One of the best things you can do for your mental health is to stay connected with others. However, this may be tricky if you live alone, your friends and family lead busy lives or you find it difficult to meet new people.
We’ve put together a selection of resources, tips, local groups and helplines to help you explore new interests and connect with other people that have similar interests to you.
Get online
Our Digital Wigan pages can help you get comfortable navigating technology, offering a one-stop shop for information and digital support, including COVID-19 related support. You'll find a range of digital resources aimed at people of all ages and skill levels, including basic digital skills and coding for children. We regularly update our resources to make sure you have the latest digital information and advice.
Not comfortable with Tech? If you’re not as confident as you’d like to be using technology to communicate virtually, then find out about our TechMates programme, which offers one-to-one basic digital support over the telephone to help you build your digital confidence.
Take up an unusual hobby
A great way to meet new people is to get involved with a new hobby or interest. If nothing seems to be taking your fancy, you may need to try something a bit out there. We've put together the following list of unusual hobbies you could try.
- Wigan and Leigh Archives workshops (external link) - Wigan and Leigh Archives, based in Leigh Town Hall, run regular free taster sessions and workshops on a whole host of unusual skills and activities. Whether its local history or even patchworking, pick something you’ve never tried before and you may find your new favourite hobby
- Leigh Film Society (external link) - budding cinephiles need look no further than this volunteer run society. With a mix of new releases, cinematic classics and upcoming filmmakers, Leigh Film Society run screenings in venues across Wigan and Leigh
- Wigan Youth Zone (external link) - younger hobbyists should take a look at what the Wigan Youth Zone has to offer. With activities ranging from dodgeball and Taekwondo, to laying down a track in their state-of-the-art recording studio, your new favourite hobby may be one you haven’t even thought of yet!
- Ashton Circle (external link) - a Facebook group that helps connect residents to a monthly programme of social activities, whether virtually or in person. You could try a beginner’s sketch class, a poetry reading session or even a mindfulness course. It is a great way to give something new a try
- The Turnpike (external link) - offers a wide range of artist-led workshops and community events to help you stay connected and creative. Previous activities have included creative walking and gardening clubs so make sure you visit their What’s On page regularly to see their latest events.
Local groups and helplines
- Wigan Anxiety Group (Rethink) (external link) is a peer to peer support group for those living with mental health issues and anxiety. It allows people who experience anxiety to come together and share their stories in a safe, supportive and non-judgmental space
- Directions for Men (external link) is an online community that supports men struggling with their physical and mental wellbeing
- Wigan Athletic Extra Time (external link) do great work in the community, including outreach projects and activity programmes to help bring local people together
- Support for new parents:
- My Life's Day Opportunities run day courses for all ages and abilities (external link) in Standish, Wigan Central and Leigh. The emphasis is making connections with others and learning something new along the way
- Place 2 Place FC (external link) is a community that combines positive mental and physical wellbeing support
- We Are With You (external link) offer a free, confidential talking service with trained staff if you're struggling with drugs or alcohol
- Knit and Natter group (external link), Standish Library, Cross Street, Standish, WN6 0LS
- If you are a veteran, the Armed Forces Community HQ CIC (external link) has lots of support and resources available.
- Bright Days Programme (external link), where you can join various interest groups, quizs and sing-a-longs, which are operating via 'phone circles' due to current restrictions
- Dementia cafes are not open at the moment, but the Alzheimers society are offering free one-to-one telephone support. To find out more email Pauline.Blackie@alzheimers.org.uk.