Not for Profit Organisation finalists

Fortalice

FORTALICE has been providing support for women, children and families escaping domestic abuse for more than 40 years.

Now it’s a finalist for the Not For Profit Organisation of the Year Award 2019.

The Bolton organisation went from very small beginnings, working out of a two-up two-down terraced house on peppercorn rent from Bolton Council, to operate a 22-apartment, purpose-built refuge. It also has a separate Outreach Support Centre for training and drop-in services.

The aim is to break the vicious cycle of domestic abuse and ensure the next generation understands what a healthy relationship looks like.

Fortalice ensures all its 48 staff are supported in their work, encouraged to develop and trained to the highest possible standards.

It has won the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service and recently awarded Investors in Volunteers. Its Investors in People Gold Award already recognises the highest standards in listening to employees and helping them reach their true potential.

This all allows Fortalice to offer the best possible service for everyone accessing its facilities. Chair Diane Hawkins explained: “Fortalice’s aim has always been to work with victims of domestic abuse, educate and provide a safe refuge for high-risk victims.

“We have not only seen a changing climate around loss of funding but the clients’ needs have become more complex due to there being less early intervention resources for them in the community.

“Our biggest achievement last year was that we provided services to 2,200 domestic abuse victims.

“We do all this without high-profile sponsors - we have to make every penny count. Our clients’ confidentiality is of the utmost importance and can never be compromised in the interests of broadcasting our achievements.

“So, I’m delighted that the enormous contribution Fortalice makes to the safety and security of women, children and families is being recognised.”

Bolton Hospice

AT Bolton Hospice staff members and volunteers work closely together in all areas of activity at all times in a unique model.

To reflect this success, the Hospice is a finalist for the Not For Profit Organisation of the Year 2019.

The very nature of a hospice means that the strains and stresses of daily working life need the utmost consideration as they can take their toll on the workforce.

So, a robust level of training and bespoke counselling techniques are available to all those who work there, with all staff having access to free private counselling from an external local organisation.

Within the hospice, there are “Schwartz Rounds” - a forum for all staff to come together to talk about the emotional and social challenges of caring for patients.

this offers a safe environment in which to share their stories and offer support to one another.

Every staff member, from nursing staff to fundraisers, undergoes rigorous online internal training as everybody comes into contact with both patients and families at the most difficult of times.

What makes Bolton Hospice stand out is its number of loving, caring diverse interactions and the positive experiences the people of Bolton have with the organisation.

The Hospice works closely with Bolton Council of Mosques, the LGBT+ community, schoolchildren of all ages and community groups throughout the town to spread its message that the Hospice is here to help.

Commented Hospice Chairman Judith Bromley: “Having to raise £4 million a year in order to provide hospice support and specialist care for the people of Bolton with terminal and life-limiting illnesses is an ongoing challenge.

“To be recognised for this work, in today’s very competitive fundraising world, highlights the efforts and successes we’re having as a local charity especially in the current challenging economic environment.”