Reopening support service 'terrifying and exciting'

The woman behind plans to reopen a community service which closed after 45 years has described it as "terrifying and exciting in equal measure".

Workbridge, in Northampton, offered training and work experience to people with mental health issues, learning disabilities, autism and brain injuries. It closed in December 2025.

It was run by a charity called St Andrew's Healthcare, which said the closure would help it remain "financially sustainable".

Now Jenny Lane, a former employee, has started a crowdfunding campaign to get Workbridge going again to "help the most vulnerable" become "independent, advocate for themselves and live a good life".

Lane said the new Workbridge would be set up as a Community Interest Company (CIC) and would need at least £150,000 to cover costs in the first year.

"Workbridge was a place that so many people valued and loved, but it's not about bricks and mortar, it's about the magic that made that happen.

"We have applied for a tenancy for a local community centre... if we could get in, we could start offering services by September," she said.

"We knew that a number of service users hadn't been able to find a suitable space. We also know there are other groups out there that need support."

Lane said local jewellers Michael Jones had already made a donation to the fund. Its founder, who died in 2017, also co-founded the original Workbridge in 1980.

Kieran, 29, a Workbridge service user for six years, said: "To see it go was a massive wound... it's nice to see it's going to heal, it's going to come back.

"They've been a massive asset to me.

"They've built me up - my living skills and confidence skills. I feel like a better person because of it."

He said he had since found a job, but returning to Workbridge as an employee was his goal.

Dawn Simpson-Lane, founder of human resources consultants Lanes HR, said she would pledge her support to the new venture.

"I was very upset when I heard that Workbridge was closing, what I saw was just tremendous.

"There's employment law, policies, contracts when you set up a new business, but equally, because we have a lot of charity clients, we can do free training for employability and interview skills."

St Andrew's Healthcare said it had taken the "difficult decision" to shut Workbridge after trying to make it viable and "closure was the only option".

"The new Workbridge is being set up independently by a former St Andrew's employee who is using a different operating model, with the support and help of the charity," a spokesperson added.

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