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.
Our Services
Latest News
Check out our full Social Feed here
Yesterday at our after school club, we did some baking! 🍪🍰🧁
These activities can be new to our children, so it was great to see them enjoying themselves and learning new skills.
The children had lots of fun, really enjoyed themselves and proudly took their creations home to share.
Did you know Fortalice are on Vinted?
Every penny you spend helps victims of domestic abuse.
Buy something you love and make a real difference.💙💜
Dates for your diary!
Can you support Fortalice in 2026 and help make a real difference?
Whether you attend an event, take on a challenge or host your own fundraiser, every effort helps support survivors.
We’d also love to hear from you if you have your own fundraising ideas, themes, or challenges you’d like to take on in support of Fortalice.
Our team will be happy to provide tips, ideas and fundraising materials get in touch on fundraising@fortalice.co.uk
Together, let’s make a difference for our victims in 2026.
More details coming soon — watch this space!
#FortaliceBolton #MakingADifference
Celebrate with Purpose!
Got a birthday, anniversary or baby shower coming up? This year, you can make your celebration truly meaningful. Instead of traditional gifts, we invite you to consider a donation to Fortalice.
Your generosity helps support families affected by domestic abuse and spreads hope where it’s needed most.
Celebrate. Give. Make a Difference.
#CelebrateWithPurpose #Fortalice #GiveBack #SupportFamilies #MakeADifference
On Wednesday 26 November 2025, 108 students and staff from 10 secondary schools across Bolton came together at the Toughsheet Community Stadium for a Domestic Abuse Conference for Young People.
Students took part in six interactive workshops covering a wide range of topics, including street harassment, healthy relationships, incel culture, self-defence, and personal safety. The sessions were delivered by Fortalice alongside a range of partner organisations, with the shared aim of educating young people and helping to reduce gender based violence.
A powerful speech from Micala Trussler, following the tragic death of her 15-year-old daughter Holly Newton in 2023 brought home to the young people the devastating reality of domestic abuse and the importance of awareness, early intervention and speaking out.
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!
We recently hosted a coffee morning for the ladies at the refuge, complete with homemade cakes and activities.
It was a relaxed and welcoming morning, filled with conversation, laughter, and connection.
A huge thank you to the staff and everyone who helped make it such a lovely time🫶
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.