webb
Chair
Jay is the Managing Director of a HR and IT Consultancy company. She has over 30 years HR and management experience including 9 years as Head of HR in a local authority Social Care environment. Jay is a Chartered Member of the CIPD. An avid networker throughout the Leicestershire area, she supports many local charities and businesses in the UK.
David Sims
Vice Chair
David has a background in the chilled food industry, including being Chief Executive of a PLS and for the last 15 years running his own business. Ten years as a trustee at Nottinghamshire Housing Association has given David an insight into the problems around homelessness. In his own time, David is now a keen golfer and treasurer of the village cricket club.
Richard White
Trustee
Richard was employed in education for over 40 years, working as a lecturer and manager in Further Education and then for local authorities as an Inspector/Adviser and most recently, oftsted. He is also a local primary school governor and trustee of a charity providing opportunities for disadvantaged young people. Richard is actively engaged in a local church community and enjoys golf, walking with his wife and singing.
Ashiedu Joel
Trustee
Ashiedu is the founder of Ashioma Consults, a management consultancy and training establishment. Prior to this, she worked in the Public Sector in various capacities within Housing Management. She is an experienced event’s organiser and is actively engaged within her local community, representing various forums. She is also presently the engagement lead within her local community church.
Bhavna Patel
Trustee
Bhavna is a Health and Well-being consultant, and works as a Life Coach. Her mission is to identify the underlying causes of an individual’s problems, before finding solutions to help centre their physicality and emotions, whilst improving their well-being. Bhavna has a short-lived experience of homelessness and how the 'Unknowing of tomorrow' feels. She believes that this personal knowledge and life experience will enable her to bring that experience to the Board in supporting The Bridge.
Joe Warwick
Trustee
Joe is a Business Development Manager at Dalycom, a Loughborough based telecoms company. In his previous career he was the Health and Fitness Manager at Nottingham Forest working in the community with disadvantaged children and adults. He has worked in a number of management roles in local and national businesses and is passionate about giving back to charities and the community.
Gary Beharrell
Trustee
Gary has been involved in the voluntary sector for over 40 years as a volunteer, trustee and staff member working in local communities in Hull and Newcastle. He has also managed the students volunteering and supported the Loughborough Winter Shelter in its set up. Gary has been in grant management and assessment for over 20 years and brings to the Board a broad range of knowledge and expertise in the sector ranging from governance to finances.
Halinka Hepworth
Trustee
Halinka has over 25 years HR experience including 10 years as Head of HR for a social housing provider. She is a Chartered Member of the CIPD and a Registered Member of the BACP.
