The Bridge Programme is an 8-week Full Time Residential or Day Service

Stage 1: Pre-entry service: Before entering the programme, you will attend a pre-entry service. A group runs twice per week, providing information on what you can expect while in The Bridge. This includes meeting with a professional caseworker and a registered nurse to check on your physical health needs. The sessions cover several different areas. If you have been a Bridge client previously, this will be a short process. If you are new to The Bridge, this will take a little longer.

Stage 2: Support from The Bridge: This starts each day with a spirit lifter and then moves to about three different groups each day. You will also have at least one individual counselling session per week with your caseworker.

Stage 3: Maintaining the Change: After completing the programme, you will graduate and enter Stage 3. This is an onsite support group that is available to you to support your ongoing recovery.

Recovery Church Manukau, Auckland. 16D Bakerfield Place, Manukau City 2104. Tuesdays 7 pm. Phone: (09) 261 0887. No booking is required; just come along. Learn more about Recovery Church

Referral

After you contact the Bridge assessment team, you will be offered an assessment with a caseworker. This will be within five working days of your initial contact.

You will be given an idea of when you can join Stage 1. You may need to provide additional information, e.g. from court or probation, but they will endeavour to make this as quick as possible.

You can call them yourself or be referred by a health provider (GP, DHB, other treatment service), probation, corrections or another external agency. 

What to expect 

Residential programme: 

You will be met by one of their friendly staff and introduced to your caseworker. They will answer any of your questions and ensure that the relevant paperwork is completed. 

Your property will be checked, and you will undertake a test to ascertain your current AOD usage and then proceed to a mihi whakatau (welcoming ceremony) with the existing clients, staff and chaplain.

If you are a residential client, you will be transported to the residence, where a Residential Support Worker will take you to your room where you will be staying. This may be shared with another person. 

Accommodation 

The residential accommodation is separate from the treatment facility and is well-maintained. There are Residential Support Workers available for assistance 24/7. 

Visitors are welcome after 6 pm.