Health and wellbeing
Check if you’re eligible for support with prescriptions and health costs
Need a helping hand? If you live in Bolton you can find free, immediate online support for your mental health and wellbeing via Kooth and Qwell.
- Aged 10-25? Head to www.kooth.com
- Aged 26+? Visit www.qwell.io
Help if you’re affected by cancer – via the Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Centres in Bolton
Wellbeing
- Details of Bolton’s leisure centres
- Supporting and encouraging the people of Bolton to positively change their lives - Let's Keep Bolton Moving
- Free eBooks, eAudiobooks and eMagazines via Bolton Library
Warm Spaces
- Find a Warm Welcome Space Today – Warm Welcome Spaces offer free, safe and welcoming community venues where people can stay war, connect with others and access local support during the winter.
Support if you or if your child is disabled
- Apply for Universal Credit if you’re disabled
- Apply for Employment and Support Allowance
- Support with living costs including Attendance Allowance if you’re state pension age or Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Apply for a disabled persons railcard from National Rail
- Apply for Access to Work for support to get or stay in work
- Apply for Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children
Help for Families
- Bolton’s Holiday Activities and Food programme supports children and families on benefits related Free School Meals with free fun, creative sessions offering sports, games, physical activity and food during the school holidays.
- Childcare Choices - Government help with childcare costs for parents. Whether you have toddlers or teens, you could get support.
- Bolton Families Information Service offers free information on early education and services for children, young people and families in Bolton (including help with childcare costs).
- Find out more about our Start Well Services for Families
- Apply for support with maternity costs with the Maternity Grant (Sure Start)
- Be Kind To My Mind is a Bolton campaign to reduce the stigma and discrimination around mental health.
Back to School support
Access financial support for back-to-school costs, including help with school uniforms, free school meals, transport and childcare costs. Also find information on how to access grants and other support schemes.
Website: https://www.turn2us.org.uk
Bolton Best Start Family Hubs
Family hubs provide support, advice, activities and services for families with children under five and beyond, helping parents give their children the best possible start in life.
Website: https://www.bolton.gov.uk/familyhubs
Baby Basics Bolton and Bury
Baby Basics provides essential items for families with children up to age three, including safe sleeping spaces, clothing and toiletries. Support is available through professional referrals from midwives, health visitors, schools, social workers, etc.
Phone: 01204 361704
Email: babybasics@bridgebolton.com
Website: https://baby-basics.org.uk/centre/bolton-bury
The Hub at Westhoughton
Inclusive activities for babies, children and adults, also a onsite café offering affordable food and drinks. Most services are bookable online (unless it’s a third-party delivery), while the café is open on a drop-in basis.
Phone: 01942635985
Email: admin@thehubwesthoughton.com
Website: https://www.thehubwesthoughton.co.uk
Social: https://www.facebook.com/TheHubAtWesthoughton
Bolton Wanderers in The Community
A safe, welcoming space for families and/or carers, offering play, learning and social activities for children. Also, workshops on cooking, arts and craft, financial wellbeing and mental health for parents and carers.
Access by contacting Bolton Wanderers in The Community directly via email or telephone, or by visiting the website for more information.
Phone: 01204 673 790
Website: www.bwitc.org.uk
Reach Family Project
Provides Listening Ear service for families of children with SEND, accessed through self-referral.
Also support families and older residents experiencing financial hardship, through food voucher support, accessed through referral form from recognised organisations such as schools, charities, community groups, etc.
Phone: 01204 433267
Email: Hello@reachfamilyproject.co.uk
Website: www.reachfamilyproject.co.uk
Community locker
Provides affordable school uniforms and essential school supplies for families experiencing financial hardship, with some items available for free through referrals where there is an identified need.
A referral must be made by a supporting organisation working with the family, professionals wishing to make a referral can contact Community Locker via email to discuss eligibility and the referral process.
Email: Hello@communitylocker.co.uk
Website: www.communitylocker.co.uk
Winterwise
Greater Manchester is supporting older people to stay warm, safe and well this winter.
More tips and advice are available from our Winterwise guide and the Winterwise video on YouTube, which can be watched below.