Meet The Team
Tina
Project Manager
Tina set up Bridges carers service in 2000 alongside other mothers from Stockton-On-Tees. She was aware that there was no dedicated service for carers of substance misuse. As a mother herself she was aware of the difficulty accessing support and the need for carers to get support in their own right. Tina has advocated on behalf of substance misuse carers and their loved ones at local and national levels even contributing to NICE Guidelines and Governmental policy discussion groups. She continues to fight tirelessly for equal opportunities and support for substance misuse carers.
Mandy
Suport Worker
Mandy has been a valued member of the Bridges team since 2009. She specialises in supporting families who are caring for a daily member with a primary narcotic related problem. She has a wealth of experience advocating for families and supporting their loved ones to access treatment and overcome barriers. Mandy believes the best aspect of her job is supporting families through the journey of recovery and helping families to strengthen relationships.
Carole
Grandparent Support Worker
Carole has been a grandparent carer worker for Bridges since 2013. She has previously worked as a carer support worker for clients with mental health issues.
Carole works closely with grandparent/kinship carers and looked after children. She enjoys making a difference to the lives of kinship carers, improving relationships between carers and children and empowering carers who feel that they haven't previously been heard to advocate for their needs.
Suzzette
Help Through Crisis (HTC) Support Worker
Suzzette works with clients who are experiencing crisis in their lives. This can include but is not limited to physical health concerns, substance or alcohol misuse, debt, housing issues, money management issues, benefit problems and mental health problems. She offers advice, guidance, advocacy, representation, signposting and solution focused support. Suzzette enjoys the challenge of supporting clients through crisis and helping make their lives less stressful and more worthwhile.
Glyn
Horticulture Worker
Glyn is Bridges resident Gardner. Glyn helps design, reinvent, educate and maintain client gardens. Glyn enjoys creating beautiful, relaxing spaces where carers can relax and reduce their stress levels. He also enjoys the fact that he is able to help families through reducing the stress and pressure associated with garden upkeep.
Lewis
Apprentice Support Worker
Lewis is our apprentice worker. He is specialising in supporting our young carers offering support, advice, guidance and leading on a programme of fun activities. Lewis enjoys working with young people and helping them to achieve their full potential.
Dawn
Alcohol Counsellor and Support Worker
Dawn has been with Bridges since 2009. She is a qualified counsellor and support worker. Dawn is passionate about client empowerment and is proud that Bridges is client led. She enjoys collaborating with clients to help them work towards and achieve goals to improve their own and family lives.
Andy
Counsellor/ Support Worker
Andy has been with Bridges since 2009. He is has a diploma in Counselling skills and theory and is an accredited CRAFT counsellor. CRAFT theory encourages behaviour change through different techniques and practices that enables carers to support their loved ones to change their behaviour and enter treatment. Andy enjoys helping carers to learn more about drugs/alcohol, help them manage their situations and have a more positive outcome moving forward.
