Campbell House reopens as Project Front Door: a safe haven for young people in Bolton | News

Campbell House in Farnworth has reopened with a renewed purpose: to support young people facing homelessness and help them build brighter futures. Now operating as Project Front Door, the building will provide short-term accommodation and round-the-clock support for 16 to 25-year-olds preparing for independent living.

This marks a major milestone in our partnership with Backup North West, a Bolton-based charity that’s been helping vulnerable young people since 1992.

A new chapter begins

To celebrate the reopening on Monday 6 October 2025, Backup welcomed local councillors, community partners, and neighbours to Campbell House for a special event. Guests explored the newly refurbished building, which features individual properties designed to offer safe, short-term accommodation for young people.

The refurbishment was led by our teams, transforming the former extra care scheme into a warm, welcoming space tailored to the needs of 16 to 25-year-olds. It’s more than just a place to stay - it’s a place where young people can access 24/7 support, emotional care, and practical help as they take their next steps.

Paul Lowe, our Assistant Director of Customer and Communities, said: “We’re proud to be part of something that offers real hope and opportunity. This is about giving young people the stability they need to grow and thrive.”

From extra care to extra support

Campbell House was previously an extra care scheme for older residents, offering 24 individual properties with onsite support. However, following a thorough consultation in 2023, Bolton Council concluded that the building’s facilities were no longer suitable to promote independent living. The layout and infrastructure placed heavy reliance on staff for daily tasks like meal preparation, and lacked the flexibility and amenities expected in modern extra care housing. Without the ability to provide effective onsite care, the scheme was no longer viable. All residents were successfully rehoused, and we began exploring how the space could continue to serve the community.

That’s where Backup came in.

Their proven model of intensive, round-the-clock support made Campbell House a perfect fit. With a strong track record - including four other services across our sites - Backup brings deep experience and compassion to the work of safeguarding young people.

More than a place to stay

Project Front Door is about more than accommodation. It’s about creating opportunities, rebuilding confidence, and helping young people take their next steps with dignity and support.

Maura Jackson, Chief Executive Officer of Backup, said: “We’re passionate about our work at Backup and proud to be a vital part of the Bolton community. We provide life-changing support to those in need, building essential life skills in young people to help them thrive.

“We witness incredible success stories of individuals overcoming challenges and turning their lives around. Our accommodation services deliver effective support, strengthening local communities and neighbourhoods.”

Investing in people and places

This project reflects our wider commitment to investing in homes and communities. We believe housing should provide safety, stability, and the right support - especially for those facing difficult circumstances.

Campbell House is now ready to welcome its first residents. With Backup’s expertise and support from partners, it’s all set to become a place where young people can find their footing and move forward with confidence.

Here are some photos from the event and of the building. 

Backup representatives, local councillors, and partners mark the opening of Project Front Door at Campbell House with a ribbon-cutting.

A welcoming communal space, created to support connection and comfort for Project Front Door residents.

A comfortable and thoughtfully designed living space at Campbell House, offering residents privacy and a sense of home as part of Project Front Door.

A light-filled conservatory at Campbell House, offering a calm and comfortable setting for personal support discussions.

The exterior of Campbell House, where Project Front Door now provides safe, supportive accommodation and services for young people.