Greater Manchester Probation Trust

Women's Centre Raise Money for Charity

28 Jul 2009

WOMEN offenders from Bolton have raised £500 for two charities based in the town after running a successful coffee morning and raffle.
Bolton's Probation Service, which is part of the Greater Manchester Probation Trust, re-launched its Women's Supervision Centre last October.

Roughly 20 attend the group. They carry out work linked to their offending, tackling problems such as domestic violence, substance abuse, unemployment and so on.
The centre raised the money for Bolton's women's refuge Fortalice and Bolton's Riding School for the Disabled.
Bernadette Warburton, Probation Officer, said: "The group's aim is to support the women in successfully completing their community orders and licences and to help them turn away from criminal behaviour.
"One of the women in the group read about a burglary at the stables when special saddles were stolen and suggested we hold a fundraising event.
"The women organised everything, from getting the prizes for the raffle through to running the coffee morning."
More than 75 guests attended the morning, including Bolton Magistrates, representatives from local agencies and GMPT staff.
Bernadette said: "The women saw the fundraiser as a small way of making reparation for what they have done. To see them work as a team and develop new skills was fantastic.
"Bolton Wanderers donated a prize for the raffle, along with hotels, hairdressers and many other local organisations - we really appreciated the backing the community gave us."