Bolton Community and Voluntary Services (Bolton CVS), the organisation that supports the growth and development of voluntary and community organisations has today secured a grant award from the Government of £331,064 to provide a programme of partnership and support for voluntary and community groups within Bolton.

Working with a range of partner organisations the money will support an innovative programme of work to build new opportunities that meet the changing needs of Bolton’s groups and communities so that they are valued and supported locally and can play a stronger role.  This includes:

• A new pathway to social enterprise so that groups can develop skills which will allow them to access new income, contracts and funding;

• The development of new training opportunities;

• The creation of stronger links and partnerships with local companies to help bring special skills, goods and services into local groups.

The partner organisations include: Bolton Wanderers Football Club Community Trust, Bolton Interfaith Company, Bolton Solidarity Community Association, Children England, Greater Manchester Youth Network, Groundwork Bury & Bolton, Hibbert Community Regeneration Agency, Lesbian & Gay Foundation, Mutual Advice Business Ltd, The Key Fund, The Social Enterprise Loan Fund – NW, and the Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside.

Karen Minnitt, Chief Executive of Bolton Community and Voluntary Services said, “Bolton CVS is absolutely delighted to have secured this money on behalf of the partnership for Bolton.  We want to encourage new ideas and new ways of providing support which will benefit the hundreds of voluntary and community groups that are already making a big contribution to life within Bolton”.

A key aspect of the project involves working with Bolton Wanderers Football Club Community Trust to develop stronger links with businesses within Bolton. 

Ian Laithwaite, Head of Bolton Wanderers Football Club Community Trust said, “This is excellent news for Bolton and gives the opportunity to work in creative ways between the business sector and the voluntary and community sector. We are looking forward to playing our part in developing new and significant partnerships.”

Councillor Cliff Morris, Leader of Bolton Council said “I would like to congratulate Bolton CVS for their hard work in getting this money for the people of Bolton.  I know that this money will be put to good use helping local groups to find new and better ways of working together for the benefit of local people.”