A charity is making new connections in the Bolton community thanks to the help of a partnership with a local housing provider.
Endeavour, a charity which supports people affected by domestic abuse, has teamed up with not-for-profit social landlord Irwell Valley Homes to launch the Endeavour Hub in Calvert Road, Great Lever.
Bolton South and Walkden MP Yasmin Qureshi joined them to cut the ribbon on the new venture and officially open the new community base, which is already hosting a variety of activities for local people.
Irwell Valley Homes is a social housing provider with more than 7,000 homes across Greater Manchester including around 1,350 in Bolton.
Endeavour provides a pet fostering service for people escaping domestic abuse, as well as counselling, mental health support and targeted programmes working with older adults, people from ethnic minority groups and young people.
The new hub is already becoming an asset for the whole community, with a varied programme of activities including craft groups, coffee mornings and workshops – which are all helping Endeavour to connect with more people in the community.
In some cases, the activities are providing an opportunity for people in the community take the first step towards accessing the further support they need.
Irwell Valley Homes, whose customers live in the nearby streets, also has a base within the building – giving residents a place to meet with their Neighbourhood Officer or Tenancy Sustainment Coach.
Jill Caldwell, Chief Executive of Endeavour, said: ‘The Endeavour Community Hub is for everyone. It’s a place for connecting with others, accessing support and is already helping us to widen our reach further to those who need us.
‘Our fantastic partnership with Irwell Valley Homes is providing us with a base in the heart of the community - helping us to become more accessible and breaking down the barriers that can exist when people are frightened to take that first step towards change. We have seen a huge increase in social isolation and anxiety. Through the activities at the Hub, we are hoping to help combat this by creating a space where everyone is welcome.
‘In just a couple of months we have already seen wonderful examples of the difference this hub can make - with conversations over a craft activity paving the way towards tailored support, whether that be from one of our counsellors, outreach workers or housing issues which can be picked up by Irwell Valley Homes.
‘We’re excited to see how the venture continues to grow and change to meet the needs of this beautifully diverse local area.’
Sasha Deepwell, Chief Executive of Irwell Valley Homes, said: “We are extremely proud to play a part in this exciting new venture, and delighted to see the building being put to such good use.
“Endeavour have done a fantastic job transforming the place into a welcoming and friendly community hub, which is already such an asset to the local area.
“We know that by working in partnership with other local groups and organisations we can do more for the benefit of the customers and communities we serve, which is why we were so pleased to join together to deliver this worthwhile new project.”
Yasmin Qureshi, Bolton South and Walkden MP, said: “Ensuring that we have a vital resource in the centre of the community is vital and will go a long way to support people across Great Lever and Bolton who need to use Endeavour’s services.
“I want to thank Jill, Sasha and their teams for inviting me to be part of this special day and I look forward to visiting again and meeting with the dedicated staff.”
