Wigan Council 'saved my life', says Jean, 78
Jean says her new home is like "winning the lottery"
A woman who was on the brink of becoming homeless after a hospital visit has thanked Wigan Council for saving her life.
Jean, 78, says being given a new apartment in one of the council’s sheltered accommodation sites in Wigan Borough is like “winning the lottery”.
Due to personal reasons, Jean could no longer stay in the property she was living at shortly after being discharged from hospital following gallbladder surgery.
Wigan Council’s homelessness team, working alongside partners in the NHS helped secure Jean a place to stay.
Jean said: “I am just absolutely thriving here. Anyone who is homeless they need to get to Wigan Council, they can’t fail. I can’t thank them enough for what they have done. They have saved my life because I had visions of being on the streets, and I hope more people get the help I got.”
Since moving in Jean has made friends, many of whom donated furniture to help her settle in.
“I was welcomed from day one,” she said, “I’ve made friends for life, everybody has been so kind.”
The residents regularly take part in activities organised by council staff at the sheltered accommodation, including coffee mornings, bingo, and parties.
Jean also goes out for Sunday lunch with her new friends and is even planning a trip to watch the Jersey Boys in Manchester.
“I might be 78 but I feel so much younger,” she said, “I am so happy, so secure, I am enjoying my life now.”
Jean is one of many residents across the borough that make up a small proportion of older people who are at risk of becoming homeless due to a variety of reasons.
Councillor Susan Gambles, cabinet member for housing and welfare, and chair of Wigan Borough Homelessness Partnership Board, said: “Jean has been through so much, and I am so pleased she is now happy and comfortable in her new home.
“Helping to end homelessness should be everyone’s business. We came together for Jean, and I want to thank everyone involved for helping to make this happen.”
Through the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2025-2030, Wigan Council are committed to preventing homelessness, increasing affordable housing provision and giving support to those in need.
For more information and support on homelessness visit the council website.
Posted on Friday 11th September 2026