Our friendly colleagues are here to help with money matters, getting into work/training, housing issues, food, wellbeing, referrals to other services, and more if you need us. Here are some the ways we've supported people this year.
Support tailored to you
Support tailored to you
UCAN centres
Our friendly colleagues are here to help with money matters, getting into work/training, housing issues, food, wellbeing, referrals to other services, and more if you need us. Here are some the ways we've supported people this year.
UCAN centres – support in one place
Our UCAN centres are your one-stop-shop for support with just about anything – money matters, help into work, housing issues, food, referrals to other services, and more.
Last year, our UCAN centres supported more than 4,000 of you with:
- Utilities – getting better deals and resolving issues.
- Housing – advice and support with your home.
- Food – connecting you with food support services.
- Jobs – helping you find work and training.
- Income/benefits – maximising what you’re entitled to.
This important service has made a real difference to people’s lives, securing a total of £607,209 in welfare and benefits for UCAN visitors and an additional £724,326 for people referred to our Money Advice Team.
“Vanessa Hamnett, our Community Engagement Manager says: “Ultimately, our role is to empower and support people – to help them build their own opportunities, with us walking alongside them.”
Customer testimonial
"I am writing to express my profound gratitude to each member of the UCAN Centre team for the invaluable support extended to me and my family during a challenging period. Your professionalism, expertise and genuine care for our well-being have left an indelible mark on our hearts. As we enter this new chapter with a sense of security and belonging, please know that your contributions have made a profound impact on our lives."
Our new Bolton UCAN Centre in the Market Place Shopping Centre is open four days a week, and we’re developing phone and online services for those of you who live outside Bolton. Tap here to find your nearest UCAN centre.
Manbassadors for men’s mental health
Our acclaimed Manbassadors project, funded by a £586,000 National Lottery Community Fund grant, is creating safe spaces for men to talk about their mental health and emotional wellbeing.
Running for three years, Manbassadors has already had great success with:
men directly supported
sessions delivered
Manbassadors recruited and trained
dedicated volunteers
community activities
successful campaigns and events
The project has been so successful that it’s now expanded across Greater Manchester, with new Manbassadors programmes in Wigan, Salford and Stockport delivered by other partners.
Getting into work and training
Our employment support service is here if you or someone you know would like a helping hand. We can help with everything from writing a CV and filling out applications to interview preparation, finding training opportunities, arranging work experience, and building your confidence.
Over the last year, we’ve helped:
Customers into Employment
Customers in Training/Education
Customers into Volunteering
We also offer:
- In-work support – up to six months of help when you start a new job.
- Bolton at Work Facebook page – follow us to keep up to date with the latest jobs, apprenticeships, and training opportunities.
Tap here for more information on how we can help you into work and/or training, or just pop into your local UCAN centre.
Customer testimonials
“Chloe got the admin job. Jen said she nailed the interview! Spoke to her partner today and he wants to pass on his thanks for all your support. He said this is going to make a massive difference to his family as they were really struggling. Definitely helped some good people to get back on their feet!”
"I just wanna say thank you so very much. You are amazing and this is absolutely a five-star service. The world needs to clone you!"
Expert help with your finances
Our Money Advice Team provides free, confidential support to anyone living in a Bolton at Home property. Whether you’re struggling with bills, want to check you’re getting everything you’re entitled to, or need help with budgeting, we can help.
Over the last year, our Money Advice Team achieved incredible results:
in financial gains for customers
families supported
older residents supported
benefit checks carried out.
Worried about switching to Universal Credit?
You’re not alone, and it’s just one of the many things our friendly Money Advice Team colleagues can help you with.
Graham spoke to our Money Advice Team after receiving a Universal Credit migration letter. He was anxious about losing income and overwhelmed by debts, so, we helped him to:
- move to Universal Credit without any loss
- get a reassessment for disability-related support
- agree an affordable council tax repayment plan
- get support with water debt – with 80% being cleared.
We’re here if you need us.
If you, or someone you live with, would like confidential advice, reach out to our Money Advice Team on 01204 328000 or moneyadviceteam@boltonathome.org.uk.
Living independently with Careline
Careline is a 24-hour emergency response service that supports around 6,500 people to live independently in their own homes, whether they’re a tenant or homeowner.
Over the last year:
Careline calls were answered.
people helped who’d fallen but weren't injured, using specialist lifting equipment to get them back on their feet quickly – often faster than waiting for an ambulance.
ambulances arranged for Careline customers.
Our customers consistently highlight the value, responsiveness, and impact of our service. Here’s what some of them had to say:
“I’ve had a number of falls, and they’ve always been very good at coming out and helping me back up again.”
“It definitely makes us feel much safer knowing you’re there for us.”
“I live alone and I'm a bit unsteady on my feet... I do feel a lot more secure with Careline.”
“The two times I’ve needed them, they’ve been out quickly to help me.”