Bolton’s homeless pods hailed as ‘life saving’ by users

This comes with a trial scheme running nine self-contained pods for some of the borough’s most vulnerable homeless people to sleep in ending.

The trial period ran between November last year to March 31 with Bolton Council saying that they managed to achieve their main objective in keeping rough sleepers safe over the winter.

Council cabinet member for adults and community housing Cllr Sean Fielding said: “I’m delighted that the Sleeper Pods have proved a safe haven for some of our most vulnerable people this winter, giving them renewed hope and a ‘stepping stone’ to rebuild their lives.

“There are far too many people that are homeless, and it can affect people from all backgrounds, especially those at risk of a sudden loss of income, rising inflation, relationship breakdowns, and domestic abuse.

The pods include self contained living spaces (Image: Billa Ahmed)

“However, Bolton is always on hand to provide targeted help in accessing shelter and accommodation when needed, helping people get back on track as quickly as possible.

“We are also working with landlords and owners of empty properties to offer them practical support, security and reassurance to provide more affordable housing for Bolton people in need.”

The nine self-contained sleeper pods were installed on a former car park at Higher Bridge Street and Topp Way, with 24-hour security and wraparound support in the site.

The scheme supported the council’s statutory obligation under the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol to protect vulnerable people during the coldest months.

The pods were designed as safe alternatives to rough sleeping, and to show that living independently in a secure, private, self-contained place is a real goal.

The council says that people staying in the pods have given testimonies saying: “It’s the first time I’ve been properly warm in years”.

Others have described them as “luxury in a box”, “a Godsend”, “life-changing”.

The council says it will be carrying out a final assessment of the scheme this summer and that this will inform its plans and decisions in the future.

They say that they are working to make sure that no one returns to living on the streets.

The council says people who have stayed in the pods have either moved into more permanent accommodation or are in the process of transferring to more specialist settings.

To do this the council has linked up with other specialist support organisations including the homeless nursing team, social workers, mental health, substance use and other agencies.

Together they say they have been continuing to provide support to the residents with the help they need after leaving the pods. 

The council says any decision on whether to reintroduce a Sleeper Pod scheme next Winter will be made after full review and discussions with these partners.

The council says Bolton’s ultimate aim is to tackle the causes of homelessness and stop it arising in the first place, and the pods are one of several initiatives in place to support this.