Main Stage - events

One of the best ways to improve your mental health is to get out and about, meet other people and join in with an activity that you enjoy.

It can be daunting to take up a new hobby, or join a new group so we’ve put together a selection of the most welcoming groups and activities to nourish your mind, body and soul from across the borough. There are also some one-off events just for Wellfest.

We’ve purposely kept our group events on a small scale so we can be as covid safe as possible. Please remember to wear a face covering unless exempt and conduct a lateral flow test before you attend where possible

Monday 17th January

• Family Cook Up! Beech Hill Startwell centre, 9:30am or 1:30pm - FREE family cooking demos. Come along and learn how to make crowd-pleasing, cheap, easy, healthy food for your tribe. You’ll also receive a free goody bag of ingredients for you to take away and try a recipe at home. No need to book.

Tuesday 18th January

• Knitted Bliss, Wigan Library, 10:30am-1:30pm - Knitting can be a great way to relax and unwind. Come and learn something new or share your expertise. But most importantly have a chat and meet new people. It's FREE and there's no need to book
• Bump, Buggy and Beyond walk, Three Sisters Recreation Area, 10am- 11am - Our Bump and Buggy walks are free and a great way for expectant and new parents and grandparents to get out, active and meet new people! It's FREE and there's no need to book, meet at the Hamlet Café
• Ride Social, Robin Park Arena 10am - Our free Ride Social cycle rides, in partnership with British Cycling, take place weekly. Rides are friendly and suitable for a variety of riding abilities. They last for 1 to 2 hours and cover a distance between 6 to 15 miles. It's FREE and bikes and helmets available to borrow but must be booked - see full Ride Social timetable and how to book.

Wednesday 19th January

• Bump, Buggy and Beyond walk, Atherton Startwell Family Centre, 10:30am-11:30am - Our Bump and Buggy walks are free and a great way for expectant and new parents and grandparents to get out, active and meet new people! It's FREE and there's no need to book, meet outside Startwell reception
• Ride Social, St Peters’ Pavillion 10:30am - Our free Ride Social cycle rides, in partnership with British Cycling, take place weekly. Rides are friendly and suitable for a variety of riding abilities. They last for 1 to 2 hours and cover a distance between 6 to 15 miles. It's FREE and bikes and helmets available to borrow but must be booked - see full Ride Social timetable and how to book
• Family Cook Up! Ince Startwell centre, 9.30am and 1.30pm - FREE family cooking demos. Come along and learn how to make crowd-pleasing, cheap, easy, healthy food for your tribe. You’ll also receive a free goody bags of ingredients for you to take away and try a recipe at home. No need to book
• TechMate Tea Party, Fifteens @ Standish WN6 0HD, 10am-11am - TechMate Tea Parties are a free drop-in session for anyone looking for support with basic digital skills. Ideal for beginners the Tea Parties will be attended by TechMate volunteers. Bring your own device or one can be provided to introduce you to the world of digital. Supported by Cooperative Bank Digital Team. It's FREE and there's no booking required
• Carpe Diem Craft Club, Leigh Library, 10am-1pm - Perfect your sewing, knitting, crocheting or whichever craft takes your fancy at our craft club at Leigh Library. Have a chat, be creative and learn new things. FREE and no need to book.

Thursday 20th January

• Golborne in Bloom, Golborne Library, 9.30am - 11.30am - Join in In Bloom group to help spruce up the library garden. Get some fresh air and get a boost from giving back as you help clear away winter debris and prepare some new planters ready to bring some spring joy. Cost: FREE – contact Moira from Golborne in Bloom on 07759155504
• Mindfulness with Fran Ashton, Ashton Library, 5.30pm-6.30pm (virtual), Shevington Library, 5.30pm-6.30pm - Simply paying attention to our immediate surroundings and just concentrating on the present moment can be a great way to find calm in the chaos of modern life. These early evening sessions can be a great way to unwind at the end of the working day. Cost £5 (including refreshments).
• Ride Social, Robin Park Arena 10am - Our free Ride Social cycle rides, in partnership with British Cycling, take place weekly. Rides are friendly and suitable for a variety of riding abilities. They last for 1 to 2 hours and cover a distance between 6 to 15 miles. It's FREE and bikes and helmets available to borrow but must be booked - see full Ride Social timetable and how to book
• Family Cook Up! Tyldesley Startwell Centre, 9:30am or 1:30pm - FREE family cooking demos. Come along and learn how to make crowd-pleasing, cheap, easy, healthy food for your tribe. You’ll also receive a free goody bag of ingredients for you to take away and try a recipe at home. No need to book.

Friday 21st January

• Bump, Buggy and Beyond walk, Haigh Woodland Park, 10:30am-11:30am - Our Bump and Buggy walks are free and a great way for expectant and new parents and grandparents to get out, active and meet new people! It's FREE and there's no need to book, meet at the golf shop
• Art Club, Shevington Library, 10am-12pm - Creating and viewing art can be amazing for our mental wellbeing. Any budding artists can come along and join an art club – be creative, learn new things and meet new people. Free – no need to book
• Carpe Diem Craft Club, Leigh Library, 1pm-3.30pm - Perfect your sewing, knitting, crocheting or whichever craft takes your fancy at our craft club at Leigh Library. Have a chat, be creative and learn new things. FREE and no need to book
• New to Nordic Walks, Orrell Water Park, 9:30am - walking with Nordic poles burns more calories and works more muscles than conventional walking, which combined with fresh air and good company makes for a great past time for body, mind and spirit. Suitable for walkers of all abilities. Come along to a half hour intro session to find out all about the benefits of Nordic Walking and then join in with the main walk afterwards. FREE, no need to book and all equipment provided - see full Nordic Walks timetable.

Saturday 22nd January

• Open Mic Poetry with Louise Fazackerley, Wigan Library 11am-1pm - We all have thoughts whizzing around our heads. Let them out, loud and proud in this interactive session. Boost your mental health and confidence, whether you’re new to poetry or already write regularly. It's FREE and call Wigan Library on 01942 827621
• New to Nordic Walks, Three Sisters Recreation Ground, 9:30am - walking with Nordic poles burns more calories and works more muscles than conventional walking, which combined with fresh air and good company makes for a great past time for body, mind and spirit. Suitable for walkers of all abilities. Come along to a half hour intro session to find out all about the benefits of Nordic Walking and then join in with the main walk afterwards. FREE, no need to book and all equipment provided - see full Nordic Walks timetable.

Sunday 23rd January

• Ride Social, St Peters’ Pavillion 10:30am - Our free Ride Social cycle rides, in partnership with British Cycling, take place weekly. Rides are friendly and suitable for a variety of riding abilities. They last for 1 to 2 hours and cover a distance between 6 to 15 miles. It's FREE and bikes and helmets available to borrow but must be booked - see full Ride Social timetable and how to book.

Monday 24th January

• Mindful Mondays, Wigan and Leigh Archives- Leigh Town Hall 10:30am-12:30pm - Join us for some mindful conservation cleaning of our rare book collection. These free sessions are designed to be warm and friendly. All training, tea, coffee and cake will be provided.
  

Tuesday 25th January

• Knitted Bliss, Wigan Library, 10:30am-1:30pm - Knitting can be a great way to relax and unwind. Come and learn something new or share your expertise. But most importantly have a chat and meet new people. It's FREE and there's no need to book
• FREE Alex Winstanley wellbeing drop-in session, Platt Bridge Library, 3:45-4:45pm - Alex is an award-winning author acclaimed for his series of children’s books which raise awareness of long-term health conditions. Join him for a 45 minute wellbeing drop-in session about creating resilience and confidence. It's FREE - book to attend by calling Platt Bridge Library on 01942 487997
• Bump, Buggy and Beyond walk, Three Sisters Recreation Area 10am-11am - Our Bump and Buggy walks are free and a great way for expectant and new parents and grandparents to get out, active and meet new people! It's FREE and there's no need to book, meet at the Hamlet Café
• Ride Social, Robin Park Arena, 10am - Our free Ride Social cycle rides, in partnership with British Cycling, take place weekly. Rides are friendly and suitable for a variety of riding abilities. They last for 1 to 2 hours and cover a distance between 6 to 15 miles. It's FREE and bikes and helmets available to borrow but must be booked - see full Ride Social timetable and how to book
• Family Cook Up! Atherton Startwell Centre, 9:30am or 1:30pm - FREE family cooking demos. Come along and learn how to make crowd-pleasing, cheap, easy, healthy food for your tribe. You’ll also receive a free goody bags of ingredients for you to take away and try a recipe at home. No need to book.

Wednesday 26th January

• Bump, Buggy and Beyond walk, Atherton Startwell Family Centre, 10:30am-11:30am - Our Bump and Buggy walks are free and a great way for expectant and new parents and grandparents to get out, active and meet new people! It's FREE and there's no need to book, meet outside Startwell reception
• Ride Social, St Peters’ Pavillion, 10:30am - Our free Ride Social cycle rides, in partnership with British Cycling, take place weekly. Rides are friendly and suitable for a variety of riding abilities. They last for 1 to 2 hours and cover a distance between 6 to 15 miles. It's FREE and bikes and helmets available to borrow but must be booked - see full Ride Social timetable and how to book.

Thursday 27th January

• FREE Alex Winstanley wellbeing drop-in session, Atherton Library, 3:45-4:45pm - Alex is an award-winning author acclaimed for his series of children’s books which raise awareness of long-term health conditions. Join him for a 45 minute wellbeing drop-in session about creating resilience and confidence. It's FREE - book to attend by calling Atherton Library on 01942 404817
• Ride Social, Robin Park Arena, 10am - Our free Ride Social cycle rides, in partnership with British Cycling, take place weekly. Rides are friendly and suitable for a variety of riding abilities. They last for 1 to 2 hours and cover a distance between 6 to 15 miles. It's FREE and bikes and helmets available to borrow but must be booked - see full Ride Social timetable and how to book
• TechMate Tea Party, Ashton Library, 1:30pm-3pm TechMate Tea Parties are a free drop-in session for anyone looking for support with basic digital skills. Ideal for beginners the Tea Parties will be attended by TechMate volunteers. Bring your own device or one can be provided to introduce you to the world of digital. Supported by Cooperative Bank Digital Team. It's FREE and there's no booking required.
• Reading Group, Wigan and Leigh Library, Leigh Town Hall -  Join Sue in the beautiful setting of Leigh Town Hall as she reads a great novel, short story or poem aloud. The group then stop and talk about what we have read. There is no need for group members to read aloud or speak - it's fine to just listen. It's FREE but places must be booked.
  

Friday 28th January

• Bump, Buggy and Beyond walk, Haigh Woodland Park, 10:30am-11:30am - Our Bump and Buggy walks are free and a great way for expectant and new parents and grandparents to get out, active and meet new people! It's FREE and there's no need to book, meet at the golf shop
• New to Nordic Walks, Orrell Water Park, 9:30am - walking with Nordic poles burns more calories and works more muscles than conventional walking, which combined with fresh air and good company makes for a great past time for body, mind and spirit. Suitable for walkers of all abilities. Come along to a half hour intro session to find out all about the benefits of Nordic Walking and then join in with the main walk afterwards. FREE, no need to book and all equipment provided - see full Nordic Walks timetable.

Saturday 29th January

• Open Mic Poetry with Louise Fazackerley, Leigh Library, 11am-1pm - We all have thoughts whizzing around heads. Let them out, loud and proud in this interactive session. Boost your mental health and general confidence, whether you’re new to poetry or already write regularly. It's FREE call Leigh Library on 01942 404404
• New to Nordic Walks, Three Sisters Recreation Ground, 9:30am - walking with Nordic poles burns more calories and works more muscles than conventional walking, which combined with fresh air and good company makes for a great past time for body, mind and spirit. Suitable for walkers of all abilities. Come along to a half hour intro session to find out all about the benefits of Nordic Walking and then join in with the main walk afterwards. FREE, no need to book and all equipment provided - see full Nordic Walks timetable
• Family Cook Up! Platt Bridge Startwell Centre, 9.30am and 1.30pm - FREE family cooking demos. Come along and learn how to make crowd-pleasing, cheap, easy, healthy food for your tribe. You’ll also receive a free goody bags of ingredients for you to take away and try a recipe at home. No need to book.
• Mindful Patchwork Session, Leigh Town Hall, 1:00pm - Join Andrea as she hosts a taster session of our Mindful Patchwork workshop. Using pre-loved material, Andrea will show you how to create the beginnings of a patchwork project, that you can take home. No previous sewing skills are necessary though as we will be sewing by hand some dexterity is required and if you use them, please don't forget your reading glasses!

Sunday 30th January

• Ride Social, St Peters’ Pavillion 10:30am - Our free Ride Social cycle rides, in partnership with British Cycling, take place weekly. Rides are friendly and suitable for a variety of riding abilities. They last for 1 to 2 hours and cover a distance between 6 to 15 miles. It's FREE and bikes and helmets available to borrow but must be booked - see full Ride Social timetable and how to book.

Monday 31st January

• Bump, Buggy and Beyond walk, meeting at Pennington Hall Park, 10am-11am - Our Bump and Buggy walks are free and a great way for expectant and new parents and grandparents to get out, get active and meet new people! It's FREE and takes place every Monday after 31st January. No need to book
• TechMate Tea Party, Chapter One Tea Rooms, Hindley Library, 11am-12pm - TechMate Tea Parties are a free drop-in session for anyone looking for support with basic digital skills. Ideal for beginners the Tea Parties will be attended by TechMate volunteers. Bring your own device or one can be provided to introduce you to the world of digital. Supported by Cooperative Bank Digital Team. It's FREE and there's no booking required.