Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) | The Salvation Army Bridge

You are here

Home / Help now / Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Find out about what to expect when you join a programme at the The Salvation Army Bridge
Staff provide client-focused and wrap-around support that addresses individual needs
Visits from whānau and friends are encouraged in the Bridge residential programme
For residential programmes, there are separate accommodation areas for men and women
Length of Stay Link
The length of stay for residential programmes will be different for each Bridge location. Find out more on the locations page
You can expect a clean, warm and safe place to stay if you attend The Bridge residential programme
Why should I choose The Bridge? Link
It is a non-threatening and safe space for people to explore new ways of managing the challenges in their lives
Locations Link
The Bridge is located in 20 locations throughout New Zealand
The Bridge residential programmes offer a variety of activities that encourage physical and emotional wellbeing.
What kind of support and programmes do you provide at the Bridge?

The kinds of services offered will vary at each Bridge centre location. Some Bridge centres offer residential programmes along with community programmes. Others offer the day programme. At each Bridge you can expect:

The kinds of services offered will vary at each Bridge centre location. Some Bridge centres offer residential programmes along with community programmes. 

At each Bridge you can expect:

  • A self-directed approach to recovery. 
  • A comprehensive alcohol and other drugs assessment.
  • A collaborative care plan.
  • 1:1 counselling.
  • Facilitated group sessions.
  • Peer support.
  • Substance withdrawal management support.
  • A culturally safe environment.
  • Seamless, connected pathways of care and support.  
  • Inclusion of family and whānau involvement.
  • Continuing care post-residential treatment.

  • Recovery church.

  • The 12 Steps.

To find out more, please view the information about your nearest Bridge centre or complete our Help Now form.

How do I access The Salvation Army Bridge Services?

You can access the Bridge programme by phoning your local Bridge service. Alternatively, you can complete the online Help Now form here.

You can also access our Bridge programme from other health services.

Find out about your nearest Bridge centre or complete our Help Now form.

Can I refer myself to the Bridge?

Yes, you can. 

Find out about your nearest Bridge centre or complete our Help Now form.

How much do the programmes cost?

Community day programmes are free. 

If you are in receipt of a benefit and qualify for a residential support subsidy a proportion of your benefit will be redirected to the bridge.

If neither of these applies, please contact your nearest Bridge for further advice.

Who is the Bridge for?

We are open to anyone who is experiencing harm from the use of alcohol and/or other drugs. 

Find out about your nearest Bridge centre or complete our Help Now form.

I would like to assistance in other areas of my life. How can you help?

The Salvation Army Bridge can you to access these services at no charge. It is part of our service to support people to find other services that can also assist them.

There are a huge range of services at the Salvation Army that we can help you to access. These are listed here.

  • The Salvation Army Oasis: Support to reduce the harm of gambling in people's life. Support for the gambler and for family, whānau and others being affected by someone else's gambling. 
  • Prison Reintegration Services: Wrap-around support for people to gain vocational training and skills – vital for life after prison.
  • Supportive Accommodation Services: Empowering people to find a home, along with wrap-around support services that enable them to transform their lives.
  • Recovery Church: A welcoming community for people in recovery (from trauma or addiction), who gather together to share their experiences together in a non-judgemental space of spiritual comfort. 
  • Community Finance loans: Helping people on a low income (waged or non-waged) to get out of debt with a low or no interest loan, along with budgeting education
  • Food banks, clothing and furniture: The Salvation Army’s Community Ministries provide emergency clothing, furniture and food donations throughout New Zealand.  
  • Driver mentoring training: A regional programme located in the South Island which upskills and trains marginalised people, including refugees. Who  obtain their driver's licence, leading to greater personal freedom, independence and new opportunities.  
  • Early childhood education centres and youth programmes: Helping children and young people to achieve their potential. 
  • Court chaplaincy: Assistance for court appearances for victims, defendants, witnesses or others in need of non-legal practical support.

In the first instance, make a free call to The Salvation Army Call Centre on 0800 53 00 00 to find out about the services available in your area. 

What does inclusivity look like at the Bridge?

The Bridge welcomes diversity and inclusion by considering culture, age, disability, sexuality and gender identity. If you are wanting to achieve abstinence or reduce the harm of alcohol and other drugs then we are here to help.

Do I need a doctor’s referral to join the Bridge, or can I refer myself?

No, please contact your nearest Bridge centre for further advice.

I don’t want anyone to know about me doing this. Is my attendance of the Bridge confidential?

Yes, the Salvation Army will treat your information in confidence in accordance with privacy legislation. 

Am I allowed to have visitors when I stay?

Yes, we encourage active participation and involvement with your whānau and friends during your stay at the Bridge.