A Farewell to Friar Gate, A New Beginning Awaits

As we step into a new academic year, change is in the air at Bridge the Gap. After four incredible years at Friar Gate, it’s time to say goodbye to a space that has become so much more than just walls and rooms. It’s a bittersweet moment because endings are never easy—they stir up a huge bucketful of emotions.

Over the years, we’ve transformed this space into a sanctuary where both children and adults could find comfort and safety. We designed it to soothe the nervous system the moment you walk in, to be a place where you feel safe before you even begin to lean about, explore and process your thoughts and feelings.

Our time at Friar Gate wasn’t just about providing a service; it was about creating opportunities. Early on, we were able to offer jobs to passionate individuals who shared our vision of supporting children and families which created opportunities for children to access early support.

By focusing on emotional literacy and linking our work to what we know supports healthy child development, we’ve proven that early intervention leads to significantly better outcomes. The earlier we can support a child in understanding and managing their emotions, the more we can normalise emotions and challenges, the greater the impact we can have on their life trajectory.

I remember when in 2020 we began our 'premises journey', visiting our very first premises on Uttoxeter Road with my mum and dad; I was so nervous about the commitment. The small rent of £400 per month felt like such a huge financial leap for Bridge the Gap at that time. Nikki was still juggling her NHS role alongside Bridge the Gap, and when I called her, she said, "Let's just do it!" That simple mantra of hers—"Let's just do it"—has carried us through so many challenges and helped us take the risks needed to grow.

Getting the keys to our first premises at College Business Centre, Uttoxeter Road, Derby.

Moving to Friar Gate was another one of those leaps. The rent was higher, the stakes were greater, but we knew it was the right move. And oh, what a journey it has been! We've hosted everything from training sessions to 1:1 support, group activities, workshops for both adults and children, and parent empowerment sessions. This space has witnessed so much love, care, and community building. But now, as we prepare to leave, I can’t help but feel the weight of this ending.

Yet, with every ending comes a new beginning. Just as we created a welcoming environment here, we’ll do the same in our new space. Over the past few weeks, I’ve spent countless hours painting, sanding, and imagining what our new home will become. It’s twice the size of what we have now, with room for so much more—a café, more group sessions, more community events, and even a sensory room to help children who live in a world that can often feel overwhelming.

One of the things I’m most excited about is our new twice-weekly morning walk-in sessions for parents. We want to create a space where parents can come with concerns for their child's mental health, behaviour, self-esteem or wellbeing, with or without their children, to feel heard without the need for an appointment. It’s part of our commitment to early intervention—a key principle in our work. As Lisa Cherry often says, "Early intervention isn’t just about what you do—it’s about how you do it." We believe in the power of connection and belonging, and we’re building a space that embodies that belief.

Dr. Bruce Perry’s work emphasises the profound impact that our environment has on our nervous system. When we walk into a space that feels safe and calming, our bodies naturally begin to relax and our minds are better equipped to process and engage. This is why creating a soothing, non-clinical atmosphere has always been at the heart of what we do. Our new space will continue this tradition, ensuring that everyone who walks through our doors feels the comfort and safety that is so crucial to healing and growth.

We also have long-term plans to open our café to the community next year and create an alternative provision for post-16s who have struggled with traditional education. Whether they’ve been excluded from school or faced mental health challenges that made attending difficult, we want to provide them with a safe space to learn, grow, and feel valued. We want them to know that their city cares about them, their contributions, and who they are.

As I reflect on opening my laptop back in 2017 to write my first parent workshop under the Bridge the Gap banner, I remember the vision I had—to create something in the heart of the city that could truly improve children’s lives. Something that, had it been available to myself as a child, might have prevented so much trauma and illness. We are making that vision a reality—not just me, but all of us. Nikki, our incredible team, both past and present, and you, the community stakeholders, have all played a part in this journey.

So, as we prepare to welcome you into our new space, we do so with hearts full of gratitude and excitement. We promise to continue fighting for the funding we need to sustain this service and keep making a difference in the lives of children and families. Because Derby Cares isn’t just an event—it’s a feeling we want every young person in our city to have.

We did it, Nik. We have our café, our community space, and in it, we’ll help children know that they matter, that they are loved, and that they are not alone.

With love,

Jennifer

You can help us to make sure children know that Derby Cares.

FROM MONDAY SEPTEMBER 23RD 2024 BRIDGE THE GAP WILL BE LOCATED AT 10/11 ST. MARY'S GATE, DERBY DE1 3JR

Support our Crowdfunder and read more about the move here

Appendix:

1. Dr. Bruce Perry on the Impact of Environment on the Nervous System:Perry, B. D. (2009). Born for Love: Why Empathy is Essential–and Endangered. Harper.

2. Lisa Cherry on Early Intervention:Cherry, L. (2021). Conversations that Make a Difference for Children and Young People: Relationship-Focused Practice from the Frontline. Pavilion Publishing and Media Ltd.

3. Evidence Supporting Emotional Literacy and Child Development Outcomes:Treisman, K. (2017). A Therapeutic Treasure Box for Working with Children and Adolescents with Developmental Trauma: Creative Techniques and Activities. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.