Local Funding, Lasting Impact: Bolton’s Older People Benefit from Innovative Council-Charity Collaboration

From £1,175 energy refunds to over half a million pounds in benefits secured, a pioneering partnership between Age UK Bolton and Bolton Council is transforming lives — one home at a time.

Thanks to targeted investment from the Local Authority Flexible Grant (LAFG), older people across Bolton are receiving the specialist advice, advocacy, and practical support they need to stay warm, well, and financially secure in the face of rising costs.

In the first quarter of 2025/26 alone, the partnership has secured over £580,000 in benefits for local residents, alongside £23,000 in annual fuel savings, delivered through tailored in-home visits, expert advice, and dedicated volunteer support.

This impactful collaboration reflects Bolton Council’s commitment to working differently with the borough’s voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector — investing in trusted grassroots delivery partners like Age UK Bolton to reach those most in need, quickly and compassionately.

Without this funding, Age UK Bolton would have been forced to scale back its Information & Advice Service — losing experienced, specialist staff and the ability to recruit and onboard vital volunteers.

“This isn’t just about numbers — it’s about people,” said Lauren McKechnie, CEO of Age UK Bolton. “Through this funding and partnership, we’ve been able to reach those who are isolated, scared, and struggling. From helping someone in cancer treatment get a £1,175 energy refund, to securing weekly financial peace of mind for hundreds of residents, we’ve shown what can happen when the public and VCSE sectors work hand in hand.”

One such resident, Mr C, was facing electricity bills of over £1,000 for a 12-week period. With the help of Age UK Bolton’s energy specialist, the issue was resolved — revealing a credit balance, securing a full refund, and giving him confidence and control over his energy use once more.

“It was like a huge weight lifted,” said Mr C. “I don’t know what I’d have done without them.”

Volunteers have also played a crucial role in extending the service’s reach. Over the last three months, seven volunteers contributed 260 hours — helping older people fill out complex benefit forms, manage household bills, and improve digital confidence. Among them is “Clive,” a new volunteer who joined after becoming disabled. Clive is now being trained as a specialist advisor, offering both technical support and peer empathy to clients navigating similar challenges.

“This partnership showcases how Bolton Council is thinking differently about how we support residents and work with the voluntary sector,” said Garry Parker, Assistant Director of Environmental and Regulatory Services at Bolton Council. “It’s a real example of how relatively modest investment, placed in the right hands, can have an extraordinary impact — reducing poverty, improving wellbeing, and delivering cleaner, greener homes for our older residents.”

As the service moves into the next quarter, Age UK Bolton will focus on strengthening its volunteer infrastructure — recruiting and training more residents to support their neighbours and contribute to a more resilient local community.

With continued collaboration and shared commitment, Age UK Bolton and Bolton Council are helping to build a borough where older people are not only living longer, but living well — connected, confident, and supported.