October 2023 - Bolton GP Federation

PRESS RELEASE

20 October 2023

Bolton GP Federation becomes a Living Wage Employer

Bolton GP Federation has joined over 12,000 employers in the UK by becoming an accredited Living Wage Employer.

Supporting the Greater Manchester ambition to become the first city-region to pay all employees a real Living Wage, this recognises an existing commitment to the people who work for the federation are guaranteed to be paid a wage rate based on the cost of living.

As a Living Wage Employer, Bolton GP Federation has demonstrated commitment as a responsible employer by paying the real living wage and is voluntarily taking a stand to ensure their employees can earn a wage which is enough to live on.

Chief Officer Michael Smith said “We are incredibly proud to have achieved this accreditation. As an NHS employer in Bolton, we recognise and take very seriously our opportunity to create real social value for the people and families of Bolton and this accreditation solidifies that.”

For more information about Real Living Wage Employer visit https://www.greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk/what-we-do/economy/living-wage-city-region/

An open day to celebrate a new community garden – the first of its kind in Daisy Hill, Westhoughton – was held on Tuesday, 10 October at Daisy Hill Cricket Club to coincide with World Mental Health Day.

The garden, which has received funding from Bolton GP Federation and organised by the cricket club in partnership with the Westhoughton Primary Care Network (PCN) Social Prescribing Link Workers (SPLW), showcased all the fantastic work the volunteers have done and promoted the mental health benefits of gardening, being outdoors and socialising, to over 60 people.

The social prescribers joined forces with the cricket club in April 2023 to create a safe, peaceful place for the community. The funding has helped towards two large, sturdy benches (picture attached) and a summer house that was put together by a team of local volunteers.

One of the volunteers, Martin, said: “I was more than happy with the turnout and interest. I’m not ashamed to say that this project has been a lifeline for me and has helped my mental state immensely and it’s all thanks to the help from the Westhoughton social prescribers”.

The day attracted people from across the Westhoughton community, including local GP and Chair of Bolton GP Federation, Dr Kamran Khan, Christine Makinson from the Mental Health Independent Support Team, and Westhoughton Mayor Deirdre McGeown, who said: “I had a great time and was amazed at all that’s been achieved, it’s a little haven; honestly a beautiful place.”

Westhoughton Social Prescribing Link Worker, Julie Wright said: “To see the whole community join and enjoy the blossoming garden has been truly amazing, new friendships have been formed, and we have recruited new volunteers. It has been an uplifting and positive experience to hear the lovely comments from the residents and other services. I can’t thank the Cricket Club and all the Volunteers enough.

“In Westhoughton, we are so lucky to have lots of services working together for the benefit of all, I have worked with some inspiring people on the garden project, it really is a joy to come to work.”

Following the initial success of the garden, a new ‘Chatty Benches’ project will be starting there on Friday, 13 October, and will run every Friday between 11am and 12pm. Social prescribers will be at the garden for anyone who would like to come down, have a brew, meet new friends or get information about support.

If you would like more information about the Community Garden, please contact Julie Wright on 07546 305455 or email Julie.wright10@nhs.net.