People in Breightmet will find it easier and quicker to get help with housing, money, finding work and a range of other challenges after the opening of Bolton’s first Live Well centre.
The new centre opened at Breightmet library this week and builds on services the library already offers to add support with mental health, physical wellbeing and help for families and young people.
When staff at the centre cannot offer the right help themselves, they will make sure people find local services and organisations nearby that can.
People and community groups in Breightmet have also been helping to shape the Live Well approach around what matters to their neighbourhood.
It means residents have a welcoming place in their community where they can start a conversation, get support and be connected to the right local help.
Backed by funding from Greater Manchester Combined Authority, the new Live Well centre is the first in a planned network that will span every neighbourhood across Bolton.
At its heart is a commitment to everyday support in neighbourhoods across Greater Manchester, making it easier for people to get the information, services and support they need, when they need it.
What makes it possible is that the Live Well programme is being delivered jointly by organisations like Bolton Council, the NHS, Be One Homes, Bolton CVS, charities and local voluntary groups.
As well as making support more convenient, Live Well’s other big idea is to change how people are greeted and treated, making it much friendlier, welcoming and more community minded.
The leader of Bolton Council, Cllr Akhtar Zaman, said:
“We know that a lot of people want to deal positively with the challenges they face but need the right help, at the right time and in the right place.
“What makes a big difference is support that is quick, convenient and friendly.
“Putting people first is what Live Well is all about, so I encourage anyone who wants support to come along and visit our specially trained staff at Breightmet library.”
Live Well will run throughout the library’s opening times, plus up to 7pm on Wednesdays.