PAPYRUS
PAPYRUS is a group that works to tackle prevention of young suicide. They were successful in bidding for a 3 year funded project from the Community Investment Fund to raise awareness of suicide across the borough.
Their partnership with Wigan Council has led to their involvement in various boroughwide events, such as:
- HOPEWALK for World Suicide Prevention Day - Held in Wigan Town Centre, over 150 people attended the awareness raising walk from Believe Square around Mesnes Park
- Mental Health Market Places - These events happen across the borough and are attended by PAPYRUS to raise awareness and to promote the help and support available to residents and services
- Pride events - Attending both events in 2018 and 2019, this was a great success for PAPYRUS and benefitted the groups work and outreach across the community. They were able to speak with many people at great length, form connections and provide a unique service on the day.
The project has made exceptional impact across communities boroughwide. Year 1 of funding was a great success and a number of set targets were achieved. Year 2 has seen PAPYRUS continue to progress and build on their achievements and community relationships further.
PAPYRUS have also visited schools to train teaching and support staff. Training sessions for the police and housing support staff are planned for 2020.
Abram Ward Community Cooperative
Abram Ward Community Cooperative runs a variety of projects across all ages, from Dementia initiatives to developing digital projects in schools. The Deal for Communities Investment Fund has enabled them to bring together a range of social enterprises and community groups from across the borough, to tackle health and wellbeing issues via partnership working. They have received a big investment of £112,151.
Greenslate Community Farm
Greenslate Community Farm is a care farm in Billinge and was brought to life by volunteers. It offers the experience of life on a working farm to a variety of community groups, and provides care placements for disabled and vulnerable adults throughout the week. The farm received £90,000 from the Deal for Communities Investment Fund.
Healthy Arts
Healthy Arts received £62,000 in funding which they used to deliver over 400 creative workshops hosted by local professional artists. Participants who benefited included young people, mental health service users and people living with dementia.
Wigan Athletic Community Trust
Over £97,000 was awarded to Wigan Athletic Community Trust, allowing them to provide support and guidance to some of the town’s most vulnerable young people and give them the chance to access and experience different sport, leisure and education activities that most of us take for granted.