The ‘striking’ impact of a Bolton youth homelessness charity was celebrated by those who care 'unconditionally' for the town's young people.

Staff from Bolton at Home joined colleagues and beneficiaries of the Backup North West Charity along with several other ‘guardians’, and those who’ve pledged their support in other ways, to mark the work of the charity over a round of ten-pin bowling.

Founded in 1992, originally as Bolton Young Persons Housing Scheme, colleagues at Backup work to provide safe and stable places for young people aged 16 to 25 to develop their confidence and life skills, enabling independence.

Beyond just accommodation, Backup also supports young people with mental health-related issues, employment, and much more.

A spokesperson for Bolton at Home said: “We’ve been a proud ‘guardian’ of the charity for several years, along with many others across the North West.

“This means we make an annual contribution to the charity to support their work and as we’re a housing association with strong social purpose, we’ve also spared a few of our properties for Backup to use as temporary supported accommodation for the young people they work with.

“Between turns, we spoke with some of the young people Backup had supported.

“Having been lent a helping hand by the charity, they told us they were well on with their college/university studies, in full-time employment, and/or had progressed from Backup’s temporary accommodation and support into their very own homes.”

A spokesperson for Backup North West said: “A great evening bowling at Hollywood Bowl Bolton with some of our Guardians, Backup colleagues and residents.

“This gave seven young people time to socialise and just be themselves in a group of people who support and care unconditionally for them.

“Your support matters to us.”

Learn more about Backup North West at backup-charity.org.uk/about-us.

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