Referrals - The Bridge

The Bridge can provide support to anyone who has experienced rape or sexual assault at any time in their lives

If someone has experienced rape or sexual assault within the last 8 days, or your enquiry is urgent, it is best to contact The Bridge via telephone, we will then be able to provide the best advice based upon their situation.

You can contact The Bridge via telephone on 0117 342 6999, our number is answered 24/7, 365 days a year by one of our expert team.

If someone has experienced rape or sexual assault over 8 days ago, you can follow the steps below to make a referral.

Making a referral to The Bridge

Before making a referral to The Bridge, please ensure you have the client’s informed consent
Download our referral form (on the right hand side of this page)
Complete the form with as much detail as possible
Return the form securely to our secure email: TheBridge@UHBW.nhs.uk
If you do not have a secure email or are unsure how to return the completed form, please call us on 0117 342 6999

Once The Bridge receives the referral, we will make contact with the client to discuss the support we can offer and arrange.

When did this happen?

Less than 8 days ago?

More than 8 days ago?

Your choices

I do not want to report to the police

Call The Bridge on 0117 342 6999
A Crisis Worker will listen to what has happened to you and explain how we can help
We can arrange for a Doctor or Nurse to examine you, to check you are ok and look for forensic evidence*, if this is what you choose to go ahead with
We will store forensic samples for 2 years. If you decide to report to the police, the samples can be used as evidence in their investigation
You can have an examination even if you have already washed, although there may be more DNA evidence on your body, if you feel able to wait until after an examination
We will make sure that your sexual health is looked after
We can give you emergency contraception if needed
We will offer you practical and emotional support, including counselling, and will arrange this support for you

*Forensic timescales vary (this means that for different types of assault, there are different lengths of time that we can look for DNA evidence, ring The Bridge on 0117 342 6999 to discuss how we can help you and your situation).

I want to report to the police

Call the police on 101 or 999
A Specially Trained Officer will come to speak with you
The Officer may call The Bridge to arrange for a Doctor or Nurse to examine you, to check you are ok and to look for forensic evidence*
You can have an examination even if you have already washed, although there may be more DNA evidence on your body if you feel able to wait until after an examination
We will make sure that your sexual health is looked after
We can give you emergency contraception if needed
After you leave The Bridge, an Independent Sexual Violence Adviser can support you with the police investigation
We will offer you practical and emotional support, including counselling, and will arrange this support for you

I do not want to report to the police

Call The Bridge on 0117 342 6999.
A Crisis Worker will listen carefully and supportively to understand what happened to you, when it happened and what your situation is now
The Crisis Worker will explain what support is available to you and help you to decide on your next steps
You do not have to tell the Crisis Worker your name or contact details unless you choose to.
If you do give us your name and contact details, the Crisis Worker will help to arrange any support that you decide you want
The support we can arrange includes sexual health care, advocacy and counselling

I want to report to the police

Call the police on 101 or 999
A Specially Trained Officer will come to speak with you
The Officer will give The Bridge your details and ask us to contact you to offer you support
The Officer will arrange for you to complete a video interview
An Independent Sexual Violence Advisor can support you when you meet with the police for this interview. If you have not heard from an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor before your interview, talk to your allocated police officer or call The Bridge
Other support that The Bridge can arrange includes sexual health care and counselling

Resources

Help and guidance if you’re a professional and a patient or client has disclosed to you.

Contact Us

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Experiences

All the staff have been so friendly and welcoming, and very kind. I was supported from the very first contact, and overall, could not have gone through the past few years without this wonderful service. A major asset to our NHS service, and one that I hope is able to reach as many individuals as need it.