Bolton Family Magazine Issue 4

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Bolton Colle ge Courses for 2021

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Young People’ Virtual s Open E vent

Contents NHS in Bolton Page 3-4 NHS in Bolton Don’t let the flu get you!

Pages 5-6 NHS in Bolton Your GP practice is here for you Pages 7 NHS in Bolton Self-care, your health and wellbeing NHS in Bolton Page 8 Breast screening Page 9 NHS in Bolton Your pharmacy is here to help Page 10 NHS in Bolton Your hospital is here for you Page 11 NHS in Bolton Help over the festive period Page 12 NHS in Bolton Download the NHS Covid-19 App Page 13 Covid-19 Vaccination Education, Learning & Wellbeing Pages 14-16 Bolton Library & Museum Services Page 17 Volunteering Opportunities Language Cafes Page 18 Improve Your Digital Skills Page 19 Bolton Digital Champions Network Page 20-21 Bolton College Course Guide Bolton College Safe Page 22-23 Learning Page 24-25 Bolton College Adult Apprenticeships Page 26-27 Bolton College Young People’s Virtual Open Event Page 28 Bolton College Family Learning Make learning fun!

Page 29 LGBT+ Young People Support for parents or carers Bolton College Page 30-33 Steps to better wellbeing Pages 34 Bolton Dementia Support Page 35 Bolton Carers Support

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#Heref oryouB olton

Festive Fun Page 36-37 Page 38

Christmas Around the World Christmas Cake Recipe

Partner Features Page 39 Page 40 Page 41

Page 42-43 Page 44-45

Bolton at Home - UCAN Centres Precious Gems FREE virtual keep fit classes MhIST Mental Health Independent Support Team Bolton Wanderers Community Trust Bolton CVS Bolton’s Fund Training and membership

Team Bolton Help and Support Page 46-47 Working Well Programmes Page 48-49 Bolton Council - The Workshop & Kickstart Support with employment Page 50 Bolton Council - Money Skills Service Free debt and money advice Page 51 Bolton Council Support for businesses Page 52 Bolton Council Christmas Bubble Social contact advice Team Bolton What’s On! Page 53 Bolton Council Winter in Bolton Festive fun for everyone!

Page 54 Bolton Council Rugby League World Cup 2021 Page 55 The Bolton Family

Bolton College’s new community e-magazine, created in partnership with Bolton Council

This year, it’s more important than ever to protect yourself and your family as we enter the winter months – especially if you’re already living with a health condition.

Both Covid-19 and flu will be circulating at the same time and you definitely don’t want to come down with both.

By having the flu vaccine you will help to reduce the pressure on your NHS in Bolton and also help to protect your community.

There are certain groups of people even more at risk of complications if they catch flu. The full list is on page four, but if you have a long term health condition, like diabetes, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or heart, kidney or liver disease then it’s really important that you protect yourself against flu.

Not many people in this category have come forward for their flu jab this year, but there is still time – so contact your GP practice or ask your local pharmacy.

Some of the symptoms of Covid-19 and flu are similar, so if you have a high temperature, a new continuous cough, or you notice a change or loss in your sense of taste or smell – you must book a coronavirus test.

How can I avoid getting flu?

Your best defence against flu is vaccination. It helps your immune system fight off the flu virus.

You may not be fully protected but it will dramatically reduce your chances of getting flu and spreading it to other people who may not be able to fight it off easily. If you do get flu, a vaccination will reduce the severity of your infection and reduce the chances of you having to go to hospital.

click here

Contrary to some claims, the vaccine cannot give you flu!

You might have a sore arm from the needle. If you feel poorly afterwards, you may have picked up another virus – typically, there are lots at this time of year. If it’s genuine flu, you’ll know about it!

The children’s nasal spray can’t cause flu either. After having the nasal spray, some children might get a runny or blocked nose but this is mild in comparison to them having flu.

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I’ve got flu – what should I do?

• • • • •

Stay at home and rest until you feel better Keep warm/drink plenty of water Take paracetamol or ibuprofen to lower your temperature and to help with aches and pains You should start to feel better after a week Antibiotics will not work against flu as it is a viral infection.

Like Covid-19, flu is highly contagious so please stay at home to avoid infecting others who may become more poorly than you. If you’re worried about yours or your child’s symptoms then contact your GP either online or by phone and they will advise what to do.

The flu vaccine is FREE for the following people who are most at risk: • • • • • • • • •

Those aged 65 and over Pregnant women Those with a long-term health condition (eg. diabetes, COPD, kidney, heart or lung disease)* Care home residents Carers Those who live with someone on the shielding list (at high risk of getting Coronavirus) 2 and 3 year olds Primary school pupils plus Year 7 Health and care workers

*Not an exhaustive list. Speak to your GP to check if you’re eligible.

From December 1, people who are aged 50 to 64 can also get vaccinated. Your GP will be in touch, or you can get it done at your local pharmacy.

Anyone not entitled to a free vaccine can still get protected via their local pharmacy for £10 to £13, subject to availability.

Please be assured that measures have been taken to make it as safe as possible to have the flu vaccine during the pandemic.

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GP practices – get in touch Please be assured that your local GP practice is still here for you as we head into winter.

However, the way you access services is still different to what it was pre-Covid. As the pandemic continues, you still need to contact your GP practice first – you can’t just pop in and speak to the receptionist.

Practices are operating a remote triage service, which means you will be assessed before an appointment is made – this is for everyone’s safety.

Most practices now have an ‘Online Consult’ system, which is great for giving you the right advice about your health concerns.

Have a look on your practice’s website next time you need medical advice.

The Online Consult system takes you to an online form, where you fill out your symptoms. Along the way, it might advise you to check out some self-care information which will help you with many conditions.

Similarly, if the information you provide raises a red flag of concern then you may be directed to telephone your practice for an urgent appointment, or to contact NHS 111 out of usual hours.

GP Services

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At the end of the process, you submit the form and you will be contacted by the practice to discuss your symptoms via either a telephone or video appointment within 48 hours. If your GP needs to see you, you will be invited into the practice for a face-to-face appointment. This has been made safe for you to attend.

The initial form is quick and easy to complete, and great for people who are busy with other priorities. If you have access to the internet, then this is the best way of getting the right medical advice from your GP, at the right time.

Online Consult is available to use 24/7 and is also available via the myGP and Patient Access apps for some patients.

Of course, not everyone has access to the internet so if you do ring your GP practice, someone will help you to complete the form over the phone.

Even though patients are asked to access their GP services differently, practices are still operating from 8am to 6.30pm each day, with evening and weekend appointments now available.

Practice teams are working just as hard as ever, but under difficult circumstances as staff have to self-isolate like everyone else if they come into contact with someone who has Coronavirus symptoms, or they develop symptoms themselves.

Please be patient if you get in touch with them, they are doing their best for you all.

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www.boltonccg.nhs.uk

Self-Care There’s a lot we can do to look after ourselves at home. November marked Self-Care Week and this year’s theme was ‘self-care for life’, which encourages you to embed self-care tips into your everyday life.

Small changes can make a big difference and can help to protect your physical health and mental wellbeing for the future.

Why not follow these small steps to a healthier you?

• Mental wellbeing - We can all feel anxious or worried, especially at the moment. The GM health hub can help you find the right help: www.gmhealthhub.org/feeling/support • Exercise – Taking some form of daily exercise, even a walk around the block can help with our physical and mental health. Make time every day to get some fresh air.

• Eat well - We could probably all improve our eating habits! How and what you eat can impact on your health.

• Look after long-term conditions - Living with a health condition can be hard to manage but there is help available. Your GP practice and pharmacy can give practical and medical advice.

• Minor ailments - Lots of illnesses can be treated at home with a well-stocked medicine cabinet. The Self Care Forum has a series of fact sheets that might help

www.selfcareforum.org/fact-sheets/ • The impact of Coronavirus - Covid-19 is having an effect on all of us - try to stay connected to friends and family during lockdown. Limit your news intake. Talk about how you’re feeling.

• Use your local Pharmacy - Your local pharmacist is a medically trained professional and can help with advice on minor illnesses; flu jabs; blood pressure checks; and stopping smoking.

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Breast screening Many services that were paused during the initial Covid-19 outbreak have now resumed.

One such service is the self-referral for breast screening for women over the age of 70.

Women aged 50 to 70 are routinely screened for breast cancer, but they can continue to receive screening if they are 71 and over, by referring themselves.

It is really important that you attend screening appointments when invited. If you receive a letter, please call 01204 390454 to make an appointment.

All screening centres have COVID safety measures in place. All staff wear appropriate PPE, machines are disinfected after every mammogram and appointments have been spaced apart to ensure social distancing measures can be adhered to.

If you have any Covid symptoms at the time of your appointment, please do not attend, and call to reschedule.

No matter what age you are, if you notice any of the following symptoms you must contact your GP: • • • • • •

A change in the size or shape of one or both breasts Discharge from either of your nipples, which may be streaked with blood A lump or swelling in either of your armpits Dimpling on the skin of your breasts A rash on or around your nipple A change in the appearance of your nipple, such as becoming sunken into your breast

If you’re over the age of 70 and you are concerned about symptoms, you can contact your GP and they will refer you for further checks.

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Pharmacy Your local pharmacy is also still very much here to help!

Pharmacy teams in the community are also working harder than ever at the same time as trying to manage with staff who have to isolate at home.

They are continuing to provide flu vaccines and will be involved in the Covid vaccination programme, along with GP practices.

Most prescriptions are now generated electronically from GP practices, so it is rare you will have to go into a pharmacy with a paper prescription.

Even though they are generated electronically, it still takes a few days to be processed, ready for collection or delivery. So, if your GP writes you a prescription it won’t immediately be ready at your pharmacy – even if they are just next door to each other!

Pharmacies can deal with hundreds of prescriptions each day, so please be patient if you are waiting for your medication. Allow enough time for it to be processed so you don’t run out, and only order what you need.

Repeat prescriptions can take up to seven days to process, but if your medication is urgent, please let your pharmacist know. If your GP prescribes you medication that needs to be started straight away, like pain relief or antibiotics, please check with your pharmacy as to when it will be ready – they will need time to prepare it for you.

You can always contact your pharmacy by phone either for advice about minor ailments or ring ahead if you’re intending to collect a prescription. Understandably, their phone lines are busy at the moment, but keep trying and you will get through.

If you do need to visit a pharmacy, please remember to wear your mask unless you are exempt. This is for everyone’s safety and is especially needed if your pharmacist needs to get a bit closer to look at your symptoms, for example if you have a rash or sore eye.

Certain pharmacies will be open over the Christmas period – including on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day - so keep an eye out for local advertisements or check on the Bolton CCG website: www.boltoncccg.nhs.uk and this means there is no need to order more than you need over the festive period.

Like your GP practices, they are still here for you!

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Your hospital is still here for you The health, safety and wellbeing of all patients, communities and staff in the Royal Bolton Hospital and in the community remain an absolute priority, now more than ever. They are taking extra steps to make sure you stay safe when you have an appointment or treatment planned with them.

This does mean they are doing things a little differently.

They have social distancing steps in place around the hospital and other precautions that are helping to continue to limit the spread of Covid-19.

Please don’t let this worry you though as it is really important that you attend for treatment or other care if required.

Please visit the hospital’s website www.boltonft.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/hospital/Covid-19-coming-to-hospital before you attend to make sure you have the latest information.

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Not everyone feels festive at this time of year If you are struggling to cope, don’t feel alone, there are a number of services that can help and want to help.

Some places are working differently at this time, so please contact them by phone or online first.

Silverwellbeing Therapy Service

Samaritans

Single Point of Access

Whatever you are facing, the Samaritans are there to listen.

If you need help with anxiety or depression, you can contact Single Point of Access (SPoA).

Their free and confidential phone line is open 24/7 over the Christmas period.

Contact Call 116 123 or visit: www.samaritans.org

SPoA can make a referral on to the best service to help you Contact Call 01204 483101 from 9am - 9pm or refer yourself online: www.www.gmmh.nhs.uk/ referral-services/

MhIST

BAND

Mental health Independent Support Team provides mental health support.

BAND is a charity in Bolton which provides support for people struggling with their mental health.

Contact Call 01204 527200

Free bereavement and loss support, counselling and talking therapies for people who live, work or study in Bolton.

Contact Call 01204 917745 or email silverwellbeing@1pointbolton.org.uk

This winter,

Stay connected

Contact Call 01204 380643 or email: band@family -action.org.uk

This Winter stay safe, stay well and stay connected

MH_A4_ADVERT_2020_V1.indd 1

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02/12/2020 13:25

Download the NHS Covid-19 App!

As we move back to the tier system don’t forget to download the NHS Covid-19 app (if you haven’t done so already). It’s the fastest way to see if you're at risk from coronavirus. The faster you know, the quicker you can alert and protect your loved ones and community. The app is free to download and is a simple way for us all to help get the virus under control.

The app has a number of tools to protect you, including contact tracing, local area alerts and venue check-in. In Bolton all those venues that can now re-open, including gyms and hairdressers, are being asked to display the NHS App QR code so that you and your family can check in when you visit and feel confident and reassured that you’re in a safe place.

How to use QR codes to check into a venue User guide 1

Download the NHS COVID-19 app from the App Store or Google Play Store.

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2

When you visit a venue, check to see if there is a NHS COVID-19 app QR poster on display.

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3

4

Open your NHS COVID-19 app and tap “Venue Check In“. Now use your smartphone camera to scan the QR code on the poster.

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The time and date of your visit will be stored on the app. It will not be sent or shared with anyone else.

8 Coronavirus detected at venue

After scanning your QR code on the poster, you are now successfully checked in.

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If you go to another venue, open your NHS COVID-19 app and tap “Venue Check In”. Now use your smartphone camera to scan their QR poster.

You may get an alert if NHS contact tracers identify that you have recently visited a venue where you may have come into contact with coronavirus (COVID-19). If you are under 18, you are advised to show this alert to a trusted adult.

If you develop coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms, make sure to record them in the NHS COVID-19 app and follow Government guidelines/advice.

COVID-19 vaccination First phase priority groups Priority

1

Risk group

80 yrs

All those 80 years of age and over and Health and social care workers

2

3

4

5

6

75 yrs 70 65

yrs

yrs

60 yrs

7 8 9

Residents in a care home for older adults and Staff working in care homes for older adults

55 yrs 50 yrs

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Š Crown copyright 2020. Public Health England gateway number 2020355. 01.12.2020

All those 75 years of age and over

All those 70 years of age and over and Clinically extremely vulnerable individuals (not including pregnant women and those under 18 years of age) All those 65 years of age and over

Adults aged 18 to 65 years in an at-risk group*

All those 60 years of age and over All those 55 years of age and over All those 50 years of age and over Rest of the population (to be determined)

*

Blood cancer (such as leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma); diabetes; dementia; a heart problem; a chest complaint or breathing difficulties, including bronchitis, emphysema or severe asthma; a kidney disease; a liver disease lowered immunity due to disease or treatment (such as HIV infection, steroid medication, chemotherapy or radiotherapy); heumatoid arthritis, lupus or psoriasis; liver disease; have had an organ transplant; had a stroke or a transient ischaemic attack (TIA); a neurological or muscle wasting condition; a severe or profound learning disability; a problem with your spleen, eg sickle cell disease, or you have had your spleen removed; are seriously overweight (BMI of 40 and above) or are severely mentally impaired.

Enjoy life. Protect yourself.

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Bolton Libraries are open!

Good news - all of Bolton’s libraries are now open for book browsing, study and computer use. To keep up to date with our opening hours and services Click Here

Reserving and requesting items – Order and Collect You can reserve any lending item for collection at any library via the catalogue.

If we don’t have the particular book in stock, you can put in a request for it via your online library account.

You’ll get a notification when the items are available to pick up and they will be held for two weeks. You can collect them any time during library opening hours. Opening hours vary so check before making your journey.

For more information about any of these services, please email libraries@bolton.gov.uk or call 01204 332853.

Home Library Service If you are unable to get to a library, you can register for the Home Library Service. This is a free book delivery service which we have extended to anyone who is shielding or vulnerable during the pandemic. When you join you will be asked to give us an idea of what you like to read and whether you’d prefer standard, large print or recorded books. Once registered we will deliver up to six items which you can keep for two weeks. For more information you can call Farnworth Library on 01204 332345 or email homelibraryservice@bolton.gov.uk

Read with us online!

Looking for inspiration for your next read? Or have you read something brilliant that you want to recommend to others? If so, our Facebook book groups are for you. Our Bolton Libraries Children’s Books Group is the place to go to for news, views and reviews from the world of children’s books, and Share Your Reads is the group for adults to chat about the books they’ve been reading and enjoying.

You’ll find both of these groups under the Groups tab on our Facebook page.

15 You can access many of our Bolton Library and Museum resources in person at our libraries or online from the comfort of your own home.

Jobseeking Resources at Bolton Library and Museum Services If you are looking for a job or thinking about changing your career, Bolton Library and Museum Services can help.

Check out some of our great online resources ideal for searching for a job!

Universal Skills This site provides an online step-by-step guide to Job Skills, Finding a Job and Universal Credit.

It’s updated monthly to ensure that it covers all the latest Universal Credit processes and developments in the job market. There’s also a full introduction to basic computer skills - including tablets and mobiles.

COBRA Although COBRA is essentially an encyclopedia covering all aspects of starting and running a business, it has over 4000 downloadable factsheets on specific careers and job types to help you with your job searching and interview preparation.

For more useful websites for jobseeking and careers information, download our factsheet Click Here

FREE extended computer access If you’re enrolling on Universal Credit or searching for a job online, you can use our public computers for longer for free. Just ask staff for details.

BoltonLibraryandMuseumServices

@bolton_library_museum

@BoltonLMS

You can access many of our Bolton Library and Museum resources in person at our libraries or online from the comfort of your own home.

Bolton Library and Museum Services Online Resources You can also access a whole range of Library and Museum information and services online, including eBooks, eAudiobooks and eMagazines.

If you’re not already a member of the library and would like to use any of these resources,

Click Here

to join online!

To find out what’s going on in the Libraries, Museum and Historic Halls this December follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Bolton Museum Shop The festive season is fast approaching so spread some Christmas cheer and pick up gifts for family and friends from Bolton Museum’s shop. There are lots of ranges to choose from and there’s a free gift-wrapping service available.

The museum remains closed but the shop will be open Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm (Wednesdays 9.30am to 5pm).

Digital Help Bolton Library and Museum Services have loads of resources to help you get online and use your digital devices. You can also call us on 01204 332853 if you have any questions! www.bolton.gov.uk/homepage/144/ digital-support

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Volunteer for Bolton College’s EFIF Project and change people’s lives!

EFIF – Language development for Bolton residents • • • •

Do you or a family member come from another language background?

Do you or a family member need support developing your spoken or written English without the pressure of timetabled classes and formal exams?

Are you worried about attending college courses during the current COVID pandemic?

Bolton College’s EFIF project (formerly Talk English) is for you!

- We have been delivering language improvement to 160 learners since September 2020 - We have language classes and language cafés running in your community centre

- We have language classes and language cafés online – don’t worry we will help you to use

your smartphone to connect and study.

EFIF – Volunteer opportunities • •

Are you looking for voluntary opportunities?

Could you help learners from a wide variety of language backgrounds to: - develop their English?

- understand and integrate into British Culture?

- understand the resources available to them in the Bolton borough?

We’re looking for volunteers to help us deliver our developing programme of Language Cafes in various community venues as well as online. In these, EFIF students engage in socially-distanced activities in line with Covid regulations, whilst developing communication skills and independence.

What we offer: • • • • •

Training for volunteers to conduct language development and social language learning activities online The chance to develop your teaching skills A collection of excellent ESOL (ESOL for Speakers of Other Languages) resources to use The chance to make a real difference in the Bolton community Travel expenses and opportunities to attend various conferences and workshops in Greater Manchester

What you can offer: • • • •

A passion for improving people’s lives A desire to teach ESOL skills or experience teaching ESOL skills Patience and good communication skills One or more mornings or afternoons each week

For further details, please contact Sundus Ameer, EFIF Project Lead on sundus.ameer@boltoncc.ac.uk or Russell Hodson, Volunteer Coordinator on russell.hodson@boltoncc.ac.uk

Have you checked if you need to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme?

As a result of Brexit, all EU nationals in the UK must apply to the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) before the deadline 30 June 2021 in order to retain the right to work in the UK, use the NHS for free, enrol in education and access benefits.

Residents in Greater Manchester can apply now with help from Europia, an organisation who supports EU nationals during Covid-19 with advice, wellbeing and welfare services. www.europia.org.uk also provide translated leaflets with information on how to apply to the EUSS, available free to download in Czech, English, Hungarian, Lithuanian, Polish, Romanian and Russian.

Contact Europia for FREE EUSS application assistance now: Email: support@europia.org.uk | Tel: 0333 3058 570 You can also apply directly for the EU settlement scheme here: www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families If you need access to a computer to make your application contact the Bolton Library and Museum Service's Digital Support Service by ringing 01204 332 853 or by contacting your local branch library, details of which can be found on: www.bolton.gov.uk/directory/3/local-libraries/category/68

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Basic digital courses are FREE for everyone !

Improve your Digital Skills with Bolton College Community Learning If you want to get ahead at work or find employment, or even just increase your IT confidence for personal reasons, these courses are a must!

Aimed at a range of competencies, from beginners to those with more experience, you’ll soon be using technology confidently and competently, aided by our friendly and knowledgeable tutors.

All of our courses are delivered in our Covid secure and safe Community Learning Centres, in a relaxed, welcoming environment. Many of our courses are FREE or eligible for reduced fees, depending on your circumstances.

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In our Community Learning Centres we run a range of basic Digital Skills courses which can support anyone, even if you don’t know how to switch on a computer or use a mouse!

We also run courses for people who do not speak English as a first language. For people with higher level skills we have a wide range of courses available with progression routes all the way to HE.

Our basic digital courses can support you with things like how to use: • • • • •

Personal computers Tablets ipads and iphones Android devices Social media (Facebook, Instagram, twitter) • Software • Internet shopping • Google apps

If you would like a member of our team to contact you to discuss these courses, please email your name and contact number to ict@boltoncc.ac.uk

Bolton Digital Champions Network A brand new and exciting Digital Champions Network is being developed by local Social Enterprise, Starts With You, in conjunction with Bolton at Home, Bolton Council and the GMCA. We all know there are many benefits to being online, including convenience, financial savings, connecting with others and much more. There are many people without basic digital skills, and for some residents limited or no access to the internet. This remains an ongoing challenge for them as more services shift towards digital platforms.

Digital Champions are volunteers or employees who have some basic understanding of digital devices and being online. They also have the willingness to pass their skills and knowledge on to other people and highlight the many benefits of being online.

Once Champions have stepped up to the role, we will offer training and ongoing support to improve their own digital expertise and advice on how to deliver their newly-developed skills to others. As part of their training Digital Champions will have one-to-one support (where possible) from staff, access to training, printable help guides and peer support from the network of champions.

This brilliant new opportunity is completely free and desperately needed in these current times. Whether it be training to be a digital champion, providing our communities with access to digital drop-in sessions or contributing in some way to extend access to equipment and connectivity, we would love to hear from you.

For more information or to become a Digital Champion please contact: Gemma:

07384 114 180

gemma.adams@startswithyou.org.uk

Ava:

07414 872 347

ava.giladi@startswithyou.org.uk

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Bolton College Adult Course Guide 2021

Check out our

FREE

Digital Offer!

Click here to view from 18th Decemb

We’re proud to have expanded our adult curriculum offer for 2021, with a wide range of courses that will further develop your skills and capabilities, improving your working, personal and community life.

Whatever your starting level, our courses offer clear routes to employment, career advancement or next level learning, right up to Higher Education.

YOU can study in the following areas...

Art, Design, Media & Performing Arts

Art, Design, Media & Business Professions Performing Arts

Catering, Hospitality, and Travel & Tourism

Community, Art, Design, Volunteering Media & &Performing Family Learning Arts

Complementary & Beauty Therapy

Construction & Professional Building

Counselling & Interpersonal Skills

Digital Computing & IT

Early Years

Employability Courses

Foundation Learning

Hairdressing & Barbering

Health & Social Care

Languages & Sign Language

Health & Mental Wellbeing

Sport, Fitness & Public Services

Teacher Training & Education

Apprenticeships

ber

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Your Safety & Wellbeing is our priority Bolton College has its main campus on Deane Road and three Community Adult Learning Centres, all of which are open for classes throughout the current tier restrictions. We have a wide range of Covid safety measures in place at all of our venues including: • Social distancing in classes, with reduced capacities

• Temperature testing of all learners on arrival

• One way systems to facilitate distancing in corridors

• Remote learning for students who have to isolate

Learners tell us they feel safe in our Centres because of the measures we have taken. They appreciate that at College, they can still get out of the house and socialise with other people whilst remaining distanced.

Our friendly, experienced and approachable staff are committed to supporting you to achieve your learning goals; the learning we offer leads to rewarding opportunities, and we’ll support you as you develop skills to achieve a career of your choice.

We’re also committed to developing thriving communities, enabling individuals to acquire and develop life-changing skills.

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Our Centres Deane Road Campus

Deane Road Campus Deane Road, Bolton, BL3 5BG 01204 482 000 info@boltoncc.ac.uk

Deane & Derby CLC

Deane & Derby Community Learning Centre Board Street, Bolton, BL3 5EH 01204 482 920 deane.derby@boltoncc.ac.uk

How To Find Us

Brownlow Fold CLC

Brownlow Fold Community Learning Centre Eskrick St, Bolton, BL1 3EF 01204 482 900 brownlowfold@boltoncc.ac.uk

New Bury CLC

New Bury Community Learning Centre Buckley Lane, Farnworth, Bolton, BL4 9PR 01204 482 960 / 07841 438 191 newbury@boltoncc.ac.uk

For general enquiries about courses, please visit www.boltoncollege.ac.uk/contact-us or call our helpline on 01204 482 000

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s p i h s e c i t n e r p p A s t l u d A r fo

Did you know that Apprenticeships are not just for young people? An Apprenticeship can work at any age and are offered at different levels depending on your skills and experience. Many Apprenticeships progress right up to degree level. Bolton College’s dedicated teams are here to match your skills to the right Apprenticeship, supporting your entire journey.

Apprenticeships offer an ideal opportunity to significantly develop existing knowledge, skills and behaviours to enhance your career prospects and develop industry expertise. If you want to progress in your industry an Apprenticeship may be for you.

Apprentices are paid employees; this means they earn whilst they are studying.

Apprenticeships are perfect if you’d like to change your career, get back into employment or if you are currently working and you and your employer are looking to develop your skills and training to the next level or in another direction.

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Benefits of an Adult Apprenticeship

Apprentices receive guidance and support from experienced Work Based Tutors and employers.

Apprenticeships are a great entry point into a new career.

Apprenticeships offer a full suite of learning support so whilst you study for your occupational qualification you will further enhance your maths and English skills.

You can study an Apprenticeship in the following areas...

Business & Professional Services - Childcare – Computing & IT – Construction Event, Hospitality & Catering Management - Hairdressing – Barbering Health & Social Care – Motor Vehicle - Sport, Fitness & Wellbeing Teaching Assistants - Travel & Tourism

Contact our Apprenticeships Team on 01204 482 036 or email apprenticeships@boltoncc.ac.uk

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Check out our latest vacancies at www.boltoncollege.ac.uk/apprenticeships/vacancies

r u o e k a t t ’ n o .. .

D t i r o f d r wo

Victoria Walsh Electrical Installation Apprenticeship Level 3 Working at Bolton at Home ‘Apprenticeships aren’t just for school leavers, they’re a great way to get qualified, whatever your age.

I’ve had so much support from Bolton College and Bolton at Home. Once I’m qualified, I’m planning on emigrating to New Zealand where there’s a skills shortage of electricians.’

Ben Page Roofing Apprenticeship Level 3 Working at Together Housing ‘I was originally a labourer but I wanted to progress my career, so became an apprentice.

I’m doing really well; I push myself in class and earlier this year I was named Apprentice of the Year for a prestigious competition – I even got to meet Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester.’

20 and 0 2 t s u st Aug etween 1 n e e betw ll receive b age. e c i t n appre business wi pprentice’s n a t i our the a recru If you ary 2021, y pending on nu de 31st Ja nd £3,000, a £1,500

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Are you the parent or carer of a year 10 or 11 pupil?

Watch and share Bolton College’s Young People’s Virtual Open Event!

This year, due to Covid restrictions, we’re unable to invite you and your young person in to College - instead, we’re bringing Bolton College to you!

Help your young person to make important decisions about their future – get a real feel for the College by accessing over 40 videos, at a time convenient to YOU. Enjoy a Whistle Stop Campus Tour; learn about the huge selection of Study Programmes, Apprenticeships and new T Level qualifications we offer, from Applied & Forensic Science to Travel & Tourism; discover exciting careers and their earning potential; find out about our amazing enrichment programme, giving your young person plenty of opportunities to enhance life outside the classroom; plus so much more!

To experience the event, simply 26

click here

Click here to watch our Whistle Stop Campus Tour

Click here to watch our Guide for Parents & Carers

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Bolton College’s Family Learning Supporting parents to help their children with learning at home Hello! We’re Bolton College’s Family Learning Team - three teachers who want to help you during self-isolation, Christmas and Tier 3 restrictions, allowing you to occupy your children at home, and helping them to continue learning.

There are many ways to make learning fun and we’re here to guide you in the right direction, sharing ideas and fantastic web links to wonderful resources.

You can contact the Family Learning Team anytime if you need advice, ideas or are interested in signing up to our courses at Deane & Derby or Brownlow Fold Community Learning Centres.

Simply email familylearning@boltoncc.ac.uk

Bolton College family Learning Home Survival Guide

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Discover ideas and advice about how to support primary school children when they need to study at home by reading The Bolton Family Learning Home Survival Guide

Click Here!

' !

If you’re the parent or carer of a young person who identifies as LGBT+, or if they’re questioning their sexuality and identity, there are some great organisations to support them, and you.

The Proud Trust is the home of LGBT+ youths, and they offer an amazing service for young people, including youth groups, trips out, sports, arts, and confidential support and information.

If you need support, then The Proud Trust are also on hand for parents and carers of LGBT+ young people, through their project, ‘Under One Roof.’

You can learn more about The Proud Trust by visiting www.theproudtrust.org or you can follow them on Facebook @proudtrust

Bolton College believes that every young person should be proud of their identity and that’s why we’re working towards the Rainbow Flag Award, a national assurance framework for schools and colleges. A commitment to the Rainbow Flag Award is a commitment to improving the lives of LGBT+ young people and adults.

Bolton College working towards

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Take some time out to improve your mental wellbeing with Bolton College Community Learning Designed to boost confidence and improve your health and wellbeing, our classes promote positive self-help, reduce social isolation, support recovery, and give you tools to cope in day-to-day situations.

All of our courses are delivered from our friendly Community Learning Centres, in a relaxed, welcoming environment.

Many of our courses are FREE or eligible for reduced fees, depending on your circumstances. Choose:

• Mindfulness (Boost Energy, Reduce Stress, Create Calm) 11 weeks • Pathways to Reduce Stress & Manage Anxiety – 5 weeks • Self-Care Sanctuary – 6 weeks • Take Charge of Your Health with Aromatherapy – 10 weeks

Positive Steps for Health & Wellbeing Courses

Steps to Better Mental Wellbeing

• • • •

• • • • •

Bath Bombs & Soaps – 10 weeks Building Resilience – 6 weeks Candle & Wax Melts – 6 weeks Food to Boost Your Mood & Wellbeing – 2 weeks • Handmade Beauty Products 10 weeks

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Creative Crafts – 12 weeks Creative Writing – 12 weeks Poetry – 10 weeks Step Up Walk & Talk – 4 weeks Creating Community Magazines 4 weeks or 9 weeks

Want to Learn Other Skills?

Other courses include: • • • • • • • •

English and Maths Art and Design Volunteering Cookery Hair and Beauty Sign Language Digital Skills Early Years and Teaching Assistants • Employment skills • Fitness • Health and Social Care

If you would like a member of our team to contact you to discuss our course offer with you more email your name and contact phone number to mental.wellbeing@boltoncc.ac.uk

Meet Julie Barlow, Bolton College’s Community Wellbeing Mentor Working at our three Adult Community Learning Centres, Julie provides a wide range of support to help strengthen our students’ wellbeing. She is there for any student experiencing personal, emotional or psychological difficulties such as: Mental Health problems Anxiety Abuse or domestic abuse Housing or homelessness Relationship problems Problems accessing benefits Debt or other financial problems Bereavement Drug and/or alcohol problems Course work and/or learning difficulties Julie may not be able to sort all our students’ problems out but she can help our students to tackle them by signposting them to relevant support services. Julie is also there to support our learners with progression to courses at our main Deane Road campus.

Julie has an excellent understanding of our students’ needs, having overcome similar obstacles in her life. Julie started out by volunteering for Home Start in the community where she got training to help struggling families in the local area. Julie then became a student at Bolton College whilst balancing her commitments as a single mother. From there she progressed through a range of courses, achieving a Level 4 Diploma in Counselling, before becoming a key member of our team of mentors.

Please remember that when you sign up for a community course at Bolton College you are able to get involved in a lot more than just your classes. We have a wide range of support services and opportunities to help our students take positive steps with their lives.

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Learners on our Steps to Better Wellbeing: Creative Crafts course have each created a collage of activities, places and people that help improve their mental wellbeing.

Finding time to do the things you enjoy is good for your emotional wellbeing and helps beat stress choosing an activity you enjoy likely means you’re good at it and achieving something boosts selfesteem.

Concentrating on a hobby helps you to forget your worries for a while and can really lift your mood.

Although we’re in the tier system, our learners have enjoyed fun and calming activities at home - here are some examples: Start a journal Journaling helps you to get everything off your chest and because it’s essentially a diary, it’s not seen or read by anyone else! There are many health benefits – it clarifies your thoughts and feelings, helping you to know yourself better, reduce stress and solve problems.

Learn a new skill Explore the internet, or just YouTube, and you’ll find online lessons to learn new skills, from jewellery making through to meditation. Set yourself a target to learn a new skill each week!

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Steps to Better Wellbeing Dance Whack on some music or turn up the TV and dance to your favourite song! Dancing’s fun, it works out the whole body, including your heart, and it improves your balance and coordination. It’s also great for wellbeing, so get grooving and lift your mood!

Adult colouring Colouring relaxes the fear centre of your brain and it’s just as powerful as meditation - it relaxes the body and mind and reduces restless thoughts, stress and anxiety.

Cook or bake something new Try a new recipe and be artistic, creative and imaginative! Cooking and baking are good for your mental health because they encourage the act of patience and mindfulness. Make something for yourself or others and it will boost self-esteem – nurturing yourself or your loved ones is a great feeling.

Look after your mental health and remember to make time for yourself by doing the things you enjoy!

If you’d like to boost your confidence and wellbeing with an arts and crafts course, please email Emma Barber:

emma.barber@boltoncc.ac.uk

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Welcome to Bolton Dementia Support Bolton's own local charity is run by professionally trained staff, trained volunteers and present and former carers who all fully understand how dementia affects the person concerned and the impact it has on the rest of the family.

Bolton Dementia Support has a range of activities, events and resources available to support people living with dementia and those who care for them.

Click on the link below to find out more about the activities.

CLICK HERE

For more information about our services please call: 01204 386696 or 07704 594 585 or email: boltondsg@gmail.com

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Are you looking after someone?

Bolton Carers Support is an independent registered charity that was set up in 1994 and offers a confidential support and information service to local people over the age of 18 who look after family members or friends, who need support due to illness, disability, addiction, or age.

When you are looking after someone, it is difficult to know who to contact for information and advice about your caring situation.

Our Carers Helpline can answer questions you may have and is open 24/7:

• From 9am to 5pm weekdays, call with any caring-related query or just to talk to someone in confidence about your caring role.

• At all other times (evenings/weekends/Bank Holidays) call if you have an urgent issue or emergency with your caring role.

All calls are treated in confidence. We do not pass on your details to any other agencies without your permission.

Staff are empathetic and understand the need to be able to talk to someone in confidence about your situation.

We are here to help.

Please contact our free, confidential helpline, open all day, every day, on 01204 363 056 or email info@boltoncarers.org.uk

www.boltoncarers.org.uk

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Christmas from

Some of Bolton College’s Level 2 Community Inte

Ansah – Pakistan

‘We’re Muslim so we don’t celebrate Christmas or go to Church, but we do enjoy the holiday season with family.

On Christmas day, I make a full roast dinner and my children enjoy watching Christmas movies.

Christmas time for us is spent as a family, enjoying time off work and school.’

Neda – Iran

‘Most Iranians are Muslim, but there are some Christians who celebrate Christmas. They put their Christmas trees up and decorate them and have parties and gifts - when I was a child, I wanted to be in their colourful party as well. Now I live in the UK, with my own family, we celebrate Christmas and use the opportunity to be together and happy.’

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Bahrah - Iraq

‘I’m from Kurdistan, Iraq. We’re not Christian, but we still celebrate Christmas, but only on New Year’s Eve. We decorate the house and family and close friends gather, and we make lots of food and enjoy eating it all together. When I was a child we didn’t buy gifts but now, as my children were born here, we do, and it makes them happy to join in with the culture in the country in which they were born.’

Haajera, Dinesh and Bina – India

‘So my children feel involved in the celebration, I create a Christmas atmosphere at home by cooking Christmas dinner and watching Christmas movies - I want my children to know about all religions, so I get them involved as much as I can.

This year, Christmas will be different. I’ll be working at the hospital, but staff get into a festive mood, and we make it as cheerful for the patients as we can.’

‘My parents are originally from India and when they were there, Christmas wasn’t celebrated, but now it’s globally recognised! Lots of people in India celebrate it - they make decorations from banana and mango leaves and light small electric lights and oil burners.’

Fl

‘We ce househol as one. W rice, roa rice, vege with spice soups lik so on. We meat pie attend ch then eat It’s a

m around the world

erpreting learners share how they’re celebrating Christmas this year.

lorence – Nigeria

Hortense – Cameroon

‘Christmas is a very important celebration for my family because we’ve been Christians for many generations. First of all, Christmas for us is the commemoration of the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ among us as our Saviour. The day starts with the celebration at Church. After the service, all the family returns home and whilst the men sit in the lounge chatting and drinking soft drinks, women prepare good food and cakes in the kitchen. Once everything’s ready, the family surround the table with joy and happiness to appreciate the meals.’

elebrate Christmas with other lds or extended families, dining We cook special meals like fried asted chicken or turkey, jollof etable salad, ise ewu (goat head es), pounded yam, and delicious ke uha, egusi, bitter leaves and e also make pastries like chi-chi, e, beans cake and moi-moi. We hurch in our best or new clothes t and drink without restrictions. a joyful time of merriment for everyone.’

Muna - Yemen

‘I’m originally from Yemen where Christmas is not celebrated, but in the UK, we love to celebrate it and all the family come together. At home we celebrate Christmas with the family; we make food like roast chicken and potatoes. We also buy presents for the children who have so much fun opening them.’

Farzana – Kashmir

‘My parents arrived in the UK from Kashmir, Pakistan in the late 1960s and to them, Christmas was only heard of; to see the trees and gifts was magical and lights were a learning curve! Once I started school, my father would buy a small tree which I’d decorate with small toys. My neighbours were devoted Christians; they’d send chocolates, candy, and many gifts to my family. In return, we would do the same, handing cards out to most of the street. Christmas Day would be fun with many friends and family, helping my family to feel part of the English community. Celebrating Christmas helped my family to accept other people’s faiths and views, and also to be accepted.’

If you speak another language, apply to join one of our Community Interpreting courses! We deliver Level 1 and Level 2 courses, and work closely with interpreting agencies in the local area, so you can apply for paid agency work when you complete your studies!

For further information, please email suzanne.delaney@boltoncc.ac.uk or call 01204 482 387.

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Bake this make & mature Christmas cake from Stir-up Sunday onwards!

How to make a Christmas cake

TIP

-2 tbsp 1 h t i w e the cak rtnight will g n i d e fo Fe l every really o h o c l of a f have a u o ’s full o y t a e r h t u s e n k e fruitca s u o i r u lux ke for a c e . r h u t flavo n’t feed the surface o d , r e v Howe to give k e e w l icing. a e n r fi o f e e h b t ry ce to d n a h c a

Make this Christmas fruitcake a few weeks in advance and feed it regularly with brandy in the run-up to the big day. It's a deliciously boozy and moist cake that's well worth the effort.

Method

1. Line a 20cm deep cake tin with baking parchment. Line the outside with newspaper and tie with string (this provides an insulating layer to keep the outer edges of the cake from burning before the middle is cooked).

2. Put 1kg mixed dried fruit, the zest and juice of 1 orange, the zest and juice of

1 lemon, 150ml brandy (or sherry, whisky or rum), 200g light soft brown sugar and 250g softened butter in a large pan over a medium heat. Bring to the boil.

3. Lower the heat and simmer for 5 mins. Leave to cool for 30 mins.

4. Tip into a mixing bowl and add 175g plain flour, 100g ground almonds, ½ tsp

baking powder, 2 tsp mixed spice, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, ¼ tsp ground cloves, 100g flaked almonds, 1 tsp vanilla extract and 4 large eggs. Stir well.

5. Tip into the lined tin and level the top with a spatula.

6. Bake at 150C/130C fan/gas 2 for 2 hours. Leave to cool.

7. Poke holes all over the cake with a skewer. Spoon over 2 tbsp of your chosen alcohol.

8. Store in an airtight container and feed with 1-2 tbsp alcohol every fortnight.

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The doors to our UCAN centres are physically shut but we’re still around to support you.

We’re just working from home.

We can’t share our phones or computers with you but we can still offer:

Help accessing benefits

Help dealing with benefit issues

Help with job searching and CVs

Money advice

Help to reduce gas and electricity bills

Health and wellbeing advice

Housing support

Access to other support services

We’re available Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 4pm.

Get in touch by calling us or following our Facebook pages below.

We’re available to chat on Facebook messenger via our pages.

Breightmet UCAN Centre Call us on 01204 329541 or follow us @Breightmet andWithinsUCANCentres

Deane UCAN Centre Call us on 01204 329583 or follow us @DeaneUCAN Centre

Johnson Fold UCAN Centre Call us on 01204 329704 or follow us at @JFUCAN

New Bury UCAN Centre Call us on 01204 329786 or follow us @NewBury UCANCentre

Tonge Moor UCAN Centre Call us on 01204 329563 or follow us @tongemoor ucan

Withins UCAN Centre Call us on 01204 329643 or follow us @Breightmet andWithinsUCANCentres

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Mental Health Independent Support Team (MhIST)

WE ARE OPEN!

We know it’s tough out there which is why we have worked hard to keep our mental health services up and running.

Come to us for: Self-help

Our self-help groups are very active and they provide for the needs of different groups of people who may be affected by depression, anxiety or low self-esteem. By joining our self-help groups you can gain: • Support from people who have similar experiences • The reassurance that you are not alone • A different perspective • The chance to meet new people You won’t be judged or told what to do!

Advocacy The MhIST advocacy team are here to help you with problems which you need sorting out but you need a hand with. All you need to do is ask, or get someone to do it for you, and we will try to help.

When you come to MhIST our friendly and knowledgeable volunteer staff will make you feel comfortable and welcome, treat you with respect, listen to you without judging you and give you the opportunity to speak your mind.

Talk Therapy Many of us experience times in our lives when we feel under pressure and find it hard to cope. This could be because of past issues, relationship difficulties, grief, or from finding it hard to deal with everyday life.

Talking therapies such as counselling are useful in helping people come to terms with many problems they are facing, with an ultimate aim of overcoming them. They are based on an interpersonal relationship between the client and the counsellor or therapist, which helps them develop a better understanding about themselves and then solves their problems.

For further details, please call 01204 527 200 or visit www.mhist.co.uk - our friendly team are available from 9.30am-4.30pm. Stay safe and stay well!

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Bolton Community Trust Over the last few months, Bolton Wanderers Community Trust has worked across Bolton delivering a number of projects to improve the lives of the Bolton community. We have also supported awareness campaigns such as #TakeaStand and #RainbowLaces, whilst receiving awards at the North West Football Awards.

Tackling Loneliness Together Project For the last five months we have been delivering a project to tackle loneliness in those aged 70+. We offer support in a number of ways:

Our offer: • Phone calls - general welfare check-ups, general conversations etc.

• Online video meetings via Zoom including BWFC Reminiscence, Coffee Mornings Chat, Bingo and Quizzes • Technology loans to help you get online • Letters including local information and support available within the Bolton community • Garden visits chats (socially distanced) • One to one and group walks.

If you would like any more information on this project or want to refer into it please email Carl Halliwell at challiwell@bwct.org.uk or call 01204 673 790

Bolton Wanderers Community Trust Supports #RainbowLaces Campaign At Bolton Wanderers we recognise that Clubs and communities are stronger when everyone feels welcome. That’s why we’re supporting the Stonewall Rainbow Laces campaign, by sharing positive news stories all week about our LGBT+ inclusion work.

Each day this week, we will focus on a different key theme including World AIDs Day, the importance of LGBT allyship and some real-life stories of the positive impact our work has had across Bolton. Our Rainbow Laces match day was on Saturday 5th December. Together we can make sport everyone’s game. One Community, One Club, One Town.

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Head of Trust awarded Top Accolade

Bolton Wanderers Head of Community Trust Phil Mason has been named as the 2020 Pitching In North West Football Awards Unsung Hero.

The accolade, which was presented by former Wanderers midfielder Fabrice Muamba, recognises the fantastic work Phil has done for the community of Bolton over many years through his role as Head of Bolton Wanderers Community Trust, Club Chaplain and his positions on several boards throughout the town.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Bolton Wanderers Community Trust has supported vulnerable members of the community through their Loneliness Programme, which has engaged with local residents through telephone calls, garden gate visits and support with online shopping and ordering prescriptions.

Speaking about the award, Phil said: “I am very grateful to have won this award but I wish to dedicate it to all my colleagues in the Community Trust who always go beyond the call of duty. Most of them live in the town themselves and see their jobs as true vocations. Everybody is going through a tough time because of the pandemic, but if we all stick together as one club, one town and one community we will be much stronger as a consequence.”

Bolton Wanderers Chairman Sharon Brittan added: “I am delighted that Phil has been acknowledged in this way as he is devoted to improving the lives of others. He’s a great colleague and a tremendous asset, not just to Bolton Wanderers Football Club but to the town as a whole. Well done, Phil!”

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Bolton’s

Fund

Bolton’s Fund is a new investment programme for the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector in Bolton, established to test new and innovative ways of investing and valuing our communities. The Fund brings together funding from Bolton Council, NHS Bolton Clinical Commissioning Group, Bolton at Home and Bolton CVS. The scheme launched last year and VCSE groups of all sizes are invited to bid for different rounds of funding, with each round targeted at addressing a key priority in the community.

The next rounds for Bolton’s Fund are:

Contact Bolton CVS: Email: info@boltoncvs.org.uk 01204 546 010 Tel: Website: www.boltoncvs.org.uk

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•

Health and Wellbeing Grants up to £1,500 and £5,000 to get Bolton healthy

•

Children and Young People Grants of £10,000 to £25,000 to support Bolton’s future

•

Climate Change Grants up to £1,500 and £5,000 that tackle climate change

Find out more: www.boltoncvs.org.uk/boltons-fund-0

Bolton

CVS Training Programme

We offer a range of specialist training courses designed to develop the skills and knowledge of the diverse Voluntary and Community Sector in Bolton. All our courses are tailored in line with what you tell us you need and are designed to be accessible to all levels of staff and volunteers.

All our training is delivered by suitably qualified trainers, who offer a wealth of experience and up-to-date knowledge on current issues in their field – this way, you can be confident of a positive learning experience that aims to help your organisation be the best it can be.

Have a look at what we have on offer www.boltoncvs.org.uk/training

Become a

CVS Member

The Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise sector (VCSE) is a critical deliverer of life changing services, and an increasingly powerful influence for good across the Borough of Bolton. Bolton 2030 is a vision for the future which sees its people and communities as active, connected and prosperous. Working together the VCSE sector can achieve so much, be a huge voice for change, and play its part in making Bolton the place that we can all be proud of.

Bolton CVS is the member organisation for the VCSE sector which connects and communicates the aspirations and efforts of this vital sector. Being a member ensures that you can play your part in something truly transformational. Together we can achieve so much more than we would if we worked alone.

Find out more details: www.boltoncvs.org.uk/become-member-bolton-cvs

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Working Well Work & Health Programme We are passionate about giving local people the knowledge and independence to create better lives for themselves and their communities through employment.

We work with a range of people throughout Greater Manchester including health professionals, employment specialists and local community organisations to create a support package to help you find the right job, at the right time.

You can join the Working Well Work & Health Programme by contacting your JCP Work Coach to refer you to the programme, or visit our website for more information.

We look forward to hearing from you and supporting you on your journey into work!

For further information visit:

www.inworkgm.co.uk

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Working Well Early Help If you’ve been furloughed; are working but currently off sick with a physical health or mental health condition; or you’re currently unemployed and struggling with back pain, stress, anxiety or any other ailment, the Working Well Early Help service can offer a tailored support service, and access to occupational therapy, advice and counselling.

For more information contact Loraine on 07769 022667 or email lcampbell@maximusuk.co.uk

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The Workshop A friendly and dedicated service to support you into work, every step of the way!

We are specialists at supporting local people through the Skills Support for Employment programme, and more recently a new offer of support through Work and Health Job Entry Targeted Support (JETS), which is really good news for our residents looking for work!

The Workshop are regularly one of the best performing providers in the Northwest for the Work Programme, and Greater Manchester (GM) for Skills Support for Employment, generating excellent feedback in customer evaluation surveys.

Around 1 in 3 of our clients achieves a job and stays in that job! Our clients tell us that the extensive support they received made all the difference to their confidence, wellbeing, and skills. Support includes access to training courses and qualifications, work experience, job matching and most importantly accessible and friendly support tailored to your needs!

If you are aged 19 or over, unemployed, working below 16 hours a week or have limited work experience you may be eligible for the Skills Support programme.

To find out more, please contact The Workshop on 01204 333209 or email elaine.sessions@bolton.gov.uk www.bolton.go.vuk/skillsupportforemployment

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Kickstart Support for our young people to gain valuable workplace experience is even more crucial during this challenging climate.

Under the Kickstart scheme, employers will receive 100% of the relevant national minimum wage for a creating a new 6-month job placement of 25 hours per week.

There is also ÂŁ1,500 per job placement available for setup costs, support and training.

Employers offering 30 or more jobs can apply directly. For smaller employers looking to ‘Kickstart’ between 1 to 29 local job placements, you will need to register with a Kickstart Gateway.

Business Bolton currently work with both the Chamber of Commerce, a Bolton Gateway provider, and The Growth Company, who provide support to Bolton based employers on different local and GM programmes.

Go to

www.businessbolton.org if you are a local employer and want to find out more.

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If you’re worried about money there’s help at hand... ...contact Bolton Council’s Money Skills Service!

The service offers free debt and money advice, including tips on budgeting and ways you can access grants and financial assistance.

It can also help you with problems with rent arrears, council tax, energy bills, credit cards and other loans and debts. It can even help you negotiate more affordable repayments and assist with court forms, debt relief orders and bankruptcy.

If you’re worried about money you’re not alone - and it’s important to talk openly about money and any problems you might be having.

Since the first lockdown, nearly three million people say they have fallen into financial arrears. And nine out of 10 adults say they find it difficult to talk about their money problems.

In the run up to Christmas, the Money Skills Service is also urging people not to fall victim to loan sharks.

Illegal lenders are currently targeting people on social media and people are being warned to only borrow money from authorised lenders.

Don’t suffer in silence - the Money Skills Service is here to give you general advice and to help you with your specific problems.

Because of Covid-19 the team are not offering in-person appointments right now - but you can get help over the phone or via a video call.

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Visit the moneyskills website www.boltonsmoneyskills.org.uk or email moneyadvice@bolton.gov.uk. You can also telephone the team on 01204 33 2916.

Support for Businesses Business Bolton, the Council’s Business Support team, have been helping local businesses throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, providing support, advice and linking businesses to other Council services and financial support schemes as well as external partners including The Business Growth Hub. • The Council was allocated £68m by Government to provide small businesses and the retail, leisure and hospitality industry with grant funding to assist through lockdown closures.

• A cross-departmental Council team, involving Business Rates and Business Bolton, delivered a programme of Covid-19 grant funding, launched by the Government in April 2020, including: - 5,132 small business grants and retail, leisure and hospitality grants to the value of £58m, between 1st April and 14th August.

- Discretionary grants worth £2.9m to 374 businesses within a three week period in June.

- Local restrictions grants - awarded over £1.7m in claims.

For information on the latest grants and support available for business go to www.businessbolton.org/covid19

To find out more about the funding and support Business Bolton provides, sign up to our newsletter

Click Here

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The festive period is an important time for friends and family to come together for many different reasons.

The government is changing some social contact restrictions to make Christmas more enjoyable after a difficult year.

From 23rd to 27th December: You can form an exclusive ‘Christmas bubble’ including people from no more than three households You can only be in one Christmas bubble You cannot change your Christmas bubble You can travel between tiers and UK nations for the purposes of meeting your Christmas bubble You can only meet your Christmas bubble in private homes or in your garden, places of worship, or public outdoor spaces You can continue to meet people who are not in your Christmas bubble outside your home according to the rules in the tier where you are staying • You cannot meet someone in a private dwelling who is not part of your household or Christmas bubble • If anybody in the bubble gets symptoms or tests positive then all members of the bubble must isolate.

• • • • • •

To try and keep your bubble as safe as possible: • Ventilate indoor spaces • Clean touch points regularly • Wash your hands regularly • Follow the rules on self-isolation • Reduce unnecessary contact with the people you don’t live with for two weeks before forming your Christmas bubble • In the two weeks that follow your last meeting with your bubble, reduce contact as much as possible with people you don’t live with.

A system of tiers replaced the England-wide lockdown which came to an end on 2nd December.

For more detail and guidance on local tiers including which tier Bolton is currently in please visit www.gov.uk/coronavirus

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Winter in Bolton Bolton’s got Christmas all wrapped up with this year’s ‘Winter in Bolton’ virtual event.

Even though we’re not able to meet for a traditional family celebration, as always, our town centres will be full of seasonal warmth and good cheer this December.

Each town centre will be lit up with traditional Christmas trees and festive lights as well as the introduction of a new Eight Town’s Trail - 12 retailers within each town centre will display a unique Winter Festival graphic with a letter on it. Simply find all 12 letters and work out what phrase they spell for a chance to win some great prizes!

There’s loads of Christmas activities and fun ideas that all the family can try on the Winter Festival website too (www.boltonwinterfestival.com), including specially recorded stories from our Christmas elves in the library, brilliant music from some of Bolton’s best musicians, plus links to all the great activities taking place right across Bolton. There’s even the chance for you to feature in Bolton’s first ever Big Singalong! Get those vocal chords warmed up and help us create a fantastic rendition of Jingle Bells - all in time for Christmas Day.

To help kickstart proceedings, and as we couldn’t meet up in person, on 3rd December we did a One Big Bolton Switch On, with ALL the lights across the borough being switched on at 7pm.

We were joined online from people across Bolton, who even created their own switch-on event at home – you can still share your pictures or film on our Winter Festival Facebook page, so that everyone can enjoy your light installation!

The day after the switch on, our activities began in earnest with the launch of our website – some very special friends of the Festival welcomed us all to Winter in Bolton, with a bit of a singalong too!

Some of Bolton’s most loved businesses (all thanks to Bolton Action group) joined us too. You can continue to enjoy online stories, music and great competitions, right up to Christmas Day! Join in the festive fun and find us online at www.boltonwinterfestival.com or visit us on Facebook @BoltonWinterFestival

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Countdown is on to Rugby League World Cup 2021 The Rugby League World Cup comes to Bolton next autumn with the town hosting two games, including England vs France and a men’s quarter-final, as well as being the training camp and base for the French men’s squad.

The Rugby League World Cup has a huge mass of support and it promises to be the biggest yet when it is held in England in 2021.

The tournament is the first fully inclusive one in its history - with the men’s competition and the women’s and wheelchair tournaments running simultaneously.

The competition will see 32 teams playing 64 games across 20 venues and is expected to be watched worldwide by an estimated 150 million people across 115 countries.

It’s a huge opportunity to showcase the best of Bolton on the international stage and demonstrate how our business, organisations, volunteers and local communities are coming together to take the game to its heart.

Bolton aims to use it to create a lasting legacy, by encouraging local children and young people to take the game to their hearts and improve their physical and mental fitness. It’s also hoped it will create new and exciting opportunities for local businesses and community groups and volunteers.

Fans can apply for tickets for each of the 61 matches across all three tournaments, with tickets in each price band at every game available, including the two fixtures in Bolton.

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The most up to date information and tickets are available from www.rlwc2021.com

Bolton College is proud to support the work of

Members of the Bolton Family include: Asda, Barkers LLP, Bolton CVS, Bolton at Home, Bolton Council, Bolton FM, GM Mental Health Services, Keoghs, Octagon Theatre, Seddon, Urban Outreach, Warburtons and The Woodland Trust, together with smaller companies and social enterprise organisations.

The work of The Bolton Family supports the Bolton 2030 Vision, helping the communities of Bolton to: • • • •

Start Well Live Well Age Well Be Aware of the Environment

Helping Bolton to develop a cleaner, greener prosperous place to live and work.

Follow us on twitter @familybolton 55