NHS Bolton Clinical Commissioning Group has launched a brand new initiative encouraging Bolton people to make a pledge to ‘take charge’ of their own health and wellbeing. With Bolton’s new health and care locality plan forecasting a financial gap of £162 million for health and care in Bolton by 2020, local people are being called on to take a stand. Bolton Taking Charge is part of a Greater Manchester wide movement in response to the significant challenges now facing health and care services.

Bolton’s new health and care locality plan sets out a future vision for Bolton where less money is spent on hospital care and more is invested in community based services. The focus is on prevention with services getting involved earlier to prevent a hospital admission, or even helping to stop someone getting ill in the first place.

Nicky Lidbetter, Chief Officer for Self Help, commented:

“We’re proud to support this campaign led by Bolton CCG. Over the past year, we’ve worked with healthcare partners in Bolton to ensure that people receive appropriate mental health support in the community when they need it most.

The Sanctuary Bolton provides a crucial service, bringing hope to many people with mental health issues and complementing the work we’re doing across Bolton and Greater Manchester to transform mental health crisis care and protect the most vulnerable in our communities.”

Don’t struggle alone. Bolton residents, or those registered with a GP in the area, can access The Sanctuary by calling 0300 003 7029. Following a conversation with trained Sanctuary staff, you will then either be offered telephone support or be invited to come to The Sanctuary for one-to-one support.

Bolton people can get involved with the Bolton Taking Charge campaign by sharing what they will do to take charge of their health and wellbeing and improve local services.

Bolton Taking Charge pledges can be posted:

On social media using #BoltonTakingCharge @LMI_Bolton
On the Let’s Make It online forum
By email at letsmakeitbolton@nhs.net
By filling in a Bolton Taking Charge pledge card (look out for the CCG out and about in Bolton…)