Bolton: place partnership deepening

What next? (2025-28)

In the next phase Bolton want to build on the successes of the last few years. This includes embedding ABCD into new sectors and building new ways for public services to collaborate.

Collaboration across sectors

Collaboration will be at the heart of Bolton deepening work. By collaborating with the GM Live Well Programme it will introduce Bolton’s place principles to new audiences. This programme champions public sector reform and by embedding the place principles, it will ensure they get greater reach and recognition.

To help support this collaboration and ensure ABCD remains central to the work, Bolton are looking to expand the reach of the shared skills training. This includes collaborating with a local college to create an accredited programme. This would increase the reach of the training beyond Bolton Council. Introducing both community members and other professional to this way of working.  

Champion ABCD

Building on the shared skill programme Bolton hope to launch a number of train the trainer programme to expand their reach. This includes;

• ABCD training
• Different conversations 
• Community champion training.
• Five Ways Happy Days Accreditation for clubs and groups

It is thought this will support sustainability of the work, as it will allow both residents and staff to become trainers. This  increases the reach and impact of this work, and contributes to the  overall aim of having a “ONE Bolton” approach.

Through this increased work programme Bolton also recognise the need for ongoing support. Therefore, alongside training they want to create reflective spaces where people can ask questions and challenge approaches in an open and honest environment.

Community power

The power of community champions was recognised quickly in Bolton place work. The impact of community champions was outlined in the local evaluation along with recommendations on how to better support them. This initial learning led to the council taking a more hands off approach. This included making support less restrictive, and creating the Lets keep Bolton Moving website. As part of deepening and GM Live well, Bolton want to build on their Community Champion programme offering a broader range of support and training.

Alongside the more formal training, there will also be a focus on strengthening relationships with different communities. This will help build;

• Community voice
• A better picture of community strengths
• An understanding how best we can support residents

This increase in understanding will then be used to shape the place work what community support and upskilling is available. 

Click here to read more about Bolton's place partnership work