Community inclusion has many benefits such as increased social connections, opportunities to share ideas and talents, and promote equality and diversity.
Here’s some links to help find out about what’s on near you:
- Our Town Directory is a place to bring together local support and things to do in the community whether you are living, visiting or working in Wigan
- SEND Local Offer provides detailed information on education, health, and social care services for children and young people with SEND in Wigan Borough
- LINC 2 provides things to do and information about issues that might affect you, find out about services that are here to support you and discover the latest opportunities for young people in Wigan and Leigh
- Visit Wigan What's on (external link) guide has the latest events across Wigan and Leigh
- Leigh Youth Hub (external link) is a brand-new facility that offers young people activities and support
- Wigan Youth Zone (external link) runs activities for young people including sports, music, gym, skate facility, dance and climbing wall
- The BYOU Project Wigan and Leigh is a support project for young people (under 19) who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or questioning sexuality or gender identity (LGBTQ)
- Wigan Athletic Community Trust (external link) works to create stronger communities by providing positive activities for young people and families
- Wigan Warriors Community Foundation (external link) uses the power of sport and rugby league to make a difference to people’s lives
- The A-Team Hub (external link) supports children and young adults with neurodevelopmental issues such as autism, ADHD, Cerebral Palsy and other SEND conditions, their families and carers in the Wigan Borough and also in the North West.
For more information on community support offers visit Wigan VCFSE Support Services- staying up to date with community support offers (external link).
Autism Friends
Autism Friends Coffee Group
Want to meet like-minded people in a safe, non-judgemental space and have a brew and a biscuit? Coffee mornings are a great place to relax, bring people together, reduce isolation and find out more about support available. Everyone is welcome.
- Where? Armed Forces HQ, Molyneux House, School Lane, Wigan, WN1 3SE
- When? First Thursday of the month, 11am to 2pm.
Autism Engagement Group - day session
Wigan Borough strives to be an autism-friendly and inclusive place where autistic children and adults can live independent, fulfilling lives, accessing support as and when it is needed. Our monthly engagement groups act as a feedback group, directly aligned to the Wigan All-Age Autism Strategy 2022-26. We discuss things that are important to autistic people, identify gaps and challenges being faced and help to improve services across Wigan. If you want to help make positive change, come and share you experiences and ideas with us.
- Where? Ashland House, Dobson Park Way, Ince, Wigan, WN2 2DX
- When? Second Thursday of the month, 10am to 12pm.
Autism Friends Employability Group
Get support from Disability Employment Advisors around finding volunteering opportunities or paid work, identifying reasonable adjustments, benefit guidance and employability skills. We can also help with filling in application forms and interview preparations.
- Where? Armed Forces HQ, Molyneux House, School Lane, Wigan, WN1 3SE
- When? Third Thursday of each month, 11am to 2pm.
Autism Engagement Group – evening session
Meet like-minded people and talk about your experiences of using health, social care and community services. Your voice matters and will help us to make positive change across the borough.
- Where? Family Hub, Mornington Road, Hindley, Wigan, WN1 4LG
- When? Last Thursday of each month, 6pm to 7.30pm.
Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnostic Service
Monthly drop-in sessions are for individuals awaiting assessment and diagnosed autistic people who are over the age of 16 from the Wigan and Leigh area. People are welcome to attend the sessions with a friend, a relative or come alone.
- Listen to guest speakers about key topics
- Ask the team questions
- Find out about local support available
- Have a brew and chat to other local autistic people.
Sessions are open to those with and awaiting a diagnosis of autism.
- Where? Adult Learning Centre, Walmesley Road, Leigh, WN7 1XN
- When? Fourth Thursday of each month, 1pm to 3pm.
Visit the Autism Friends Wigan Facebook page (external link) for regular updates and activities.
MyND Space
MyND SPace (external link) is a not-for-profit peer-led organisation, offering a supportive space for Adults and Teenagers with Autism, ADHD or any other neurodivergent condition.
Embrace Wigan and Leigh
Embrace Wigan and Leigh are a user-led charity dedicated to supporting disabled people and their families. They have a range of projects that aim to enhance the lives of the people they support:
- Adventure Service Group for young people aged 14-18
- Social networking groups
- Volunteer opportunities
- Neurodivergent drop-in group.
For further information visit Embrace (external link).
Wigan Autistic Theatre Company
Provides a creative safe and inclusive space for people with autism age 18+ and based at Wigan Old Courts Arts Centre.
For further information visit Facebook - Wigan Autistic Theatre Company (external link).
Training and employment support
Guidance to help you develop confidence, experience or take steps towards paid work.
WorkWell - Be Well (external link) offers support to individuals living in the Wigan Borough, or registered with a local GP, who are facing health-related work barriers.
Whether you’re currently employed, recently unemployed, or self-employed, WorkWell can help you:
- Connect with community resources: Access a network of support services within the Wigan Borough community
- Address health challenges: Get support to overcome health barriers that may be affecting your employment
- Access personalised support: Work closely with an experienced work and health coach
- Improve your overall wellbeing: Enhance your mental and physical health while pursuing your employment goals.
Life Skills and Employment - Groundwork (external link) deliver programmes with schools, colleges, councils and employers to support people into training and work. Groundwork also provide careers advice, guidance, life skills and employability support.
Wigan Council's Adult Learning service aims to provide learning that changes lives across the borough. We believe in taking learning to learners across the borough and offer first steps into skills and vocational qualifications that provide a route to better work and income, as well as supporting life chances.
Wigan Borough Volunteering Hub (external link) is a central, accessible space where individuals and organisations can connect, coordinate, and support volunteering activities.
Financial support and advice
Here for You – Wigan Council is a dedicated webpage to signpost you to services, organisations and resources that might be able to help with things like working out your eligibility to benefits, borrowing wisely, keeping warm and keeping well.
Citizens Advice (eternal link) offers free, confidential advice on benefits, debt, housing, and more.