Elise
Her Story
Elise whilst living at the Lucas Project overcame many hurdles after the devastating loss of both her parents who died within 18 months of each…
Backup North West finally got to officially launch 2 new services for young people aged 16-25 years old who are experiencing homelessness. With the help of The Mayor of Bolton, Councillor Linda Thomas and the consort Mr Len Thomas and Bolton Wanderers Community Trust champion John McGinlay 2 vital safety nets for vulnerable young people were officially launched. Joined by guests from other agencies and many of the residents they were able to celebrate these much needed facilities.
Redds Place, named after Boltonian Suffragette Sarah Reddish, opened in July 2021. A new short stay and assessment centre designed to support young people who are at risk of homelessness, exploitation and harm a safe place to live temporarily. The aim being to offer safety and security until it can be determined where the best place is for them to move to with Backups other temporary housing services. This has 12 studio bedsits, communal rooms for dining, counselling, support and educational activities. Staff are on site round the clock to ensure young people are safe and supported.
Loft House, named after Boltonian sporting legend Nat Loft House opened in December 2021. This project has ten self contained flats for young people who are supported to live safely and teach them life skills required for living alone. Young people can stay here for around 6 months before being assisted to move on into something independent.
Both of these buildings are leased from Bolton at Home who have refurbished them too. Managed and delivered by Backup they are part of a larger portfolio that collectively houses and supports 100 young people across the borough at any one time. Backup have been around in Bolton for 3 decades, previously known as Bolton Young Persons Housing Scheme, celebrated its 30th anniversary this year. One of the young residents present on the day said “I love it here, it has given me peace of mind.“ She went on to say the support she received was amazing. Another young man told the Mayor that he’s been in care homes and other supported housing services all his life but this was the best he’d ever experienced. “Staff at Backup really care about me.”
BACKUP provide multiple services across Bolton to young people aged 16-25 years who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness. Read here about all the supported accommodation which includes emergency housing, temporary accommodation, short and medium stay supported housing. Also the non accommodation based support work that focusses on mental health, employment support and much more.
Young people can live in more than one Backup service as they make progress and develop more independence prior to moving on completely. The different services are designed to meet various levels and ranges of needs.
