The Bolton Muslim Welfare Trust’s Health & Wellbeing Forum recently carried out a series of Community Conversations to understand how local people feel about belonging, safety, cohesion, trust, and change in Bolton. Through short questionnaires and outreach with both residents and professionals, we gathered grounded insights that reflect real lived experiences across multiple neighbourhoods.

These conversations highlighted both strengths and challenges within our communities. Residents spoke of strong neighbourly ties, cultural pride, and the value of grassroots support; yet many also raised concerns about rising misinformation, cost of living pressures, anti-social behaviour, and the impact of hostile online narratives.

What we heard reinforces that community wellbeing and cohesion go hand in hand. People thrive when they feel safe, included, respected, and connected to others. Through these findings, we aim to support Bolton Council’s new Cohesion Strategy and ensure that authentic local voices, particularly from marginalised and faith-sensitive communities, help shape meaningful, long-term action.

This work forms part of our wider commitment to mental health, healthy living, youth support, and bereavement care. By listening first, we can build a borough where every resident feels they belong.