Bulletin Thursday 10 December 2020

Making a childcare and support bubble with another household

On December 8, the Government updated guidance on how you can get informal childcare for anyone under 14 from friends and family you do not live with, and how you can safely expand the group of people you have close contact with.

The update includes information on how support bubbles work for those in more than one type of bubble and on travelling to form a support bubble.

Don’t get caught in the loan shark net  

Residents who are struggling financially are being urged not to fall victim to loan sharks.

Many people have been hit financially by the Coronavirus pandemic either through losing their jobs or living on reduced incomes, leading to difficulties making payments for rent, bills and necessities.

With financial pressures increasing around Christmas, some may see borrowing money from an unlicensed lender as a quick fix.

Keeping well this Winter

A coalition of public service organisations, charities and older people’s groups has launched a new information campaign to support older people to keep well this winter.

The booklet, film and talking tips guide are available on the GMCA’s website.

Bolton encouraged to ‘shop small’ this Christmas

With the re-opening of retail, shoppers are being encouraged to support local independent businesses and ‘shop small’ this December.

The small business finder allows shoppers to use their postcode to find local retailers.

Support team to help Bolton shop with confidence

A new team of COVID Support Officers are helping Bolton shop with confidence this festive season.

In a scheme which started last weekend, officers across the borough are on hand to answer enquiries, remind businesses of safety regulations and help shoppers follow COVID guidelines.

Bolton’s Fund to help children get the best start in life

Charities and community organisations can access a total of £225,000 in funding to help give Bolton children the best possible start in life.

As part of Bolton’s Fund, groups are invited to bid for grants to fund projects aimed at supporting young people.

This is Bolton’s virtual Winter Festival

It may not be Christmas as normal this year but there’s lots of things to help illuminate the dark nights and add some sparkle across Bolton this December.

The team behind the council’s usual Winter Festival have teamed up with partners and businesses across Bolton to create some fantastic, family friendly activities to keep everyone entertained.

Find out more on the Winter Festival website.

Bolton CVS Small Charities Day

Bolton Community and Voluntary Services (CVS) will be shining the spotlight on small charities in Bolton as part of Local Charities Day on Friday December 18, 2020.  The event will take place via Zoom 11.00am – 12.00pm. 

Bolton CVS are taking this opportunity to showcase some of the many local voluntary and community organisations that give their time to make Bolton a better place for everyone.  It’s important to recognise the achievements and successes of voluntary and community organisations, especially during this difficult year.  

You are invited to come along and join us with some festive entertainment provided by Trust Music. 

Bolton Council staff support Christmas hamper appeal    

Bolton Council staff have so far raised £1,411.93 for Urban Outreach’s Christmas Hamper Appeal. The money will provide food hampers for struggling residents across the borough. The hampers contain everything that an individual or family needs to put on a traditional Christmas spread – right down to mince pies and Christmas crackers!

The initiative is inspired by Anne Gorton, a much-loved colleague who sadly passed away in December 2019. Anne left a legacy of supporting this annual appeal.

There’s still time to spread some Christmas cheer and donate to this worthwhile cause.  

Don’t miss out on ‘elftastic’ fun this Christmas!

There’s still time to wrap up warm and head to Smithills Hall’s grounds for a festive family day out.

For the latest updates