A MULTI-million pound scheme to improve the quality of life for Bolton people is being officially launched tomorrow (Thursday).

Twenty-four separate initiatives will be included in the project which aims to make life better for some of the town's most needy residents.

It includes pioneering work with the elderly, drug users, battered women, disabled children and those suffering mental health problems.

The Vision for a Healthier Bolton has been backed by a £980,620 grant from the government's New Opportunities Fund with a further £3 million of funding from groups such as Age Concern and mental health charities

The projects are varied and wide and are based on the ideas put forward by Bolton people themselves.

Project co-ordinator from Bolton Council, Garrie Prosser, said these projects were aimed at breaking down barriers for those feeling isolated and improving the well-being of others.

"It is more about the quality of life, rather than education," she said.

Parents finding it hard to kick a drug or alcohol habit will be given a chance to improve their parenting skills in one of the projects.

Another involves coaching pensioners so that they can go into schools and help children with their reading.

The idea is not just to help school children improve their literacy, but to prevent pensioners living in isolation and without a focus.

Bolton's high teenage pregnancy rates will also be tackled.

Associate directors from The Octagon Theatre staged for three nights last week a production called Score and this is now being taken on a tour of schools across Bolton with its message about youth attitudes to sex and pregnancy.

At tomorrow's launch in Victoria Square, which will be attended by the Mayor of Bolton, Cllr John Walsh, healthy living experts will also be urging passers-by to stop and think about what they eat.