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BLGC: Introduction
We are pleased to welcome Bolton Lads and Girls Club (BLGC) to Play It Green’s growing list of supported good causes. BLGC was nominated by our latest new member, Tech4Good Recruitment, and it is a strong choice. For more than 135 years, BLGC has backed children and young people in Bolton and Greater Manchester through safe spaces, positive activity, and trusted adult support.
This is the kind of partnership that feels right for our community. It is local, it is real, and it gives members a clear way to direct support where it can make a genuine difference.
Why Tech4Good Recruitment chose BLGC
One of the best things about a new member joining Play It Green is seeing where they want their social impact to land. Tech4Good Recruitment has chosen a charity with deep roots in Bolton and a clear record of showing up for young people. That gives this partnership weight from the start.
BLGC has been part of the town since 1889. It began during a period of industrial change, when young workers had nowhere safe to go after long days in the mills. More than a century later, the need for safe spaces, good people, and positive routes forward is still very real and growing.
What BLGC does
BLGC is a leading children and young person charity supporting thousands of young people across Greater Manchester each year through open access provision, targeted youth work, and wellbeing programmes.
They provide a safe, inclusive space where young people can access opportunities that support their physical health, mental wellbeing, personal development, and future aspirations. From sport and creative activities to mentoring, mental health support, and employability pathways, their work is designed to help every young person reach their full potential.
They are currently seeing unprecedented demand, with increasing numbers of young people seeking support for their mental health, well-being, and social connection. They are not government funded, and by supporting BLGC, businesses directly contribute to creating safe spaces, positive activities, and help them directly respond to the growing mental health needs within their communities.
Every contribution helps them continue to be a lifeline for young people across GM.
Why BLGC matters
The numbers tell part of the story. In 2023/24, BLGC supported over 5,000 young people through more than 55,000 engagements. In 2024, it recorded over 32,000 visits to its main sites. Its verified social value reporting says every £1 invested creates £7.12 in wider social and economic benefit.
There is a funding challenge, too. Bolton Lads and Girls Club says it needs to raise £2.5 million each year to keep helping vulnerable local young people, and its fundraising page says that is more than £6,100 a day to keep its doors open and maintain core services. (Bolton Lads & Girls Club)
That is why support like this matters. It helps keep trusted teams in place, keeps safe spaces open, and helps BLGC respond to growing demand.
Ryan’s story
Ryan was referred to BLGC’s Aspirations Mentoring service by his social worker. He needed someone outside his foster placement who could help him engage in groups and activities. He was matched with mentor David, who shared his experience of hearing loss, and that gave them a strong starting point.
Together, they worked on social confidence, group participation, and future goals. Ryan started attending activities, speaking to new people, and thinking more clearly about what he wanted next. He developed an interest in British Sign Language, then went on to create and deliver an introduction to BSL session for BLGC staff, volunteers, and young people. By the end, he had more confidence and clearer aspirations for the future.
It is a good example of what BLGC does so well. It gives young people time, trust, and support, then helps them grow into their own strengths.
Ryan’s journey is a reminder that the right support can change a life. If you would like to speak to BLGC, back its work, or explore how you can help young people across Bolton, please contact the charity directly.
Bolton Lads & Girls Club Website
Quotes
BLGC Head of Fundraising, Victoria Hozaifeh
“We at BLGC are so grateful for the support from Play it Green and the visibility this will provide our charity. We are not government funded, and we work extremely hard to ensure we can provide the best free services around physical, emotional and mental health support for children and young people that need it the most. We would love to have a conversation with any business or individual who would like to know more about ways to be involved.”
Play It Green Founder, Richard Dickson
“We are proud to welcome BLGC into the Play It Green community. Tech4Good Recruitment has chosen a good cause that is doing honest, life-changing work close to home. BLGC gives children and young people safe places, trusted support, and real chances to grow, and I am glad our members can now choose them in the Good Cause section of their members’ area.”
Choose BLGC in your members’ area
Bolton Lads and Girls Club is now available for all Play It Green members to select from the Good Cause section of their members’ area.
By choosing BLGC, members can direct support to a charity that is creating safer spaces, better support, and brighter futures for young people in Bolton.
If you enjoyed this article on Bolton Lads and Girls Club, why not support them and become part of a community creating positive change every day by joining Play It Green?
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Join us today and turn good intentions into lasting results.
