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An older poeple's housing scheme which was shut down last year is set to reopen to help the most vulnerable. Campbell House, on Campbell Street in Farnworth, closed in July last year after a consultation by Bolton Council and the borough’s biggest housing group, Bolton at Home. But having been shut down for several months it will now reopen to help young people at risk of homelessness.
The award-winning Backup North West charity will takeover the complex which helps 16 to 25 years olds live independently. Backup CEO Maura Jackson said: “We’re passionate about our work at Backup and proud to be a vital part of the Bolton community. “We provide life-changing support to those in need, building essential life skills in young people to help them thrive.
Bolton at Home owns Campbell House (Image: Google Maps) “We witness incredible success stories of individuals overcoming challenges and turning their lives around. “Our accommodation services deliver effective support, strengthening local communities and neighbourhoods.” The building, owned by Bolton at Home, includes 24 bedsits and was closed after Bolton Council decided to focus instead on caring for older people at larger, purpose-built premises.
The decision was made after a consultation launched in late 2023 and meant that Campbell House was no longer considered a housing option for older people who needed support. Bolton at Home decided to close the scheme as part of the same consultation, with its tenants rehoused elsewhere around the borough. Some of these tenants were moved to larger and more modern council commissioned extra care facilities.
But now the complex is set to be revived with Backup North West using it to provide round-the-clock support to its young tenants. Previously known as Bolton Young Persons Housing Scheme, the group has been operating since 1992 and says it has helped hundreds of young people start living independently. Since 2015, it has run the Lucas Project from Greenbank, another former sheltered housing property in Farnworth, which provides 28 flats and bedsits for people aged 16 to 25.
Backup say its staff are onsite 24-hours a day to support the youngsters, including by preparing meals and helping them develop essential skills. ALSO READ: 'This is where their families are here' call as complex a step closer to closing ALSO READ: Concern as accommodation for residents looks likely to close ALSO READ: Future of 'retirement' care home to be decided as new over-55s 'village' opens Bolton at Home group director of customer and communities Gemma Parlby said: “We’re pleased to be able to bring Campbell House back into use in a positive way. “Although no longer suitable as an extra care housing scheme, the building remains in good condition, and we’ve explored various options for reusing it.
“Backup do amazing work, supporting young people towards being able to live on their own. "Campbell House provides a good fit for the type of short-term accommodation it needs to help more young people.”.
