As Chief Executive, working for this organisation is a huge privilege. We have a fantastic dedicated staff team who pull out all the stops to ensure each and every person has their needs met. We aim to help people make positive changes in their lives. Educating children and young people is a key part of the service producing excellent outcomes in behaviour change.
Fortalice are a Bolton based charity providing frontline services for people who are, or have been, affected by domestic abuse and violence.
Our support includes refuge accommodation, local community services, education and accredited training for professionals.
In our refuges we offer wraparound support to the women and children who stay with us. In the community, we provide individual and group work for adults and young people, healthy relationships courses in schools and an IDVA and ISVA service. Our team work with Bolton GP’s to raise awareness of domestic violence and encourage referrals.
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Take on a challenge and support Fortalice!
Whether it’s running, walking, cycling or something completely unique, you can make a difference by taking on a challenge this year for Fortalice! Push your limits, achieve something amazing and raise vital funds to support those who need it most.
When you sign up, you’ll receive:
✅ A free fundraising pack with tips and guidance to help you prepare for your challenge.
✅ Step-by-step instructions to set up your Enthuse page and start fundraising easily.
✅ A free t-shirt to wear proudly during your challenge.
Whatever challenge you choose, we’ll be with you every step of the way. Take on the challenge, inspire others, and show the power of your determination!
💪 Sign up today and make your challenge count for Fortalice!
A huge thank you to all the incredible volunteers who have given their time and energy over the festive period.
Your kindness, dedication and generosity have made a real difference to our clients. Whether lending a hand, spreading cheer or supporting those in need, your efforts have brought warmth and joy to many.
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.🎁
iving Tuesday – 1 in 6 is one too many.
Did you know 1 in 6 children across the UK have experienced or are living with domestic abuse. Help us to change that.
The average primary school class has around 30 children, imagine your child, nephews, or your grandchild’s class. Did you know that 5 of that class will have experienced or witnessed domestic abuse?
That’s not just a number.
That’s 1 in every 6 children.
These children who are trying to focus at school while living in fear at home. Children who have learned to tiptoe around tension instead of playing freely. Children who often blame themselves for things no child should ever have to endure.
This Giving Tuesday, we’re asking for your help to continue this life saving work.
£35 is the cost of a one to one dedicated session with a child helping them to unfold trauma and to rebuild their future.
A child deserves to feel safe at home. Your donation can help us reach more children living with fear and uncertainty and show them that hope and safety are possible.
Because when 1 in 6 children are affected, it affects us all.
Please follow the link and donate to continue our life saving service: https://fortalice.enthuse.com/cf/givingtuesday2025
#GivingTuesday #FortaliceBolton #1in6 #DomesticAbuse #ChildrenandYoungPeople
This years theme is `We Speak up`
Every time we ignore something that doesn’t feel right, we miss a chance to set a better example.
This White Ribbon Day, let’s speak up for respect, equality, and safety for all.
#WhiteRibbonDay #WeSpeakUp #SafeEqualRespected
Four weeks ago, our fearless abseilers took on torrential rain, faced their fears and descended with courage all to support Fortalice.
Thanks to their bravery and your incredible support, we raised a staggering £7,530!
A massive shoutout to our abseilers, supporters, and volunteers you made this day truly unforgettable. Every pound raised will make a real difference.
A special thank you to Stanmore Insurance Brokers for sponsoring the event and @nrjmedia_ for beautifully capturing such a wonderful day.
#AbseilChallenge #Fortalice #MakingADifference
🧦 Can you wear odd socks for a day?
From 6th–10th October, we’re asking everyone to wear a pair of odd socks.
Odd socks represent the uncertainty and chaos families often feel when they first arrive at a refuge.
Your donation helps provide the support, safety and hope they need to rebuild their lives so one day, they can leave with matching socks.
💙 Just £2 can make a real difference to help our residents get back on their feet.
👉 Stripes, dots, stars… whatever you choose:
#Wearitodd,donate,show your support.
Only 4 weeks until our Peel Tower Abseil Challenge!!
Take the leap, face the challenge and make a difference for victims of domestic abuse.
➡️ Register now
https://fortalice.org.uk/abseil-challenge-2025/
Feedback on our services…
Chief Executive
The service has given me time to think and plan for my future. It has given me more confidence to know that I can manage on my own and live independently. More than anything, when I was feeling low, staff always helped me to see the positive side and gave me strength and hope. I could not have done it without them.
I cannot thank you enough for the help and support you provided for my children and I. Although our stay was short, it’s impact and influence on us will empower us to turn our situation around and find our happily ever after. Lewis House is an amazing, healing place.
Being in Fortalice has really changed my life for the better. Me and my daughter have had so much support from all the fantastic staff. I have had time and help to fix myself and feel so much better in myself. Seeing my daughter blossom from a shy, quiet little girl into a bright, talkative and confident girl has made every second worth it.
Thank you so much for the support and willingness to take me on board. I really appreciate the valuable skills and experience that I have gained from volunteering at Fortalice.
Each volunteer contributes in their own unique way by supporting children either on a one to one basis, through group work or in one of the many positive activity sessions we provide. Their dedication, care and passion when working with the children enhances the support we are able to offer to children who are clearly traumatised and need time to heal.
I count it a privilege to travel 20 miles to be a Volunteer at Fortalice’s Refuge. The Refuge is an amazingly well run and well organised establishment. I chose to volunteer because in the past, when my family needed refuge, there was none available. The reciprocal rewards for me of giving something back are immense
It has been absolutely wonderful being able to work for Fortalice and I have gained so much valuable experience. Thank you so much for your help!
I have worked as a volunteer at Fortalice for 20 months now, initially on placement and now as a qualified counsellor. The counselling service is run extremely professionally, and there is a great collaborative approach to working as a team. It means so much to me to be able to offer something back and provide a safe and non-judgemental space for our clients.