Sudbury social enterprise The Bridge Project set to shut after 30 years as financial pressure takes toll

A long-standing Sudbury charity, which supports some of the area’s most vulnerable residents, will shut this month, after becoming financially unsustainable.

The Bridge Project – a social enterprise for adults with learning disabilities – has announced its closure after 30 years of working in the community.

Trustees confirmed this week that the organisation will cease operating on March 29, and they will now work with other providers to transition services and protect jobs where possible.

Further updates will be provided in due course on the future of meal services, student support and other key programmes.

A statement from The Bridge Project explained that “despite extensive efforts to secure a sustainable future, rising operational costs have made it impossible to continue”.

Specifically, it cited the increasing National Living Wage, rising National Insurance contributions and the broader impact of inflation, as causing costs to outpace income.

Paul Mackman, chairman of trustees, said: “This is an incredibly difficult and heart-breaking decision, but one we have had to make after exploring every possible avenue to keep the charity running.

“There were so many outside factors beyond our control which, sadly, ultimately meant the charity became financially unviable. The financial reality has made it impossible to continue.

“Our absolute priority now is ensuring a smooth transition for our service users and staff, and we are committed to working closely with partners to achieve that.”

It was just four years ago that The Bridge Project told the Suffolk Free Press that they had ‘never been in such a strong position’, since its establishment in 1995.

Having persevered through the Covid-19 pandemic, the charity announced plans to move from its long-time home in Gainsborough Street.

Having outgrown these premises, it reached a lease agreement with AFC Sudbury in 2022, to build a new expanded hub next to the football club’s grounds in Brundon Lane.

But, after construction work began, the site was mothballed in the following months, due to spiralling costs and dwindling funds.

The organisation then managed to secure further grant funding in 2023, in order to complete the project, which was estimated to cost over £1million in total.

However, trustees stated on Monday that the charitable sector was facing ‘unprecedented’ financial pressures, with the Charity Commission reporting 9,500 closures in the last two years.

Mr Mackman paid tribute to all staff, volunteers and supporters who had contributed to The Bridge Project over the last three decades.

“At the heart of The Bridge has always been our incredible team, who have worked tirelessly to support some of the most vulnerable members of our community,” he said.

“Their professionalism and commitment, given so freely, have made an extraordinary difference, and we cannot thank them enough.

“We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported us – our staff, volunteers, funders, and fellow voluntary trustees – whose dedication has kept The Bridge going for as long as possible.

“Your kindness and generosity have meant the world to us, and we are incredibly grateful.”

Babergh District Council confirmed that it would carefully monitor the situation, and would wait to hear from administrators on the future of The Bridge Project’s new building.

In 2023, the authority had approved a £100,000 grant from its community infrastructure levy (CIL) pot, to enable the charity to connect its new hub to utility services.

However, a spokesperson stated that CIL money is only given out upon the completion of work, so only around £28,400 of this figure had been paid

“We have worked closely with the project over the years and know how much their services are cherished, by those who use them, and by the local community who value them,” the spokesperson added.

“That is why we have given them as much practical support as possible.

“We are sorry that the trustees have decided the project is no longer financially viable, and we share the communities’ concern over the collapse.

“We will continue to monitor this situation closely.”