Bolton Neighbourhood Engagement - Horwich & Blackrod

Healthwatch Bolton undertook research on health, wellbeing and community priorities in the Horwich and Blackrod neighbourhoods as part of engagement around the Bolton Locality Plan and Greater Manchester health and social care devolution. They spoke to 40 residents across two workshops, collecting more than 500 responses about local assets, challenges and future priorities. 

Residents highlighted strong community spirit, active voluntary groups, schools, transport links and local organisations as key neighbourhood strengths. Many suggested developing community-based services such as health hubs, mental health drop-ins, volunteering schemes, befriending services and better access to information and support. There was strong support for the introduction of new primary care roles, particularly where these professionals were visible within communities and could help people access preventative support and wellbeing services. 

The main concerns related to transport, access to services and communication. Residents described difficulties travelling between parts of the neighbourhood, limited public transport, oversubscribed GP services, reduced out-of-hours provision and confusing healthcare systems. Blackrod residents in particular felt disadvantaged by service boundaries that did not reflect how they accessed services in practice. Many called for clearer communication, better coordination between organisations and more opportunities for residents to influence local decision-making.

The report concluded that local people value community assets and want a greater role in shaping services. Residents recommended investing in community and voluntary groups, improving public transport, removing barriers created by service boundaries, strengthening communication between services and residents, and ensuring that future health and care developments are designed in partnership with local communities.