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The Bridge (East Midlands)

About

Hello from the CEO,
Nash Chhatralia...

Welcome to The Bridge East Midlands!

Fundamentally, we believe everybody has the right to a safe, secure home. So, for 30 years, The Bridge has supported local people throughout Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland; working tirelessly to prevent and relieve homelessness.
Our services are free, non-judgmental and confidential, making them a lifeline to local people in housing crisis, who are in need of advice, support, outreach or advocacy.
We are proud to offer support that changes lives for the long-term. We take the time to understand individual’s circumstances, and really address the root causes of their housing instability.
Whether it is food and electric support, family mediation, eviction, tough tenancies or disrepair… 

We are here for all of our housing needs – a friendly face working to empower resilient, compassionate communities.

See Nash's Fundraising Efforts!

We are The Bridge (East Midlands). Working for the community since 1993, we deliver a number of specialist housing related advice, support, and assistance services and accommodation options to homeless and vulnerably housed people across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland..

Resilient, compassionate communities where individuals thrive in safe and secure homes.

To develop sustainable housing solutions for individuals and communities through partnership, empowerment and good practice.

At The Bridge, our values define who we are and guide every interaction, service, and relationship we build. We are committed to fostering a community where everyone feels seen, supported, and empowered to create positive change in their lives. These values shape our work, inspire our team, and drive our mission forward every day.

Respect: We have a commitment to fairness and equality. We acknowledge an individual's worth, needs, beliefs and their right to make their own choices.

Quality: We have a commitment to delivering excellence; providing a high standard of services with a person centred approach.

Partnership: We work together and with others to create trusting and positive relationships which enhance the delivery of services for the benefit of the community.

Empowerment: We encourage clients and staff to develop their existing skills and knowledge. We help to build self-confidence and increase opportunities to make positive contributions.

Positivity: We have an optimistic attitude and approach which is focussed upon identifying innovative solutions for all.

We are The Bridge (East Midlands). Working for the community since 1993, we deliver a number of specialist housing related advice, support, and assistance services and accommodation options to homeless and vulnerably housed people across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

Resilient, compassionate communities where individuals thrive in safe and secure homes.

To develop sustainable housing solutions for individuals and communities through partnership, empowerment and good practice.

At The Bridge, our values define who we are and guide every interaction, service, and relationship we build. We are committed to fostering a community where everyone feels seen, supported, and empowered to create positive change in their lives. These values shape our work, inspire our team, and drive our mission forward every day.

Respect: We have a commitment to fairness and equality. We acknowledge an individual's worth, needs, beliefs and their right to make their own choices.

Quality: We have a commitment to delivering excellence; providing a high standard of services with a person centred approach.

Partnership: We work together and with others to create trusting and positive relationships which enhance the delivery of services for the benefit of the community.

Empowerment: We encourage clients and staff to develop their existing skills and knowledge. We help to build self-confidence and increase opportunities to make positive contributions.

Positivity: We have an optimistic attitude and approach which is focussed upon identifying innovative solutions for all.

Together, we’re dedicated to not only helping individuals but also strengthening the fabric of our community, one person, one family, and one step at a time.

Together, we’re dedicated to not only helping individuals but also strengthening the fabric of our community, one person, one family, and one step at a time.

Our Team

At The Bridge, our team is the heart of everything we do. Each member brings unique skills, experiences, and compassion to the work we undertake, united by a shared commitment to creating positive change within our community. Driven by our core values, we strive to support each person we serve with integrity and understanding.

Nash Chhatralia

Chief Executive Officer

Anna

Head of Programmes & Services

Nicola

Finance and Operations manager

Helen


FUNDRAISING AND PARTNERSHIPS MANAGER

Gill

Mediator

Nozi

Specialist Housing Advisor

Penny

Executive and Business Administrator

Jasmine

STUDENT ACCOMMODATION ADVISOR

Sue

Triage Worker

Sue

Tenancy Relations Officer

Marley

Specialist Housing Advisor

Tammie

Housing Triage Worker

Louise

Home Energy Advisor

Mark

services manager

Trisha

Housing Support Worker

Sarah

Administration Assistant

Bonnie

Accommodation Advisor

Katie

Supported Lettings Officer

Megan

Housing Triage Worker

Helen

Housing triage volunteer

Brenda

Housing triage volunteer

Katie

talk²sort mediator

Ellen

Housing triage volunteer

Our Board Members and Patrons

Bring diverse expertise and unwavering commitment to our mission. With their guidance, we’re able to drive impactful change, uphold our values, and strengthen our work within the community. Together, they ensure we remain focused, innovative, and accountable in everything we do.

Scroll through to read more about our fantastic Trustees and Patrons.

David Sims (Chair) has a background in the chilled food industry, including being Chief Executive of a PLC and for the last 15 years running his own business. Ten years as a trustee at Nottinghamshire Housing Association has given David an insight into the problems around homelessness. In his own time, David is now a keen golfer and treasurer of the village cricket club.

Halinka Hepworth (Vice Chair) has over 25 years HR experience including 10 years as Head of HR for a social housing provider. She is a Chartered Member of the CIPD and a Registered Member of the BACP.

Richard White was employed in education for over 40 years, working as a lecturer and manager in Further Education and then for local authorities as an Inspector/Adviser and most recently, oftsted. He is also a local primary school governor and trustee of a charity providing opportunities for disadvantaged young people. Richard is actively engaged in a local church community and enjoys golf, walking with his wife and singing.

Alison Barlow is formerly of Loughborough University, bringing over 30 years of expertise in public liaison, stakeholder engagement, PR, and Communications.

Veena Jay D'Soni has extensive experience in corporate governance, legal compliance, and risk management. Additionally, as a lecturer and trainer, Veena educates staff and stakeholders on topics such as mental health, safeguarding, equality, and diversity.

Jay Webb (Patron) is the Managing Director of Jay Webb Consultancy Services Ltd (an HR and IT Consultancy Company). She has over 40 years HR and management experience including 9 years as Head of HR in a Local Authority Social Care Environment. Jay is a Chartered Member of the CIPD and an Ex-Chair of the CIPD Leicestershire Branch. She was a dedicated member of our Board of Trustees from July 2010 to September 2025 in both Trustee and Chair roles.

Gary Beharrell has been involved in the voluntary sector for over 40 years as a volunteer, trustee and staff member working in local communities in Hull and Newcastle.  He has also managed the students volunteering and supported the Loughborough Winter Shelter in its set up.

Gary has been in grant management and assessment for over 20 years and brings to the Board a broad range of knowledge and expertise in the sector ranging from governance to finances.

Sanjay Nair brings over 25 years’ experience in the property industry having established a successful maintenance and building company, as well as property sales and lettings agencies. Sanjay has held various senior roles within national management including roles within a number of high-profile blue-chip companies, during which time he completed his MBA. Sanjay has an in depth understanding of the property and housing industries.

Ragesh Sejpal is a finance professional with a degree in economics and accountancy with over 35 years’ experience operating in the highly regulated financial services industry.  He is committed to providing The Bridge with financial oversight, strategic input, along with a commitment to make a difference. Ragesh  has a deep understanding of macroeconomics and geopolitics.