Daily update on Bolton Council’s response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
The Prime Minister has announced a number of strict measures requiring people to stay at home except for a small number of exceptions.
Please continue to follow the guidance on social distancing, self-isolation and hand washing.
If you have been told stay at home at all times to avoid any face-to-face contact (shielding), and have no friends or family who can support you, please call us on 01204 337221.
Looking after yourself during this time
It's important to take care of your mind as well as your body while staying at home.
During this time, you may be bored, frustrated or lonely. You may also feel low, worried, anxious, or be concerned about your health or that of those close to you.
Find guidance, advice and tips on how to maintain your mental wellbeing at the Every Mind Matters website.
Children and young people may find it particularly difficult to stay at home, especially during nicer weather.
If you feel threatened at home
The order to stay at home can cause anxiety for those who are experiencing or feel at risk of domestic abuse.
Domestic abuse is unacceptable in any situation, no matter what stresses people are under.
There is help and support available to you.
There is further information here: Coronavirus (COVID-19) and domestic abuse – but if you feel threatened or are worried about someone else contact:
- Call 999 if you are in immediate danger. If you are in danger and unable to talk on the phone, call 999 and then press 55. This will transfer your call to the relevant police force who will assist you without you having to speak.
- The National Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 2000 247 and website
- Womens Aid has advice specifically designed for the current coronavirus outbreak, including a live chat service.
- The Men’s Advice Line - 0808 8010327 - is a confidential helpline for male victims of domestic abuse and those supporting them. It can be contacted on.
- LGBT+ community - Galop helpline 0800 999 5428 or email help@galop.org.uk.
Update about council services
Due to the nature and scale of the situation, we are constantly making decisions to ensure the safety of our staff and our residents.
A summary of affected services is now available on the council website.
Bolton Market
The food hall at Bolton Market is open on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 9am to 5pm (one shopper per family please).
If you are planning to visit the market, make sure you follow the social distancing guidelines and keep the two metres apart when waiting to buy products, and use contactless when you can.
Bolton Market Traders are now offering a home delivery or order and collect service.
Bolton Library and Museum Services
The service has a range of services available for you at home from borrowing ebooks and magazines to help with home schooling and homework.
Bolton’s Humanitarian Response
Support for residents who are ‘shielding’
The council has set up an emergency contact number for the extremely vulnerable people, who have been told to stay at home at all times and avoid any face-to-face contact (shielding), and who have no family or friends to support.
This group includes organ transplant recipients, those undergoing immunotherapy and people with specific conditions (see the full list). If you are in this group, you will receive a letter from the government with further instructions.
Contact 01204 337 221, if you, or someone you care for, have received a letter from the government and require support.
The number will be open 8.30am – 5.30pm Mon – Fri and Sat 9am – 1.30pm.
We will talk to you about your most urgent needs such as food, medicine or other requirements.
Alternatively, tell us about any help you need using the online form and we'll arrange for someone to call you back within 24 hours.
The Bolton Response Hub will then get those items to you or respond with other services. The hub is manned by staff from the council and our partners, plus volunteers.
If your charity or volunteer group would like to help with the coronavirus response, please contact Bolton CVS at info@boltoncvs.org.uk or 01204 546 055.
If you are not in one of these extremely vulnerable groups and have concerns please see www.bolton.gov.uk for the help available or ring 01204 333 333.
Business Support
- Business Bolton has the latest advice and guidance for local businesses
Community Support
Beware of Covid-19 scams
Residents are being warned to be aware of scams connected to the coronavirus (Covid-19).
These scams could take many forms:-
For advice on scams call the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 03454 04 05 06. Report scams to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
How you can help?
Urgent Response Volunteers
Bolton CVS is developing a list of people who are able and willing to help and support various services and activities during the time of the Coronavirus.
If you would like to register please complete a form here.
You do not need to be a current volunteer and you may not be called upon. If you have any questions, please email lauren@boltoncvs.org.uk.
Read our Being a Good Neighbour tips for the best ways you can offer help in your community.
Further information can be found on the Bolton CVS website.
Update from our partners
Donations
Bolton Council in partnership with Urban Outreach, and other key partners, have created a Response Hub.
They need a large amount of particular types of food and other items for individuals and families in Bolton.
If you have excess items e.g. tinned foods, toiletries, toilet rolls, etc you can donate to your local foodbank.
Please do not bulk purchase even if you intend to donate the goods.
Please drop off at Unit 4 Trinity Retail Park Springfield, Bradford Street, BL2 1HY (former Staples Store).
Call the office on 01204 385848 or visit Urban Outreach website.