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.
- 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.
- 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 Monthly Groups
Autism Friends Coffee Group
Want to meet likeminded 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 - 2pm
Autism Engagement Group
Wigan Borough stives 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 acts as 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, Lancashire, WN2 2DX
- When? Second Thursday of the month, 10am – 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 - 2pm.
What's On
Autism Monthly Drop-In Sessions
Hosted by the Adult Autism Diagnostic Service and local autism peers, the monthly autism drop-in sessions gives you an opportunity to:
- 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 – 3pm (except for the session in August with takes places on 21st August).
Reet Good Wood CIC
Reet Good Wood CIC (external link) is a creative space specifically for neurodivergent adults who have had a late diagnosis, are waiting for a diagnosis, or are not seeking one but identify as being neurodivergent.
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:
Each year, a cohort of young people onto a twelve-month programme. Throughout the year, they are introduced to a variety of training and development opportunities, including first aid, tent building, and cooking, to name a few. The programme culminates in an overnight stay, giving participants the opportunity to put into practice the skills they have developed over the year.
Another opportunity offered is based in the community hub, specifically within the community café, The Hidden Gem. The café is open to the public, meaning the sessions are not exclusively for disabled people. Within the hub, Embrace host a range of social groups that are free to attend, including music lessons, gaming, creative writing, a community choir, a women's group, and wellness and self-care sessions. These groups evolve and adapt throughout the year in response to community interest and demand.
Embrace are committed to helping disabled and autistic people to gain and develop new skills through two social enterprises: a charity shop in Wigan town centre and The Hidden Gem café. These provide volunteering opportunities where people can develop valuable skills.
For further information visit Embrace (external link).