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
This weekend some of our residents rolled up their sleeves and got their hands dirty in the garden! They’ve been growing fresh vegetables and even managed to pick some delicious garden peas.🌱🌿
Not only is gardening great for fresh food but it’s also been a wonderful way for residents to boost their mental health and bond with their children
Here’s to more gardening and happy hearts! 🌼🌻
#CommunityGarden #MentalWellness #GrowingTogether #FreshVeggies #FamilyBonding
✨ Exciting news! ✨
Fortalice is now on Vinted 🛒🛒 and we are also looking for a Vinted Volunteer 💙
You can shop pre-loved treasures 👗👜 and support our cause at the same time💜
Every purchase helps us continue our work.
👉 Follow us on Vinted today and turn second-hand items into second chances
Could you be our dedicated Vinted Volunteer? We’re looking for a friendly volunteer to help us with Vinted orders , mainly packing items and keeping things organised.
If you’re interested, drop us an email on emily.earp@fortalice.co.uk we’d love your help! 💜
#CharityShop #VintedFinds #PreLovedWithPurpose
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/
This year, we’re inviting you to take part in our #WearItOdd campaign!
Can you wear odd socks for a day?
Between 6th–10th October put on your oddest pair of socks and make a suggested donation of £2.
Odd socks are a powerful symbol of the uncertainty and chaos that families face when they arrive at a refuge.
Your donation helps provide the vital support they need to rebuild their lives so that one day they can leave with matching socks..
Just £2 can go a long way in helping our residents and the wider community get back on their feet.
If you would like to take part in our #wearitodd campaign contact us on fundraising@fortalice.co.uk 🧦🧦
A huge thank you to @thewhitehorsea6 for hosting their fabulous Ascot Ladies Day and raising an amazing £476! 💐💃
What a stunning day filled with style, smiles and generosity. Your support means the world and will make a real difference for the families we support 💜🌼🫶
#ThankYou #CommunitySpirit #MakingADifference #AscotLadiesDay
A MASSIVE thank you to everyone who came along on Saturday and got stuck into Smithy’s Charity Trail Run 2025!
Matt and Liv from @smithys_charity_events organised an incredible event all in support of two amazing local causes 🫶
What an amazing turnout for the Horwich Showcase!
A massive thank you to Donna for organising such a fantastic event and to everyone who came along to support it.
By raising awareness and vital funds you’re helping families affected by domestic abuse work towards a safer, brighter future. ✨
#ThankYou #HorwichShowcase #CommunitySupport #BrighterFutures
🟣 Calling All Local Businesses & Supermarkets! 🛒
Would you like to support a vital local cause?
We’re looking for venues to host a Fortalice stall helping us raise awareness about domestic abuse, share support services and connect with new volunteers 💜
A small space with you can make a big difference!
Email fundraising@fortalice.co.uk if you`d like to get involved.
#Fortalice #CommunitySupport #EndDomesticAbuse #VolunteerWithUs #LocalBusiness #MakeADifference
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.