Our response to Coronavirus (COVID 19)

The Bolton Guild of Help has been working tirelessly to help vulnerable people in Bolton for over a hundred years.  The Charity worked through the 1918 flu pandemic just as we are working today though this Coronavirus pandemic; assessing people’s needs and providing grants to families and individuals who are struggling, as well as connecting people with other organisations that can provide support during this difficult time.

The Bolton Guild of Help have been awarded funds to deliver the Bolton and Bury Veterans Aid (BBVA) Veterans Will Not Be Forgotten  project which is running up to November 2020.

We are looking for referrals of veterans from the Armed Forces who would benefit from the following support

• Initial phone call to check how they are coping during the pandemic
• Provision of a food hamper
• Regular ‘check ins’ by phone to make sure they are okay and to see if they need any help
• Grant applications for essential items
• Referrals to other organisations including CAP (Christians Against Poverty) for debt advice
•  Benefit informatiom service through The Bridge Church
• Mental health support via BAND.

A case worker will be assigned to each veteran (volunteers from SSAFA The Armed Forces Charity and Bolton Guild of Help trustees)

If you know of any veterans you think will benefit from this support during the coming months please contact info@boltonguildofhelp.ork.uk or telephone 01204 524848 Mon to Wed 9am until 3pm.

We are particularly keen to engage with ex National Servicemen, or their widows

Bolton’s Fund

We are pleased to announce we have been awarded a grant from Bolton’s Fund for essential items and food for people in need and living in Bolton.  Applications can be submitted in the usual way with all applicants receiving a telephone call to go through the application with our grant assessor.  The aim of the grant is to identify primary needs and any secondary needs such as benefit support, and debt advice to enable us to direct you to the appropriate support. To apply for a grant contact us via telephone or email (visit our contact us page).

Asda Food Grant – we have also been awarded a small sum of money to support clients with food supplies via the Asda  Feeding the communities grant.  All clients applying to the Bolton Guild of Help will be considered for a food grant with their application.

Trustees

Our trustees are working together to identify other areas of need.  One of the legacies that we manage, the Joyce and Frank Smith Animal Fund, has provided funding to animal charities which are struggling during this difficult time to raise funds and provide for the needs of animals.  Funding has been provided to Bolton RSPCA, Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary, Pimmhole Community Farm, Cats Protection and many others to enable them to continue their work.  This also includes support for Paws for Kids which is part of the Endeavour project.

Moving forward

We will continue to work remotely until government guidelines allow us to re-open our offices to the public.  During this time, we will be working on expanding our services and projects as much as funding allows.  We have been supporting people in Bolton for over 100 years and will continue to do so.

We are also in the process of seeking further funding support to enable us to continue our work both through, and beyond, the current crisis.  More projects are being developed and funding being applied for.  Check out our ‘News’ page for further developments.

A big thank you to one of our suppliers – Horwich Appliance Centre, who has been working tirelessly to help us provide essential items to our clients.  Thank you so much for all your support in sourcing items, delivering and installing them in a safe manner during this difficult time.