Bolton Carers Support is this year celebrating 30 years

This army of individuals underpins daily life across the borough, providing support and help for people who simply cannot manage alone.

More than 5,000 carers are registered with Bolton Carers Support. The latest Census in 2021 shows that 25,980 people in Bolton recognize themselves as an unpaid carer.

The organisation was set up in 1994 under the umbrella of Bolton Community and Voluntary Services (CVS) as an information and signpost service to direct carers over 18 to local services and support.

Geogette Kay

It has developed over time, becoming an independent registered charity and a company limited by guarantee in 2000.

Following a short stay at the University of Bolton and CVS Bridge Street and many years at 23 Chorley New Road, it moved into the Carers Resource Centre at the Thicketford Centre in Thicketford Road.

Bolton Carers Support has stayed there ever since, with changes only in their partners in the building.

The organisation’s Chief Officer Georgette Kay explained that since it first began, Bolton Carers Support had been “a central point of contact for carers, providing information, emotional support, short breaks and training for the town’s carers.

“This has been alongside awareness-raising work with health and social care professionals, the voluntary sector and the general public, highlighting the needs of carers generally,” she added.

“Its staff and volunteers are able to provide carers’ groups, training, workshops and one-to-one advice appointments, a carers’ 24/7 helpline, a telephone befriending service and various events.

“We continue to face a challenging economic climate but we remain passionate and committed to support our carers in dealing with increasingly complex situations.”