News from Bolton at Home

Here you'll find our most recent news articles, from important tenant updates and new housing developments, to new community initiatives and activities.

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Free activities and food offers for you and yours during the summer holidays (2023)

Free activities and food offers for you and yours during the summer holidays (2023)

We’ve got you covered if you’re looking for things for you and yours to get up to during the 2023 school summer holidays. Here’s a full list of everything we’re involved with, plus a look at some of the free/low-cost kids’ food offers we’re aware of (including Urban Outreach’s free ‘Bolton Lunches’ programme).

Please note that some of these activities will require advance booking. We've added notes to let you know which ones you'll need to book onto.

We're here if you need us:

Remember: if you- or someone you know- could use some support to deal with rising living costs, our teams are here to help. Visit our dedicated hub at: www.boltonathome.org.uk/cost-of-living for a look at all the ways we can help.

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Outdoor family adventure sessions with WAVE Adventure (free for families living in Tonge with the Haulgh, from 15 July to 23 September) (tap here to go back to the top):

Our partners at WAVE Adventure are offering the following Family Adventure Sessions for free for families living in Tonge with the Haulgh, but places are limited, and booking is essential.

For more information or to book, please contact Graham on 07583833460.

  • 15 July: Gorge Walk, Rivington, 11.30am to 2.30pm (16 places, transport provided)
  • 29 July: Adventure Walk, Yorkshire Dales, 9.30am to 6.30pm (16 places, transport provided)
  • 12 August: Bike Ride, 498 Bury Road, 12pm to 2pm (8 places)
  • 26 August: Rock Climbing, Rochdale, 11am to 4pm (10 places, transport provided)
  • 9 September: Paddle Boarding, Adlington, 12pm to 2pm or 2pm to 4pm (6 places per session)
  • 23 September: Adventure Walk, Cadshaw, 11.30am to 2.30pm (16 places, transport provided)

Promotional poster for WAVE Adventure's outdoor family adventure sessions during summer 2023.

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Family Fun in Bolton’s parks, including free children’s lunches (from Tuesday 25 July to Friday 25 August) (tap here to go back to the top):

Promotional graphic for the Family fun sessions we'll be supporting in four of Bolton's parks

Our staff will be supporting HAF (Holiday Activities and Food) activities at four of Bolton’s parks throughout the summer holidays.

Expect inflatables, live cooking sessions, games, sports, crafts, Bikeability (cycling skills), and more- all for free.

There’s no need to book onto any of these sessions before attending, and all children will receive free packed lunches (provided by Urban Outreach’s ‘Bolton Lunches’ programme) as part of these sessions.

If you'd like any further information on any of these sessions, please email tara.branagan@boltonathome.org.uk.

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Pond dipping and other outdoor activities (25 July to 17 August) (tap here to go back to the top) :

We'll be running several outdoor sessions across the borough. 

Our pond dipping sessions are always popular, and we'll also be running multiple 'Bug Hunt' sessions this year, too. Here are the dates and times (with additional details in the posters below):

New Bury picnic and bug hunting (meet at New Bury UCAN Centre, 53 George St, Farnworth, Bolton BL4 9PU) - for more information, text Alun Morris on 07783763903 .

  • Monday 24 July, starts 10.30am (lasting no more than two hours)
  • Monday 31 July, starts 10.30am (lasting no more than two hours)
  • Monday 7 August, starts 10.30am (lasting no more than two hours)
  • Monday 14 August, starts 10.30am (lasting no more than two hours)

Doffcocker Lodge Pond Dipping (Doffcocker Lodge Car Park, Back Arnold Terrace, Bolton BL1 5SH) - there's no need to book onto these sessions. For more information, text Alun Morris on 07783763903 .

  • Friday 4 August, 10am to 12pm
  • Friday 18 August, 10am to 12pm

Moses Gate Pond Dipping (meet at Moses Gate Car Park, Hall Ln, Farnworth, Bolton BL4 7QS) - there's no need to book onto these sessions. For more information, text Alun Morris on 07783763903 .

  • Wednesday 9 August, 1pm to 3.30pm

Pond and River Dipping, Seven Acres (meet at Wildlife Trust Car Park, Bury Rd, Breightmet, Bolton BL2 6DH)  - to book a place or for more information, text Alun Morris on 07783763903.

  • Tuesday 25 July, 10am to 12pm
  • Tuesday 1 August, 10am to 12pm
  • Tuesday 8 August, 10am to 12pm
  • Tuesday 15 August, 10am to 12pm

What's Wild Outside? Bug Hunt, Red Lane Growing Project ( meet at  Red Ln, Breightmet, Bolton BL2 5BL) - to book a place or for more information, text Alun Morris on 07783763903.

  • Tuesday 25 July, 2pm to 4pm
  • Tuesday 1 August, 2pm to 4pm
  • Tuesday 8 August, 2pm to 4pm
  • Tuesday 15 August, 2pm to 4pm

Pond Dipping, Eatock Lodge ( meet at  The Hoskers, Westhoughton, Bolton BL5 2SQ) - there's no need to book onto these sessions. For more information, contact Yvonne Seal on 07770314785.

  • Thursday 27 July, 1pm to 2pm
  • Thursday 3 August, 1pm to 2pm
  • Thursday 10 August, 1pm to 2pm
  • Thursday 17 August, 1pm to 2pm

Please wear clothing and footwear suitable for the weather. Limited wellies and beach shoes are available on request (please message if you'd like to borrow either of these items).

Zoom in on the posters below for more information:

Promotional graphic for Pond and River Dipping sessions at Seven Acres Country Park. Promotional graphic for Bug Hunt sessions at Red Lane Growing Project. Promotional graphic for Pond and River Dipping sessions at Eatock Lodge.

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Bolton Pride weekend (Friday 28 July to Sunday 30 July) (tap here to go back to the top):

Photo of the 2022 Bolton Pride Parade (1)

Photo of the 2022 Bolton Pride Parade (2)

Photos from the 2022 Bolton Pride Parade.

Bolton Pride weekend brings people together to embrace diversity and give individuals the freedom to celebrate who they are and express themselves. It’s on from 28 to 30 July, with a packed programme of free activities and entertainment in Victoria Square including a launch party on the Friday, a parade through Bolton Town Centre** on the Saturday and a family fun day on the Sunday. Will you be taking part? You can learn more at pridebolton.co.uk.

We proudly sponsor the Bolton Pride Parade 2023 to celebrate togetherness and show our commitment to helping to provide a safe environment for LGBT+ communities. The parade is open to everyone and you don’t need to be part of a specific group to be involved.

**Please note that parade route has changed this year. It’s better, with more visibility. Details at: pridebolton.co.uk/parade.

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Summer Fayre, Harwood (Saturday 29 July) (tap here to go back to the top):

Taking place from 2pm to 4pm at Longsight Lodge, Harwood (BL2 3LD), this free Summer Fayre is open to all. Expect:

  • a tombola,
  • ice cream,
  • bric a brac,
  • games,
  • stalls,
  • lucky dip,
  • hot dogs,
  • cakes,
  • crafts,
  • toys,
  • tea and coffee,
  • and more.

Poster for the Summer Fayre in Harwood (Longsight Lodge)

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Free fun activities in Breightmet (from Monday 7 August to Tuesday 29 August) (tap here to go back to the top):

If you have questions about any of the activities/events listed below, please contact our Community Development Officer, Adam Warbrick on 07787337474.

  • Red Lane Bug Hunt (25 July, 1 August, 8 August, 15 August) - see 'Pond dipping and other outdoor activities'  for more information on this activity
  • Free Karate Taster Sessions for kids (1pm on 7 August, 14 August, and 21 August)
  • Creative Crafts for families (Thursday 3 August, 1pm to 3pm at Elderdale Community Centre)
  • Seven Acres Pond Dipping (25 July, 1 August, 8 August, 15 August) - see 'Pond dipping and other outdoor activities'  for more information on this activity
  • Drop-in play sessions for four to 12 year-olds run by Bolton Council's Play and Youth Team (every Friday, 28 July to 25 August, 4pm to 6pm at Elderdale Community Centre )
  • 'Grow Together Get Together' fun day for families with food, crafts, and games (Tuesday 8 August 11am to 2pm at Breightmet Community Hub, New Lane)
  • Free Morris Dancing Taster Session (Thursday 17 August, 1pm at Elderdale Community Centre)
  • Family Adventure Walk from WAVE Adventure (Tuesday 29 August, 10.30am to 12.30pm) - see 'Outdoor family adventure sessions with WAVE Adventure'  for more information on this activity

Poster to promote activities taking place in Breightmet, Bolton

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Free fun activities on Great Holme estate (from Friday 4 August onwards) (tap here to go back to the top):

If you have questions about any of the activities/events listed below, please contact Community Development Officer, Lauren Casey on 07787338524.

  • Great Holme Family Fun Day (Thursday 17 August, 1pm to 4pm, on the grass verge between Holme St and Marlbrook Walk)
  • Great Holme Summer Football Sessions (every Friday during the school summer holidays, starting Friday 4 August with the last session on Friday 1 September: 1.30pm to 3pm, on Walkers Playing Field, off Parkfield Road)

Poster for the Great Holme Family Fun Day Poster for Great Holme Summer Football Sessions

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What's on at Elderdale Community Centre (various dates) (tap here to go back to the top):

Mondays:

  • 10.30am to 11.30am, Yoga Thrive - contact Anthony on 0729629865 for more information.
  • 4pm to 6pm, Family Fun and Food session - contact Derek on 07462426101 for more information.
  • 6pm to 9pm, AJAYS Morris Dancing - contact Julie on 07984539939 for more information.

Tuesdays:

  • 10am to 12pm, Strength and Balance chair-based Yoga (run by Age UK) - contact 01204 382411 for more information.
  • 1pm to 3pm, ESOL Community English Sessions - contact Withins UCAN Centre on 01204 329643 for more information.
  • 5pm to 9pm, AJAYS Morris Dancing - contact Julie on 07984539939 for more information.

Wednesdays:

  • 10am to 12pm, Cost of Living Coffee Morning drop-in, all welcome (1st Wednesday of every month)
  • 6pm to 9pm, IPPON Karate sessions - contact Damian on 07967659890 for more information.

Thursdays:

  • 1pm to 3pm, Social Eating project (for over 60s, run by The VideoBox) - contact 0776678070 for more information.
  • 6.30pm to 7.30pm, Beavers (six to eight-year olds) - contact Rebecca on 07912625562 for more information.
  • 7.45pm to 9pm, Cubs (eigtht to ten-year olds) - contact Louise on 07972286870 for more information.

Fridays:

  • 10am to 12pm, Breightmet Butterflies Group (run by The VideoBox) - contact 0776678070 for more information.
  • 4pm to 6pm, Drop-in play sessions for four to 12 year-olds run by Bolton Council's Play and Youth Team.
  • 6pm to 9pm, IPPON Karate sessions - contact Damian on 07967659890 for more information.

Poster to promote events at Elderdale Community Centre during summer

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What's on at Deepdale Community Centre (various dates) (tap here to go back to the top):

Mondays:

  • 9.30am to 12.30pm, REACH Parenting Course - contact Jean on 07599947769 for more information.

Tuesdays:

  • 11.30am to 2pm, REACH Social Eating Project - contact Tanya on 07818026047 for more information.

Wednesdays:

  • 9.30am to 12.30pm and 1pm to 3pm, various courses from Bolton College - contact Withins UCAN Centre on 01204 329643 for more information.

Thursdays:

  • 9am to 3pm, Bolton at Home's Young Person's Scrutiny Panel (16 to 25 year-olds) - contact Kirsty on 07789031573 for more information.
  • 9.30am to 11.30am, REACH drop-in for parents and carers, children welcome - contact Jean on 07599947769 for more information.
  • 1pm to 3pm, Food Pantry (for more information on our Food Pantries, visit www.boltonathome.org.uk/food-support).

Poster to promote events at Deepdale Community Centre during summer

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See a full list of Bolton’s ‘HAF’ (Holiday Activities and Food) activities on the Bolton Council website (tap here to go back to the top):

Promotional graphic for Bolton Council's 'HAF' (Holiday Activities and Food) sessions.

Funded by the Department for Education and co-ordinated locally by Bolton Council, #TeamBolton (which includes Bolton at Home) deliver a fantastic HAF* programme over Easter, Summer, and Christmas, with over 10,000 individual young people taking part during 2022 alone.

For a full list of all the summer HAF activities taking place across Bolton with support from various local organisations (and not just the ones we're supporting), visit the HAF page on the Bolton Council website: www.bolton.gov.uk/HAF.

These activities also include free lunches for all children participating.

*HAF stands for Holiday Activities and Food.

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Free and low-cost kids’ food offers (tap here to go back to the top):

Free kids’ lunches through the Bolton Lunches programme (run by Urban Outreach):

While Urban Outreach will be supplying free lunches to children in attendance of all HAF (Holiday Additives and Food) events (including the Family Fun sessions in Bolton’s parks that we’ll be supporting, as mentioned above)- you’ll also be able to collect lunches for your children at several sites across the borough.

Tap here to find your nearest collection site using this Facebook post from Urban Outreach, or check the poster below:

Poster listing all the collection points for Bolton Lunches 2023.

Other free or low-cost kids/family food options:

Here some of the free/low-cost kids’ food offers we’re aware of. Links to further information are included where possible.

If you know of any local businesses offering free and/or discounted meals for kids or families, please let us know by emailing news@boltonathome.org.uk and we’ll add them to our list.

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Stay in the know (tap here to go back to the top):

You can also Follow our Facebook page dedicated to updates from our Community Engagement Team on events, activities, and projects in your local communities and UCAN centres, at: www.facebook.com/BoltonatHomeCommunities.