Children in Need

Welcome to our Children in need page. Check here for our latest Projects working with Children in Need and projects which directly children and young people in need in our community.

How we're supporting families in Bolton

We are open every Friday morning for monthly food parcel collections. Since starting this service we have had over 100 households book on, with a current average 30 households per month so far in 2024, a huge increase from 2023’s 12 average per month.

Food Bank News
25/11/2024This holiday season, let’s come together to spread kindness and fill plates with love! ❤️🥫 Your donation can make a BIG difference for families in need. 🛒 What to Donate:New and unused tins, undamaged packets, pasta and rice, long life items, and more! 📍 Drop-Off Location: unit 2, 101 the picture house, Bradshawgate, Bolton , BL1 1QD📅 Before 13th December Let’s show the power of kindness—one tin at a time! 🎁 [...] Read more...
08/11/2024This week’s #foodbankfriday saw 9 households collecting bags of essentials to help get through the month 💙 [...] Read more...
11/10/2024This weeks food bank has fed 7 households with 6 children across the board. So many people have come in this week for support and aid with food difficulties 😊💙 [...] Read more...
04/10/2024This week’s food bank saw 9 households going home with bags full of tins and long life items, plus a wide range of fresh and short life items 💙 since the recent upgrades to our storage facilities we’ve been able to help more families each week with more items than usual, just in time for the colder months 💙 [...] Read more...
28/09/20247 households came in this week for food parcel support to help get to payday 😊 approximately 20 adults and 6 children across the board given fresh, healthy and long life food 💙 [...] Read more...
27/09/2024This week, as an addition to our updated Pantry, @wickes has generously donated a step-ladder to allow us to more easily and safely reach the top shelves! 🤩 Thank you so much to staff and management for helping us out with this 💙 [...] Read more...
24/09/2024Due to some very generous funding we have been able to upgrade our pantry from the overfull table and crates to allow for more space and more secure storage (That table is forever bowed in the middle 🙈) now all we need is a step ladder to reach the top 🤣 Before After Thanks to this upgrade and some upcoming food deliveries, we’ll be able to help more families each week and expand our services 🤩 We’re so grateful for this support and it’s going to make such a huge difference to our community 💙 [...] Read more...
06/09/2024This week’s #foodbankfriday saw 7 households in for essential support 💙 each week we see people in the most need, knowing that without us they would struggle to put food on the table for themselves and their families it brings us so much joy to know we’ve eased the burden even a little bit 😊 If you or someone you know is in need of this kind of support, please don’t hesitate to reach out 💙 we’re here to help in any way we can 💙 [...] Read more...
30/08/2024This week’s #foodbankfriday saw another 6 households in need of support 💙 everyone went home with long life and tinned food, plenty of hygiene items like shower gel, hair care products and tooth paste, plus plenty of fresh salad items and bread to go around 🤩 Fridays at Harmony bring so much joy to our team, knowing just how important this service is and the impact we’re making on those most in need of support 💙 [...] Read more...
29/08/2024Food parcel contents all sorted and ready for tomorrow mornings pick-ups! 🤩 lots of hygiene items have been added to this week’s collections too thanks to @thehygienebank_bolton and last weeks drop off 💙 [...] Read more...
23/08/20247 food parcels given out today for #foodbankfriday ahead of the bank holiday weekend 💙 10 adults and 5 children now have enough food and essentials to get them through the long weekend until payday and we’re so so glad to have been able to lighten the load for so many people in need across Bolton😊 💙 [...] Read more...
16/08/2024This weeks #foodbankfriday saw 7 households collecting some much needed essentials to help get through to payday 💙 plus over 150 fresh items have been collected and distributed to those in our community most in need 💙 [...] Read more...
09/08/2024Today’s food bank fed 7 households! Covering 10 adults and 5 children in total were so happy to have been able to support so many people with these essentials this week 💙 plus we had 20 walk-ins for fresh bread and produce this week AND enough fresh items went to the cube and the Balmoral to feed an additional estimated 100 people! 😮 This week has been so busy but we are so unbelievably happy with the impact we’re making in our community and how many people were helping lighten the load for 💙 contact us if you or someone you know is in need of support with essentials 💙 [...] Read more...
06/08/2024This morning we had picked up some surplus food from Aldi in Breightmet. Come on down from 11am tomorrow and take what you need/can make use of. [...] Read more...
26/07/2024This week’s food parcels have fed 6 families! That’s an estimated 8 adults and 9 children all together 🤩 We are constantly surprised by how many people we’re able to help and the impact this service is having on our community 💙 If you or someone you know could benefit from this type of support please don’t hesitate to contact us now and collect monthly food parcels to help you get to payday 😊 [...] Read more...
19/07/2024This week our food bank has fed 6 households with an estimated 13 people! We’re full for the rest of July now but we’ve still got plenty of open spots for August so hurry and message us to book on while spaces last 😊 [...] Read more...
15/07/2024Last weeks food bank fed 6 households with an estimated 12 people in total benefitting. Plus an extra 105 received fresh bread and produce 🌟 [...] Read more...
28/06/2024This week’s #foodbankfriday has fed 6 households with an estimated 16 people in total! Plus 3 trays of fresh bread and produce has gone over to our friends at the cube to help feed students in need. It’s been a hectic week but we’re so glad to be able to help so many people in our community. [...] Read more...
21/06/2024This week we’ve given 6 Food parcels and an additional 5 households have received fresh items. we’re so glad to see so many people benefitting from this essential service 😊 [...] Read more...
14/06/2024First food bank collection since the break was a fantastic one!We had 5 people register with our new system and so much fresh bread and produce (8 trays!) Were emptied before lunchtime. We can’t believe how much our little food bank has grown and how big our community is getting [...] Read more...
05/06/2024Due to a number of issues we’ve incurred with our current system we have had to update some things. This is aimed at providing fair and efficient service to everyone and will be taking effect from next week. June now only has 4 spaces available, current bookings will be honoured but your next collection can only be booked in once you’ve completed the update form and read the new terms and conditions. Key changes include:One parcel per household: Multiple registrations from the same household will lead to removal for a minimum of three months.No-show policy: Missed pick-ups without notice will result in removal from the list and will need to re-apply after 3 months.Collection changes: Your first 4 collections on this system will be monthly (if needed), but any collections from then will be bi-monthly (Every other month) with a budgeting referral. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation! Let’s work together to ensure a smooth and supportive experience for everyone. 💙 [...] Read more...
29/05/2024😋 Hurry down to Harmony and grab what you need 💙 [...] Read more...
23/05/2024We’ve got trays on trays of fresh bread from Lidl! plus so many eggs we could start a farm 😂If you want some FREE bread and eggs come on down to our Bradshawgate office asap to take as much as you need/want 😊 [...] Read more...
20/05/2024For the next 3 weeks our food bank is on pause. Due to staff working remotely, we are taking the opportunity to allow food bank stocks to replenish and grow so regular collections have been reallocated. Fresh collections will be continuing between Wednesday’s and Friday’s but please call or email the office to check if there is anything to collect. We apologise again for any inconvenience this break may have caused you and will do our best to fit you into the next available slot. [...] Read more...
17/05/2024This weeks food bank saw 6 households fed with a mix of healthy and long last food 😊 We’re so glad to be able to support our community in this way 🤩 [...] Read more...
10/05/2024This week’s food bank we saw 6 food parcels distributed to families in need across Bolton 💙 Small update to the service:3 of the people we had booked on to collect on Friday we had to re-assign to people on our waiting list due to no-contact-no-shows. We understand if you struggle to get to us on the day due to transport or scheduling issues but if you don’t let us know reasonably in advance parcels will be re-allocated to those who can make it in to collect. This isn’t the first time this happened so unfortunately we’re going to have to be stricter with no-shows in future, we’re only a small organisation with limited resources, we run on a trust system and no shows like this have a big impact on our service and staffs time. [...] Read more...
10/05/2024We’ve got so much bread from M&S today we couldn’t possibly hand it all out in food parcels. We’ve got 6 trays going spare, If you want any come down before close and take as much as you like 💙 [...] Read more...
03/05/2024Today’s food parcel collections helped 7 households with fresh, healthy and long lasting food 💙 We’re already full for the rest of May but we do have some spaces left in June, if you’d like to book your regular collections let us know asap so we can ensure we’ve got enough to spare each week 😊 [...] Read more...
19/04/2024Due to unforeseen circumstances the person who manages and runs our food bank will be out of Bolton and working remotely from the 20th May – 7th June. Due to the level of work and size of our team, unfortunately nobody is able to take over the running of the food bank in her absence so we’ll be taking a short collections break in this time. Dates are on the notice below. We will do our best to accommodate regular collections around the break and should still have fresh bread and produce to collect in this time but please contact us first to make sure we have enough before you come down. If you have any questions please feel free to ask below and we’ll do the best we can to provide an answer. [...] Read more...
19/04/2024Thanks to some funding and a delivery from Morrisons earlier this week, this week’s food bank has supplied food to 6 households with approximately 16 people, 7 of those being children. 💙 We’re so of the impact we’re making and hope that the little we can do, is making a big enough difference to make the lives of our community members, a little bit easier 😊 [...] Read more...

Youth Mentoring Services

We at Harmony believe in empowering the next generation to reach their fullest potential no matter their passion. Our mentoring service is dedicated to providing personalised guidance and support to young individuals as they navigate the complexities of adolescence and prepare for their futures. Through 1:1 mentoring relationships, our experienced mentors offer encouragement, advice, and practical tools to help youth overcome challenges, set goals, and develop essential life skills. Whether it’s academic guidance, career exploration, or personal development, our mentors are here to listen, inspire, and guide every step of the way. At Harmony Youth Mentoring, we are committed to fostering resilience, confidence, and success in the young people we serve, ensuring they thrive today and tomorrow. 

This service is completely free to all young people between the ages of 8 and 18. We understand the importance of breaking down barriers to access support, which is why our program is open to all, regardless of financial circumstances.

There is however limited spaces for mentoring so cases are taken based on a first come first served system and urgency of need.

Youth Clubs

Harmony’s youth clubs play a pivotal role in uplifting children from across Bolton, but especially those from low-income households, as they provide a safe and welcoming space for exploration and growth at no cost.

These clubs break down financial barriers, ensuring that all children, regardless of economic background, have access to enriching activities and opportunities. The positive impact of these initiatives extends far beyond the individual participants and their families, resonating throughout the broader community and making Bolton a better place to be.

By nurturing creativity, promoting social cohesion, and fostering a sense of belonging, these clubs contribute to building a stronger, more inclusive society where every child has the chance to thrive. Through art clubs, holiday activities, and parent and toddler groups, Harmony’s youth clubs not only empower children and families but also enrich the fabric of our community, fostering a culture of support, understanding, and resilience.

Youth Clubs News
31/10/2024Our second and final Halloween activity day was smashing! 🎃 (No pumpkins were harmed or smashed for the purpose of this pun 🤣)We had some wonderful children in for pumpkin carving, mummy wrapping, monster designing and so much more! 👻🧡Thank you so much to all the children, staff and wonderful volunteers for making this Halloween extra spooky and extra special 🎃🧡 check out our pumpkins! [...] Read more...
29/10/2024The first of our 2 days of Halloween club is done and we’ve had a blast! The children have made monster masks, decorated ornaments, danced until they couldn’t anymore and decorated lots and lots of biscuits! 🎃 The children had such a good time showing their creativity and enjoying these sweet treats 👻🤩 [...] Read more...
10/10/2024🎃 Only 7 spaces left on each day! Note: I forgot to add the address and ages to the previous poster so please make note of those in this updated one 😊 Get ready for two days of spooktacular fun! We’re excited to offer an amazing experience filled with creative crafts, thrilling games, artistic pumpkin designing, and much more! 🗓 When: Tuesday, October 29th & Thursday, October 31st🕒 Time: 10 AM – 2 PM Don’t miss out on this enchanting Halloween adventure! Bring your friends and unleash your creativity. Spaces are limited, so reserve your spot today! 👻 [...] Read more...
02/09/2024We have 6 items which were left behind at the Summer club. If any of these items belong to your child please let us know and collect them ASAP. 💙 We have 4 coats/jackets, a Vtech watch and a Darth Vader figurine. We will keep these items to one side for 1 month, after which they will be considered a donation and given to a child in need 😊 [...] Read more...
30/08/2024Today’s final day of summer party was fantastic! We’ve had treats, games and loads of certificates for the children to enjoy 💙 we’ve absolutely loved this summer, the memories made and the joy spread! thank you all so much for coming this year and making summer 2024 the best we’ve had in years, we can’t wait to see you all again next time 💙🤩 [...] Read more...
29/08/2024Today’s summerzone saw lots of crafting and sports 🤩 the children and staff have been having such a fun time this summer holidays we can’t believe tomorrow is the last day! 😯 join us from 10am tomorrow for our last day party and end this summer holiday with a bang! [...] Read more...
23/08/2024day 19 of Summerzone 2024! The children had such a fun time with games, badminton, crafts and so much karaoke we’re certain we’ve got the next chart stars in our midst 🤩💙 [...] Read more...
21/08/2024We’ve got a little over a week until the last day of our Summer Holiday Club! It’s gone by so quickly we can’t believe it! 💙 On the 30th August, the last day of our club and also the last day of the Summer holiday’s for many of the children, is a last day party! 🤩 We’ll have party food, party songs and the children are welcome to dress up and get as festive as they like! 💃💙 [...] Read more...
20/08/2024Today’s trip to @jumpxtremebolton was fantastic! The children all had a wonderful time bouncing, jumping and playing bouncy basketball 🤾‍♀️ We are so glad to be able to take so many young people along today completely FREE thanks to council funding 💙 we can’t wait to see what the rest of week 4 has in store for us 🤩 [...] Read more...
19/08/2024First day of Summerzone week 4 is off to a creative start! 💙 lots of games, crafts and fun to be had at Harmony this week! Don’t forget! Tomorrow we’re at Jump Xtreme from 10am-12:30 so if you’re not able to join us for that we’ll see you again Wednesday! 💙😊 [...] Read more...
16/08/2024The end of Summerzone week 3 has been very creative and active. The children and staff have all had a wonderful time and we can’t believe there are only 2 weeks left of our summer club! Join us on Monday for another week of Summerzone fun and games 💙 [...] Read more...
14/08/2024Summerzone Day 12 was filled with fun! Singing, dancing and sports filled the centre with good times 💙 we can’t wait to see what happens today! 🤩 #HAF2024 #BoltonHaf2024 [...] Read more...
13/08/2024At Today’s summerzone we had a visit from the wonderful Wizard Mark Daniel! 🧙‍♂️💙 the children had a wonderful time and were so excited to watch the show! 💙🌟 [...] Read more...
13/08/2024Yesterday was day 10 of Summerzone 2024 and we can’t believe we’re already on week 3! Every day has been so much fun and the children have been brilliant as usual. We can’t wait to see what Day 11 brings 💙 #HAF2024 #TeamBolton #boltonhaf Funded by Department for Education [...] Read more...
09/08/2024Week 2 of Summerzone has come to an end! 😮 today had so many fun activities and games plus this week’s awards! Congratulations to Brooklyn, Logan and Khirad! You’re each so awesome, talented and friendly you deserve a prize 💙 Keep an eye out next week for the week 2 video and even more pictures and updates from week 3 of Summerzone 2024 [...] Read more...
09/08/2024Things get very exciting on Pastie day at Summerzone, especially when the children know they’re coming! 💙🤣 thank you so much @carrspasties for the delicious lunch, we love the quality and variety we get every week for our young people to enjoy 💙 [...] Read more...
08/08/2024Today’s Summerzone activities included biscuit decorating, ball games and loads of fun! We’ve had so much fun this Summerzone and can’t believe how quickly the time is going 😮 join us tomorrow for the end of week 2 [...] Read more...
08/08/2024Check out our fun first week of Summerzone 2024! We had 5 days of games, crafts, activities and a trip to the Anderton Centre for some outdoor adventures so we’ve put together a short video on our youtube with some pictures and video clips from the week 💙 Enjoy 😊 https://youtu.be/jq5QYlve8B [...] Read more...
06/08/2024Today’s Summerzone was full of so much fun we’ve barely stopped moving! Plus a very exciting visit from the team at The comedy workshop teaching the children how to be comedy legends 🤩💙 we already can’t wait until tomorrow! 💙 [...] Read more...
05/08/2024Day 5 of Summerzone 2024 on Friday was a very busy day for us. As the last day of the week we have celebrated some of out young people with certificates and sweets for being awesome 💙 Congratulations Mike, Bobbie and Ella-Rose 🤩 We love seeing how involved the children get with all the activities and games, as well as how well they treat each other with so much kindness so we will be giving out certificates every week to celebrate those who go above and beyond and are generally just awesome people 💙 [...] Read more...
01/08/2024Day 4 of Summerzone was action packed with loads of games, activities, friendship bracelet making and Doughnuts! 🤩 We can’t believe how quickly our first week has gone and how much fun it has been 💙 [...] Read more...
31/07/2024Day 3 of Summerzone saw lots of children running, playing and crafting up a storm 🤩 Plus some delicious afternoon snacks to keep everyone going until home time 💙 [...] Read more...
30/07/2024Yesterday’s trip to the anderton Centre was an absolutely brilliant day for activities for the children and staff 💙 Climbing, archery, swimming and canoeing 🏹🚣‍♀️All the children loved it and those running the day even commented on what a good group of young people we have, we’re so glad everyone had a wonderful time and are so proud of our young people for getting so involved in the day’s activities 😊 [...] Read more...
29/07/2024Day 1 of Summerzone was filled with fun, games and plenty of crafts. [...] Read more...
29/07/2024Our most exciting Summerzone yet is underway and we’re so excited 💃🤩 [...] Read more...
25/07/2024Hey Summer Club parents, we’re re-opening our tuck shop at this years summerzone with loads of sweets, chocolate to keep the children energised throughout the day! What’s on the menu?🍬 Sweet Bag: £1🍫 Chocolate Bar: 50p🍭 Lolly: 20p🥤 Drinks: 70p & 30p Don’t forget to send your little ones with some pennies to treat themselves to some sweets this summer! [...] Read more...
24/06/2024Summerzone spaces are filling so quickly! 💃 Hurry and book now to secure your child’s space Looking for an exciting and fun way for your kids to spend the summer? We have a fantastic line-up of activities. 📍 Location: Brownlow Fold Community Learning Centre, Eskrick St, Halliwell, Bolton BL1 3EF 👦👧 Ages: 5-15 🗓 Dates:Week 1: Monday 29th July – Thursday 1st AugustWeek 2: Tuesday 6th – Friday 9th August (Note: Tuesday 6th August will be an offsite event day, limited spaces available, pre-book separately)Week 3: Monday 12th – Thursday 15th AugustWeek 4: Monday 19th – Thursday 22nd August⏰ Times: 10am – 2pm Bookings are filling up fast—reserve your child’s spot today! For more information and to register, contact us now 🙂 [...] Read more...
19/06/2024Over the Summer we’ve got a very exciting day planned! On Tuesday 6th August We’re joining ‘The Anderton Centre’ for a day of outdoor activities and adventure! We’ve only got 30 spaces so booking is on a first come basis. We’ll have more information to share soon 😊💙 [...] Read more...
18/06/2024Looking for a fun and exciting way for your kids to spend the summer? Come join us at the Brownlow Fold Community Learning Centre! We have an amazing line-up of activities for children aged 5-15. 📍 Location: Brownlow Fold Community Learning Centre, Eskrick St, Halliwell, Bolton BL1 3EF👦👧 Ages: 5-15🗓 Dates:Week 1: Monday 29th July – Thursday 1st AugustWeek 2: Tuesday 6th – Friday 9th August (Note: Tuesday 6th August will be an offsite event day, limited spaces available, pre-book separately)Week 3: Monday 12th – Thursday 15th AugustWeek 4: Monday 19th – Thursday 22nd August⏰ Times: 10am – 2pm Don’t miss out—book your child’s spot today! For more information and to register, contact us now 🙂 [...] Read more...
04/06/2024Are you a creative person? Do you want to teach the next generation your skills?This opportunity is perfect for you! We are seeking volunteers to work alongside our team on these projects. If you’re interested in gaining valuable experience, contributing to exciting initiatives, and collaborating with a dynamic group, this is a fantastic opportunity for you! If this sounds like an opportunity you’d be interested in, either contact us for more information or complete this form to apply for an interview with us 😊 https://forms.gle/Ve81V4jtxjniDbDEA [...] Read more...

Inclusion

We were in the Bolton news and This is Lancashire news
With our Children in Need project, which includes various sub projects.

Year Five youngsters at St James’ CE Primary School in Daisy Hill were approached to make the film by a young people’s organisation which has received Children in Need funding to tackle bullying and hate crime.

Halliwell-based Harmony Youth Project has launched B-Free and teamed up with the primary school to make a short film about inclusion.
Charlie Barrett, project manager, said: “We at Harmony have an excellent record in facilitating provision for disadvantaged young people in Bolton and surrounding area.
“We are pleased to have recently been awarded three years funding to run a series of exciting new projects tackling hate crime and bullying with young people.”

As well has helping and supporting those affected by hate crime and bullying, Harmony is running a campaign to educate people about the impact such behaviour can have on people, including the film.
The film was directed by George Ellis, who said: “It was a pleasure working with such fantastic children, they really are children to be proud off”.

Mr Barrett said: “Projects include production of a short film about inclusion, diversity and integration along with workshops helping young people to be computer literate.”
He added: “Through our projects, we want to raise awareness of hate crime and bullying, the forms it can take and the effects it can have on young people.

“We will be exploring the possibility of becoming a hate crime reporting centre to support young people to report a hate crime incident meaning they don’t have to go directly to the police if they don’t want to.”
Bolton College students have designed special artwork for the project.

As well as running the anti-bullying project, Harmony also runs a range of different workshops and drop-ins for young people who can take part in multi-media projects, such as music and also dance.
It also provides information meetings and directs young people looking for advice and guidance to appropriate services.
Charlie said: “If you’re interested in volunteering with us or getting involved in our work, we’d love to hear from you.

“We at Harmony are especially excited about our partnership with Children in Need and are looking forward to bigger and better ideas reaching reality.

The film can be viewed here: