Who we are
More than just a youth project
According to our young people HAFWAY is more than just a youth project; we are a family where all young people are welcomed and included, no matter what.
We are a place where young people belong, believe in themselves and become who they’re meant to be.
Why we exist
HAFWAY exists to create a safe, welcoming space where young people feel they belong.
We know that not every young person has access to support, positive relationships or opportunities. We’re here to change that - by walking alongside young people as they build confidence, discover their strengths and shape their future.
Our story
From a small community idea to a dedicated youth hub at the heart of Halliwell.
HAFWAY has grown with our community for over 25 years. Everything we do is shaped by the young people we support.
1998
Where it began
HAFWAY began in response to a need for youth work in Halliwell, Bolton - creating a safe space for young people in the local community.
2010
Growing Stronger
As HAFWAY grew, it became a registered charity, strengthening its foundations and expanding its support for young people.
2023
Outgrowing the space
With more young people attending than ever before, HAFWAY began to outgrow its shared community space and a new vision started to form.
2025
The HAFWAY Hub
Thanks to a £1.3 million Youth Investment Fund grant a new purpose-built youth centre opened just 100 yards from where it all began. A space designed by young people, for young people, open 7 days a week.
HAFWAY has become a vital part of the Bolton community - a place where young people feel safe, supported and valued.
Today
Over 150 young people access
HAFWAY each week.
What we stand for
Our values shape everything we do. They guide how we work, how we support young people and the community we are proud to be a part of.
We create a space where every young person feels welcomed, included and valued, just as they are.
BELONGING
We provide a safe and supportive environment where young people can relax, be themselves and grow in confidence.
SAFETY
We believe every
young person has strengths, abilities and a future worth
investing in.
POTENTIAL
We support young people to develop life skills, discover new opportunities and take positive steps forward.
GROWTH
We build trust
through consistency, respect, compassion and genuine care.
RELATIONSHIPS
We welcome all young people, regardless of background, identity, circumstances or challenges.
INCLUSION
While our roots are in the local Christian community, our doors are open to every young person. We believe in walking alongside young people with compassion, respect and acceptance as they discover who they are and where they belong.
Meet The Team
Moira Frew
Project Manager
Moira joined HAFWAY in 2004 and has progressed from youth worker to Project Manager. She is JNC qualified and has been involved in youth work for over 40 years. Moira loves spending time with friends, playing drums and playing board games.
Esther Peggs
Lead Youth Worker
Esther joined HAFWAY in 2013. She is a JNC qualified youth worker with over 25 years experience in community youth work. Esther loves playing guitar, cooking, sunshine and being active outdoors - especially paddle boarding and hiking.
Becky Fraser
Youth Worker
Becky joined HAFWAY in 2018. She is degree qualified and has over 25 years experience working with young people. She works part time for HAFWAY and part time as a local church pastor. Becky loves coffee, chocolate and chatting.
Charlie Ashworth
Youth Worker
Charlie attended HAFWAY as a young person but came back as a volunteer in 2020 after completing a degree in Business Economics. He is now employed full time and is studying for his level 3 in youth work. Charlie loves all things football, spending time with his mates and playing darts.
Chelsea Mcdonald
Youth Worker
Chelsea joined HAFWAY in 2025. She is a qualified teacher and has experience working with SEN young people. She is studying for her level 3 in youth work. Chelsea loves spending time with her family, baking and going for walks in the countryside.
Maddie Sewastianow
Apprentice
Maddie started her apprenticeship in 2025 having attended HAFWAY as a young person prior to this. Maddie has experience looking after SEN young people and also works as an SEN play worker for the local council. Maddie loves pasta, Nando's and playing fortnite.
Fiona
Harris
Admin Worker
Fiona joined HAFWAY in 2023 as a part time admin worker and is secretary for the board of trustees. She is married to a vicar and is actively involved in supporting the churches he leads. Fiona likes to spend time with family, cooking and baking and walking the family dog.
Corey Thomasson
Student Youth Worker
Corey joined HAFWAY at the start of 2026 on placement as part of his university degree in youth and community work and has become a valued member of the HAFWAY team. He enjoys playing D&D (Dungeons and Dragons) and loves a good game of pool.
Meet The Trustees
Sue Pilling
Chair
Sue is a retired head teacher with a wealth of knowledge relating to safeguarding and the management of people, finances and buildings. Having lived in Halliwell her whole life she understands the complexities of the local community.
Deen Ishmaaeel
Vice Chair
Deen grew up as a HAFWAY young person and regularly volunteers at our sessions. He is a qualified electrician working for a big electrical contractor. Deen brings knowledge of HAFWAY, building management and the local muslim community.
Diane Chadwick
Treasurer
Diane came on board at the beginning of 2026. She works in finance for a bathroom company and has extensive knowledge of financial matters. She also worked for over 20 years as a guider for the girl guides so brings a wealth of experience of working with young people.
Mandy Rushton
Trustee
Mandy has worked as a nursery nurse and teaching assistant in local primary schools for the past 30 years. She has been involved with Hafway for more than 18 years, firstly as a parent, then as a trustee and volunteer. She is also a church warden and trustee of 2 other charities.
Ross Pilling
Trustee
Ross is a retired Greater Manchester Police Officer and served for thirty years. He also served as school governor of one of the local primary schools. He is very committed to the Halliwell community as it is where he was born and has lived all his life.
Ian Greenhaulgh
Trustee
Ian is retired having spent 20+ years in the retail industry and then working for Save the Children Fund as an Area Manager for Fundraising. He is active in politics and indeed has stood for Parliament four times. He has previously been the chair of trustees for another local charity.
Lis Ashton
Trustee
Lis works for Greater Manchester Health Authority in the substance misuse recovery field. She is also a qualified youth worker. She brings a working knowledge of drug and alcohol trends for education and harm reduction and has significant experience of child and adult safeguarding.
Susie Mapledoram
Trustee
Susie is the Director of Children and Young People for Manchester Diocese. She has 40 years experience of youth work and is highly trained in safeguarding as well as being a trainer for Youth Mental Health First Aid and Suicide First Aid. She has a wealth of experience in people management.
Poppy Haslam
Trustee
Poppy came to HAFWAY as a young person and then came back as a partnership worker with Bolton Wanderers in the Community. She now works for Lancashire FA and manages a local girls football team. Her knowledge and experience of sport and youth work is an asset to the board.
Kelly Sullivan