Campbell House: an update on its future | News

While Campbell House in Farnworth, Bolton, closed as an extra care housing scheme, there are positive plans for its future. Local charity Backup will use the building for short-term accommodation for young people at risk of homelessness. Backup's dedicated support and safe housing will help young individuals build essential life skills and thrive, ensuring Campbell House continues to be used effectively.

Backup's proven expertise in managing similar projects means the building will be in good hands, providing much-needed support to young people in our community. Read on for more details about this positive change and the outstanding work Backup does.

After thorough consultation, Bolton Council decided to end their onsite extra care service at Campbell House. The limited facilities were no longer sufficient to support independent living effectively.

As part of the same consultation, and following this decision, we closed Campbell House as an extra care housing scheme in July 2024. Without onsite assistance, it stopped being a viable housing option for older people with support needs. All residents have been successfully rehoused.

Questions and answers: a detailed look at the changes

What’s happening with the building?

Although no longer suitable as an extra care housing scheme, the building remains in good condition. Therefore, we’ve explored various options for reusing Campbell House positively.

With our support, local charity Backup now plans to use the building for short-term accommodation for young people.

About Backup

Backup (formerly known as Bolton Young Persons Housing Scheme) started in 1992 and provides intensive supported housing services for young people at risk of homelessness.

As well as safe, furnished short-term accommodation, Backup provides emotional support and practical assistance for independent living.

Backup already occupies and safely manages four services in Bolton at Home sites, two in Halliwell and two in Farnworth. They’ve been around for 33 years delivering housing and support, and for the last 11 years have managed Bolton at Home sites, operating 24/7 services for young people in local communities.

The staffing model ensures a minimum of two staff present out of office hours and overnight, 365 days a year, and during office hours, four to five people are there. They offer support and security to young people who are vulnerable and at risk because of their experiences and young age.

Immediate neighbours of any of their projects have access to direct mobile numbers for the service manager and their on-call manager rota in case there are any issues.

You can find out more about them and the positive work they do to reduce and prevent homelessness for young people in the Bolton area at https://backup-charity.org.uk.

Our partnership with Backup

Our partnership with Backup is both strong and successful. Backup’s management of accommodation services has been consistently effective, ensuring smooth operations over the years. Our collaboration has brought many benefits, resulting in a positive impact on the communities we support.

Why can’t Campbell House be used for general needs housing?

Campbell House is made up of 24 individual properties. However, these properties lack the necessary space for kitchen appliances such as ovens. Also, changing the building’s layout would incur significant costs and not provide long-term value for money. It’s therefore not practical to market the homes for general needs housing.

Backup’s use of Campbell House

Backup specialises in providing short-term accommodation and supporting people until they’re ready to move on to a more permanent home and live independently. This makes the accommodation at Campbell House a suitable option for Backup.

How will Campbell House operate under Backup?

Since 2015, Backup has successfully run the Lucas Project from Greenbank, another former sheltered property in Farnworth. The Lucas Project provides 28 flats and bedsits for people aged 16 to 25. Backup staff are onsite 24-hours a day to support them, including preparing meals and helping them develop essential skills needed to live independently and flourish. 

Backup aims to use Campbell House in a similar way, with their experienced team providing round-the-clock support to the young people living there.

When will Backup start using Campbell House?

This is still being confirmed. In the meantime, you might notice activity at Campbell House as it’s prepared for Backup’s use.

Security measures

In response to concerns raised during the previous consultations, we want to reassure residents that security measures are in place. These are designed to deter antisocial behaviour and protect the building from any damage. We’re committed to maintaining a safe area.

Extra benefits of Backup using Campbell House

As well as making a significant difference to young people’s lives and futures, having Backup use Campbell House ensures cost-effective maintenance while preventing it from remaining vacant and potentially attracting antisocial behaviour or crime in the future.

Comments

Gemma Parlby, our Group Director of Customer and Communities, said: “We’re pleased to be able to bring Campbell House back into use in a positive way. Although no longer suitable as an extra care housing scheme, the building remains in good condition, and we’ve explored various options for reusing it.

“Backup does amazing work, supporting young people towards being able to live on their own. Campbell House provides a good fit for the type of short-term accommodation it needs to help more young people.”

Maura Jackson, Chief Executive Officer of Backup, added: “We’re passionate about our work at Backup and proud to be a vital part of the Bolton community. We provide life-changing support to those in need, building essential life skills in young people to help them thrive. 

“We witness incredible success stories of individuals overcoming challenges and turning their lives around. Our accommodation services deliver effective support, strengthening local communities and neighbourhoods.”