Who we are

Maggie Lennon, Founder and Director

maggielennon@bridgesprogrammes.org.uk

Maggie started working with asylum seekers and refugees in 2002 by setting up the Bridges Project in response to the growing racial tension in the city following the introduction of a dispersal policy of asylum seekers to Glasgow. The programme has grown continuously since then and in 2005 became the Charity the Bridges Programmes. Previous to working in this field Maggie was a bookseller and former Editor of the Weekend Scotsman.

Fiona Colbron Brown, Office Manager

fionacolbronbrown@bridgesprogrammes.org.uk

Fiona joined the team in 2009. She is the first point of contact to arrange an interview or to receive information about the programmes we run.

Liz Porter, Senior Case Worker: Employer Engagement Lead

elizabethporter@bridgesprogrammes.org.uk

Liz joined the team in 2007 and is responsible for case work and for developing close links with employers to ensure that clients' time with us is a positive and practical step towards economic integration. Liz has many years of experience working with other groups who were far from the workplace.

Regine Bews, Case Worker

reginebews@bridgesprogrammes.org.uk

Regine joined the team in 2009 and is responsible for case work and for developing the mentoring programme at Bridges, and having been a teacher for many years takes lead responsibility for our teachers’ support.

Jonathan Sharp, Case Worker

jonathansharp@bridgesprogrammes.org.uk

Jonathan joined the team in 2008 and is responsible for case work and additional ESOL support. Jonathan's background in ESOL and his extensive experience of working with refugees overseas brings a unique perspective to Bridges.

Elena Silich, Case Worker

elenasilich@bridgesprogrammes.org.uk

Elena joined the team in 2010 and is responsible for case work and with a background in Health and Safety Management, takes special responsibility for clients who wish to work in Construction.

Colin Woodward, Construction Specialist and Adviser

colinwoodward@bridgesprogrammes.org.uk

Colin joined the team in 2010 to provide specialist advice and guidance to clients with a construction background as we work to support the Construction Community Benefits contracts in the city and the redevelopments at the Southern General Hospital.

Christine McConnell, Open University Higher Education Adviser

christinemcconnell@bridgesprogrammes.org.uk

Christine works on Mondays at Bridges' office to provide clients with information advice and guidance on Higher Education in Scotland and to facilitate entry into Open University courses, modules and degrees

Trustees:

Linda McTavish, Principal Anniesland College

Kevin McKenna

Elizabeth Maguire, Glasgow City Council (Chair of Board of Trustees)

Pauline McKay, department of Work and Pensions

Ahmed Pournassr

Company Secretary

Maggie Lennon, Bridges Programmes