ISSUE 51 SPRING 2016
THE MAGAZINE FOR
WIGAN BOROUGH RESIDENTS
The Health & Wellness edition
Get
Running
JENNY MEADOWS’ TOP TIPS
pg9
WIN
a gym pass
pg15
ALSO IN THIS EDITION...
• What’s on this SPRING
•The Deal for the Future results
• What do YOU get for your Council Tax
2
Contents
03/ Keeping your Council Tax low
04/ News in brief
06/ Taking charge of your health
08/ Believe in Her
10/ Help in a heartbeat
12/ Life is smiles better
14/ One step at a time
16/ The Deal for the Future
18/ Diving into the future
20/ Home alone no more
22/ On the write track
24/ Let’s talk about it
26/ Think before you sext
28/ Is your relationship healthy
30/ What’s on this Spring
You can now view extra
content wherever you
see this icon by going
to www.wigan.gov.uk/
boroughlife
Borough Life is published by Wigan Council
and distributed to all households in the
borough. This edition was published on 22nd
February 2016.
The magazine is printed on paper from
renewable resources. It is written, edited and
designed by Wigan Council’s Public Relations
Team.
If you are a resident of Wigan Borough but
haven’t had a copy of Borough Life delivered
through your letterbox, you can pick up a
copy from several locations including the Life
Centre or view it online at www.wigan.gov.uk/
boroughlife
For general comments email:
[email protected]
The Leader’s
column
By Peter Smith
Leader, Wigan Council
@lord_petersmith
Welcome to the spring edition of
Borough Life magazine.
This edition has the theme of health and
wellness.
In Wigan Borough we are at a crucial
time in the way our health services are
delivered. As part of the devolution deal
with Government Wigan Council, along
with other councils and health partners
across Greater Manchester, is taking
greater control of our health services.
I’m pleased to represent the health
agenda in my role as chair of the Greater
Manchester Health Partnership. It’s my
job to oversee the decisions that are
made that reflect the vision for better
health outcomes by more emphasis on
prevention and on working together.
From April our region will take control
of the £6 billion health and social care
budget – giving us the power and the
means to transform the way services
are delivered. This is an unprecedented
opportunity for our services to work
together to improve the health and
wellbeing of our residents. We explain
more about these changes on pages 6
and 7 of this magazine and you should
receive a helpful leaflet on this new Deal
for Health and Wellness. I hope you find
this informative. Of course organisations
cannot improve the health of people
alone.
We are urging people through Greater
Manchester’s Taking Charge Together
campaign to take simple steps to
improve their own health. We’ve added
handy tips on each of the pages to get
you started and on page 15 we’re giving
you the opportunity to win a free gym
pass – make sure you enter.
On page 9, Wigan’s own Olympic athlete
Jenny Meadows gives her top running
tips. We also have inspiring stories
of people who have achieved greater
health and wellbeing through their
own courage and with the help of high
quality public services.
This includes Michael who has not let
his disability stop him working, Graham
Scott, who came back from a lifethreatening illness to lead a new life in
a new home and Duncan Tighe who is
recovering from a stroke.
Finally, you may recall that in the last
edition of Borough Life we launched the
Deal for the Future consultation which
asked you to comment on our priorities
for the next five years. We received more
than 1,000 responses. I’d like to thank
those who took part - your feedback
will help us to prioritise spending in the
years to come. The results can be found
on page 16.
The consultation also found that 81.6 per
cent of you agreed with the principles
of The Deal. I’d like to thank you for
continuing to work with us to make
Wigan Borough a better place to live,
work and invest.
Borough Life /Spring 2016/ www.wigan.gov.uk
3
Keeping your
Council Tax
low
Residents in Wigan Borough enjoy
the second cheapest Council Tax
in Greater Manchester, but where
does that money go?
Council Tax pays for more than just bins. From the
moment you set foot outside your front door you’ll
be met by things paid for by your Council Tax and
the chances are you won’t even notice. Things like
schools, street lights, transport for disabled people,
care homes for old people, roads and even school
crossing patrols – the list is endless. In total Wigan
Council provides in excess of 700 services to more
than 300,000 residents.
Adult Se
rvices £
260.04
Adult So
c
Care Lev ial
y
£10.86
Environm
ent
£211.70
Educatio
n
£195.01
Bus and
R
Services ail
£86.51
Support
Services
£46.53
Police
£104.87
Fire Ser
vice
£39.18
BAND A
£954.70
of you
agree with
The Deal
4
News
in brief
Pride in the
borough
Wigan will host its first ever Pride
event this summer. On Saturday 13th
August 2016 the streets of Wigan
town centre will be rainbow coloured
as residents come together to
celebrate the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual
and Transgender (LGBT) community.
There will be live
music, street
entertainment
and much more!
Be a responsible
dog owner
From Wednesday 6th April it will be
compulsory for all dogs over the
age of eight weeks in England to be
microchipped.
Dogs will need to be microchipped
and registered with their keepers’
contact information and it is the
responsibility of
the keeper,
including
breeders, to
keep their
details up to
date.
Dog owners
who fail to
micro-chip
their dog could
face criminal
prosecution or a
£500 fine.
Guided busway on route
Residents will soon be travelling in
comfort and style aboard the much
anticipated guided busway service,
due to start operating in April.
service, known as Vantage, will
feature real-time journey information,
free Wi-Fi, plush seating and USB
ports.
Greater Manchester’s first busway
promises more frequent and reliable
services for the people of Leigh,
Atherton and Tyldesley, connecting
with Manchester and Salford.
The busway is also predicted to boost
the local centres of Leigh, Atherton
and Tyldesley as it brings a renewed
vibrancy to them with increased
footfall for the community.
The 4.5 mile guided busway will
provide a smooth, traffic-free journey
before joining a dedicated bus lane
along the East Lancs Road and
heading into Manchester city centre.
To find out more visit
www.tfgm.com/buspriority
Provided by Transport for Greater
Manchester, in partnership with Wigan
Council, the busway also has its own
multi-user path for cyclists, walkers and
horse riders. There will also be more
than 400 free park and ride spaces.
Services will be operated by First
and new state-of-the-art buses will
guarantee passengers a premium
service at everyday prices. The
Don’t lose your right to vote!
If you’re not registered to vote by
Monday 18th April you won’t be able to
vote in this May’s election.
Registering is quick and easy and can
be done online. All you need is your
date of birth and National Insurance
number (this can be found on your
payslip, P60 or your National Insurance
card).
To register visit www.gov.uk/
register-to-vote or if you need
extra support you can call us
on 01942 827168.
Borough Life /Spring 2016/ www.wigan.gov.uk
Big year for
blooming
borough
Wigan Borough has been nominated
for the RHS Britain in Bloom Awards
by The Royal Horticultural Society.
It’s the second time the borough has
progressed to the national finals.
There are 17 community groups
involved in making the borough
a beautiful place through Wigan
Borough in Bloom.
If you are interested in getting
involved with a group or forming a
new group contact Nick Burdekin
Wigan Borough in Bloom Coordinator on 01942 489325.
Shop local
Residents in Tyldesley are being urged
to back their new local market as
traders return to Market Square.
Tyldesley Market is running every
Friday thanks to the efforts of local
groups in partnership with Wigan
Council.
A selection of businesses are trading
every Friday, selling fresh fish, meat,
fruit and veg and cakes.
The new Market Square in Tyldesley
was completed last year and saw
a complete redesign of the square,
including laying 60,000 new granite
blocks, installing a permanent
Christmas tree and cleaning and
repositioning the popular fountain.
There is now 75 per cent more open
space on the square and a new power
supply has been installed to make it a
more desirable venue for events.
Talent fund supports more
young sporting stars
Investment for
Standish
More young athletes are receiving
support from Wigan Council’s Believe
Talent Fund to help them achieve their
dreams.
A major upgrade to a key pedestrian
route into Standish is set to take
place.
Six sport stars will receive up to
£500 from the Deal for Communities
Investment Fund to help them pay for
travel, accommodation, competitions
or training fees and equipment.
The Believe Talent Fund is open
to young people aged 11-24. It is
administered by leisure partner
Inspiring healthy lifestyles on behalf
of Wigan Council. To find out more
visit www.wbsc.org.uk/believe-sporttalent-fund
‘The Line’, a key route into the village
and to Standish High School, will
undergo a £150,000 upgrade, so it
can be used all year round by pupils,
dog-walkers, shoppers, cyclists and
pedestrians.
The funding, announced by
Wigan Council’s Leader Lord Peter
Smith, will come from section 106
contributions from developers when
they build new homes in Standish.
The money generated from
developers by new homes in
Standish is being reinvested into the
area.
5
6
Taking charge of
your health
A new deal with residents promises to tackle some
of Wigan Borough’s biggest health problems...
The Deal for Health & Wellness
describes how health and social care
organisations in Wigan Borough will
come together to dramatically improve
the health and wellbeing of residents.
At the moment nearly 10,000 residents
are living with cancer and more than
2,000 have dementia.
The Deal aims to target those issues,
like dementia, which prevent local
residents from living long and healthy
lives. It will encourage them to
lead healthy lifestyles and be more
independent.
It also aims to improve quality of care
and increase accessibility to care.
All ten parts of Greater Manchester
are developing their own locality
plans to address their health and
care challenges. These ten plans
have been collated to create the
Greater Manchester Strategic Plan
called #TakingCharge. This Greater
Manchester plan supports the localities
with issues that it makes most sense to
deal with together.
The Taking Charge plan is Greater
Manchester’s vision on how it will
transform services over the next five
years following the landmark Greater
Manchester Devolution agreement in
February 2015 to take more decisions
locally.
Residents across Greater Manchester
are being asked to share their
struggles and successes in making
healthy lifestyle choices. To join
in the conversation go to www.
takingchargetogether.org.uk
The feedback will be used to shape
health and social care plans over the
next five years.
Borough Life /Spring 2016/ www.wigan.gov.uk
7
The long term health and wellbeing
of residents will only be secured if
organisations and individuals work
together to take charge of the long term
health needs of Greater Manchester.
Organisations will help residents lead
healthier lifestyles, but residents will need
to take charge of, and responsibility for,
their own health and wellness.
Our part
Support families to give children the best
start
Create training/employment
opportunities for residents
Provide seven day access to primary care
Help communities to support each other
Help residents to remain independent for
as long as possible
Provide facilities to encourage active
lifestyles (cycle routes, parks)
Your part
Lead a healthy lifestyle and encourage
others to do so
In Wigan Borough our aims are:
• Increase life expectancy
• I ncrease the number of older
people who return home from
hospital
• I ncrease the number of children
who are ready for school
• R
educe the number of people
attending A&E
• I ncrease the number of years
people are healthy
• P
rovide services closer to people’s
homes
• R
educe the number of people
who return to hospital after being
discharged
Take advantage of training/employment
opportunities
Register with a GP and go for regular
check ups
Get involved in your community
Support older relatives to be independent
Make the most of facilities and be active
The Deal for Health & Wellness booklet is being delivered
to all households across Wigan Borough. You can also
view it online at www.wigan.gov.uk/boroughlife
Pledge your support for a chance of winning one of ten
Jawbone UP2 Fitness Trackers.
WIN
8
Believe in
A year ago the
#BelieveInHer campaign
was launched to inspire
women in Wigan
Borough to be ambitious,
reject stereotypes and
fulfill their potential.
Among the women to
pledge their support
to the campaign were
sporting stars from
across the borough.
Here they tell Borough
Life about their sporting
achievements in the
year since the launch of
Believe In Her.
Her
Jenny Meadows,
international medallist,
800m
Charlotte Newsham,
endurance runner and
elite footballer
“I travelled a lot during
2015; I won my seventh
British Indoor 800m title (a record
number at the event) and ran four
of the five fastest times in the world
over the indoor 800m event. During
the outdoor season I didn’t quite hit
the heights that I did indoors but still
qualified to represent Great Britain at
the World Championships in Beijing.
“It has been a busy
year as I have taken up
training as part of Trevor Painter’s elite
athletic group with Harriers as well
as continuing to play football at elite
level. In my first 10km race in Wigan, I
finished 11th overall female and first in
my U16 age category. I also competed
in the England Schools Fell Running
Championship, finishing fifth.
“2016 will be my last year as a
professional athlete as I hope to make
the Team GB Olympic Team for Rio and
then retire. I took up the sport aged
seven and will be 35 this spring so
28 years of dedication is quite a feat.
I am excited about what the future
holds. I have a degree in English and
am studying for a Masters in Sports
Marketing & Business Management so
hopefully I have some good options.
“Football highlights included being part
of the Blackburn Rovers CoE under 17s
team that knocked Chelsea out of the
FA Girls Youth Cup. I received an award
from the council’s Believe Talent Fund
which has helped with travel costs to
Dallas for a football tournament. After
college I hope to study in the US.
“My message to other women is: If you
can dream it, you can achieve it!”
“I’ve been recognised from the Believe
In Her poster and it is great to inspire
younger female athletes.”
Borough Life /Spring 2016/ www.wigan.gov.uk
9
Jenny Meadows’
top 10 running tips
1. Wear correct footwear. The feet and
joints need protecting so invest in a
quality pair of trainers!
2. Set yourself short terms goals. This
will keep you committed to the task
and help you to see the progress.
3. Remember running is a personal
journey. Don’t be deterred if others
progress faster or achieve their
goals sooner.
4. It’s important to stretch! Five
minutes of stretching before and
after running prepares muscles,
avoid injuries and reduces
muscular fatigue.
Heather FrederiksenWalmsley MBE –
Paralymic gold medallist,
swimming
“Since retiring from
competitive swimming, I decided to put
back into the sport what I had taken
out of it. I am now head coach at St
Helens Swimming Club. After being
at the club for only two months we
have two new county champions and
several swimmers with county times. I
have already applied for the next level
of coaching qualifications which will
enable me to take the club further up
the competition ladder.
“The Believe in Her campaign helps
prove that women can make it to the
top in a predominately male orientated
world. Follow your ambitions, do not
give up, believe in yourself. I did and I
got to the pinnacle of my sport. Dreams
do come true.”
Leah Barrow – Team GB
800m runner
“I had a successful season
in 2015, reducing my
personal best over 800m
and making the Senior British 800m
final. The highlight was achieving a
silver medal at the British Under 23
Championships in the 800m.
“I have just come back from a training
camp at altitude in South Africa and
will head out again in March to prepare
for the 2016 outdoor season. Long
term, I am aiming to make the 2018
Commonwealth games team and the
2020 Olympics.
“The Believe in Her campaign is a
great reminder for women to have the
confidence to follow their ambitions
and be whoever they want to be! It’s
important that equality is emphasised
and women feel motivated to get active
as much as men do.”
www.wigan.gov.uk/believeinher
5. A GPS watch is worth the
investment if you plan to run a lot.
It helps you track how far you have
run and the speed of your runs.
6. If you can run with others for some
of your running sessions, this can
really boost motivation and make
the dark wet days more enjoyable.
7. A change of scenery is always good.
Running somewhere different can
be just the tonic you need.
8. Pace yourself! It’s scientifically
proven that it takes 11 minutes
for the aerobic system to work
efficiently so don’t start off too fast.
9. Plan ahead and spread your runs
out. Don’t try to squeeze three
running sessions into three days
and then not run for a week.
10. Don’t be afraid to introduce some
faster runs into your schedule. This
could be as simple as increasing
the pace for five minutes in the
middle of a run.
10
Help in a
heartbeat
As part of the Heart of Wigan campaign people are being encouraged
to take up HeartStart training which teaches lifesaving skills for
anyone suffering from cardiac arrest.
And that training came in handy for
brave six-year-old Carson Owen when
his younger brother Alistair fell ill at
home.
Just a week earlier at his weekly 12th
Wigan Boys’ Brigade Anchor Boys
Group he had been given HeartStart
training which gave him the confidence
to spring into action to call for an
ambulance when the Hindley Green
family needed help.
His mum Lisa picks up the tale: “Alistair
had a seizure and I didn’t know what it
was. I was quite distressed as it wasn’t
something I had ever experienced
before with my children.”
Carson added: “My mum came up and
said he felt hot so she put him on the
bed and she checked his temperature
and it was very high.”
Lisa continued: “I hadn’t realised he
had called for an ambulance. I heard
him say ambulance then passed the
phone to me to speak to them. He
made the decision and it was the right
thing to do.”
Once the ambulance was on its
way Carson then contacted his
grandparents and aunty to tell them
what was happening.
“He was brilliant in the situation,”
added Lisa. “He was very calm and
knew just what to do in what was a
terrifying situation.”
Happily Alistair received the treatment
he needed and is back to full health
and Carson was honoured with a head
teacher’s award at his school for his
bravery.
Borough Life /Spring 2016/ www.wigan.gov.uk
11
Did you know?
Physical activity can
help to reduce your
risk of heart disease,
blood pressure and cholesterol
while also controlling your
weight and improve your
mental health. Try to include
up to 30 minutes exercise in
your life every day.
And after his experience has it given
Carson ambitions to continue to help
others?
“I want to work in mountain rescue
and help people when they’ve hurt
themselves while climbing. It’s a very
good feeling to help others,” replied the
youngster.
Liz Fisher, senior public health
practitioner at Wigan Council who
gave Carson his training, said: “I have
delivered many HeartStart sessions to
adults in my role within public health
but thought it would be good to use the
programme designed for children with
the Anchor Boys’ in my volunteer role
as a Boys’ Brigade Officer. The children
really enjoyed it and learned how to
phone 999 and put someone in the
recovery position. Heart Start teaches
people of all ages what to do in a life
threatening emergency and I was so
proud of Carson when he told me what
he had done.”
Heart of Wigan is helping to tackle
cardiovascular related health
problems in Wigan Borough. In
2013/14 there were 13,943 people
with coronary heart disease who
were registered with GPs in the town.
That means one in 23 people have
the condition.
12
Did you know?
Only 46 per cent of disabled people
of working age are in employment.
Life is
smiles
better
Borough Life /Spring 2016/ www.wigan.gov.uk
13
Packing boxes might sound like a mundane task but to
Michael Hosie it’s his favourite way to spend his days.
Since the 23-year-old started working
for DenLab, a dental manufacturing
company in Leigh, in May 2015 he has
never looked back.
Michael, from Wigan, has dyspraxia,
a learning disability that impacts a
person’s fine motor skills and coordination and after losing a previous
job he was referred to Wigan Council’s
supported employment service.
The service works with local
employers to find work opportunities
for people with disabilities and they
helped Michael land his paid job with
DenLab.
Michael said: “I’m really enjoying
it, it’s going very well. My favourite
thing is packing the boxes up and just
coming in. It gives me something to
do during the day. I went to supported
employment and they’ve given me
support.”
Michael’s daily tasks include opening
the post, ordering the stock, helping
with the tuck shop, packing stock to
send to America, making the boxes,
packing up accessories and doing the
stickers for production.
There are more than 375 disabled
people working with Wigan Council
and in search of employment.
And the council is always on the
search for more local employers who
can offer an opportunity to someone
with a disability.
The supported employment service
will help clients in the workplace
and train them until they can work
independently.
Belinda Nixon from DenLab, said:
“Michael’s been with Denlab for seven
months now and he came on a referral
to supported employment service.
wouldn’t be able to manufacture our
goods without him. There’s also a lot
of responsibility because we order
our stock from China and Michael is
responsible for ordering his own stock.
“He’s fitted in really well with the team
and nothing’s too much trouble for
him.
“We had a visit from Wigan Council
and they told us about supported
employment and what they do.
We realised we had a need in the
company and could accommodate
someone from the service and they
told us they had Michael in mind.
“It’s been a good partnership and they
were really supportive and helpful.
A couple of months after Michael
came on board we had disability
“He started on a two week placement
to make sure the partnership was right training which everybody found really
beneficial and I’m hoping for some
for Michael and ourselves and he was
more training in the future.”
showing real commitment before he
started and he’s been with us ever
If your business can offer paid
since.
opportunities or work placements
“Although it may seem a boring job
it is such an important job and we
www.wigan.gov.uk/boroughlife
for disabled people please contact
[email protected]
14
One step at
a time
Improvements to local leisure centres are
inspiring residents across Wigan Borough
to be more active and healthy.
Howe Bridge Leisure Centre is one of the
most recent sites to receive an overhaul as
part of the Deal for Leisure.
The facility, which received a £2.9 million
makeover, boasts a modern adventure
zone with climbing, skating and play
opportunities; plus an 80-station gym, sauna
and steam room, an indoor cycling studio,
and a studio for group exercise and new
changing rooms. A 3G FIFA 2 star pitch has
also been built on site.
Customer Dee Jones, from Atherton, who
has lost a stone since re-joining the gym in
October, said: “It is miles better than it was
before. It’s modern, the equipment is good,
the new technology is great and the staff are
really friendly.”
Leigh Leisure Centre has also recently
received a raft of improvements as part of
The Deal, including the introduction of a
96-station gym and an indoor cycling studio
for customers.
Borough Life /Spring 2016/ www.wigan.gov.uk
15
WIN
Leisure partner Inspiring healthy
lifestyles runs six leisure centres on
behalf of Wigan Council – Wigan Life,
Robin Park, Ashton, Leigh, Howe
Bridge and Hindley.
We’re offering Borough Life readers
the chance to win a year’s free
membership to these facilities. To be
in with a chance of winning, email
your name, address and contact
number to: BoroughLifeMagazine@
wigan.gov.uk ­with the subject ‘Gym
competition’.
Terms and conditions can be found
at www.wigan.gov.uk/boroughlife
Running has
become a
way of life
Sandy Hill, aged 65, from Leigh, has
seen her life change over the past four
years after making a decision to get
more active and healthy. A volunteer
run leader, she has completed the
Wigan 10k twice, the Race for Life three
times and has more than 100 5k Park
Runs under her belt. This is how she
did it.
“When my mum died I didn’t cope very
well and I piled weight on, so decided
to join the Lose Weight, Feel Great
programme, which helped me to lose
three and a half stone.
“While I was doing this, I saw Race
for Life being promoted and became
interested so I started taking part in
Learn to Jog sessions at Pennington
Flash and just took it from there.
“Lots of people say ‘I can’t do it’ but
if you just take it one step at a time it
Sandy Hill
becomes easier, and it’s a great way
to keep your weight down and tone
up muscles. My family were really
encouraging and I’ve made lots of
friends – the camaraderie is fantastic.
“After losing my mum, I would wake
up feeling a sense of doom. Running
helped me to feel so much better
and has now become a way of life. If
someone had told me four years ago
that I would be doing this, I would have
laughed in their face!”
Sandy leads a run that sets off from
Howe Bridge Leisure Centre every
Monday (6.30pm-7.15pm). Cost is
only £1.
To find out more about what’s
on offer in your area, visit www.
inspiringhealthylifestyles.co.uk
16
for the
future
In the last edition of Borough Life we asked you to tell us which services
mattered the most and how they should be delivered. Your answers will help
us to prioritise spending over the next five years. Here are the results...
Of people agreed that freezing Council Tax for the last two
years has benefited their household
Of people agree with the principles of The Deal
Support Wigan Council working together with health partners,
community groups and families to deliver services and help
individuals lead better, healthier lives and remain independent
in their own home as long as possible
We asked people in
Wigan which council
service is most
important to them.
Malcolm Hughes, aged 71: “Healthcare
for adults and older generations. As
I get older healthcare services are
important and I hope it continues to
improve.”
Pauline Whitworth, aged 68: “The
Life Centre is a wonderful service. It
provides a range of important services
including the library. It is an inviting
building and the staff are lovely.”
Borough Life /Spring 2016/ www.wigan.gov.uk
17
Competition
The winners of the Grand Arcade shopping vouchers
were Deborah Page, Susan Fahey and Andy Bent.
Of people agree that as many services as possible for residents
and their families should be provided in a convenient location
in their local area
Said yes, they agree that the priority for the council should
be to provide support for those who need it rather than
maintaining costly buildings
Of people said that services for protecting the elderly are a
priority
Of people said that services for children are a priority
Of people said that repairing and maintaining roads are a
priority
Oscar Roberts, aged 16: “Education
after high school is really important
and knowing what opportunities are
available. I got an apprenticeship as
a joiner then changed to an electrical
wholesaler.”
Aaron Brunet, aged 17: “Education
is really important. It helped me get
an apprenticeship as a mechanical
engineer.”
Kathleen Hughes, aged 68: “Respite for
disabled children is hugely important.
I had a personal connection with
this and found it limiting a long time
ago, so it’s important that this service
continues to evolve to meet needs.”
Thank you to everyone who took part in the survey.
18
Diving into the
future
A major grant from
It’s a historic and iconic building at the
heart of the Tyldesley community.
Wigan Council is
Now the famous Pelican Centre is about
to open a new chapter in its history.
helping a much-loved
“We’re working together to put an
iconic building to better use for the
benefit of the whole community,”
explains Trevor Barton MBE, chair of
trustees at the much-loved Pelican
Centre.
swimming centre
become a real focal
point for the whole of
the community.
The leisure facility in Tyldesley was
facing closure in 2012 when a group of
dedicated volunteers agreed to take it
over.
There is currently nine full time staff at
the centre and a whole raft of dedicated
volunteers.
Offering swimming facilities for the
community and home to the oldest
water polo club in the country, the
Pelican Centre is already much-loved
and well used by local residents but
soon it will be offering much more.
Thanks to a grant of £384,000 from
Wigan Council, the back room of the
building, which was previously used as
a heritage store, is being redeveloped
into a new multi-purpose space,
including a gym and community hall,
which will house a host of facilities and
services.
The investment will mean vital health,
adult social care and young people’s
services can be offered directly to the
community and from a central point.
The building will become a key
community building which will be
buzzing with activity and people of all
ages will be able to access vital services.
Borough Life /Spring 2016/ www.wigan.gov.uk
Did you know?
If you swim for 30 minutes you
can burn up to 350 calories.
A cinematic
history
The Pelican Centre was
originally the Majestic Cin
ema
and billiard hall which op
ened
in April 1923.
One priority for the council is to build
independence among older people and
ensure they have the right help and
support around them.
Investments in the community such as
the Pelican Centre will mean people,
particularly the elderly, will have the
right support close to them and a place
to stay connected with other people.
Trevor added: “We’re all very excited.
The building will serve the whole
community from the young to the old
particularly those with adult social care
needs.
“It will be a flexible space that suits
the needs of the whole community.
“It’s great to think three years ago we
were launching The Deal live from the
Pelican Centre and now we’re The Deal
in Action personified.
“It will mean a lot to local people. It’s
something that’s very different and will
be more sustainable.
It closed in 1963 and wa
s
converted into a swimmi
ng
pool by the council.
The community pulled
together and saved the
building from closure in
2012.
“Residents will be able to access vital
services in a high quality building close
to where they live and this will improve
their daily lives.
“There will be facilities for people with
a whole range of needs,” Trevor said.
“People with mental health conditions
or disabilities will have the support
right on their doorsteps and youngsters
will love the place at the weekend.”
If you are interested
in volunteering at the
pool contact Natalia@
pelicantyldesley.co.uk or
01942
882722.
For more information visit www.pelicantyldesley.co.uk
19
20
Home alone...
no more
For Wigan
man Graham
Scott a series
of falls in his
old flat almost
spelled the
end of his life.
Poor health meant former steel worker
Graham, aged 69, was regularly losing
his balance and after a bad fall as
he attempted to put up Christmas
decorations he was admitted to hospital.
A serious infection and a number of
medical complications meant his life
was at risk.
It was at this point that Graham, with
the support of his niece Susan Scott
(pictured right), aged 45, accessed a
pioneering new service delivered by
Wigan and Leigh Homes and funded
from the council and the borough’s
health commissioners, to make sure
no-one stays in hospital longer than they
have to.
The grandfather-of-one thankfully
recovered but another obstacle stood
in his way - returning from hospital to
the flat where he lived alone and was
vulnerable and socially isolated.
Wigan and Leigh Homes’ hospital
discharge officer Julie Peet (pictured
right) identified that Graham needed
more support at home to prevent a
prolonged stay in hospital.
Graham (pictured above), who suffers
from chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease and mobility problems, said: “I
didn’t want to go back. It frightened me
what had happened because I had been
so isolated after falling.”
Julie said: “I am a housing specialist,
working as part of a wider team of
skilled and dedicated professionals who
work together to make sure that people
are able to move from hospital back to
their home quickly and safely.
Borough Life /Spring 2016/ www.wigan.gov.uk
Did you know?
An overnight stay in a hospital
bed costs the tax-payer on
average £400.
“In Graham’s situation having more
support in place and more opportunities
to socialise were important in order to
improve his health and prevent further
admissions.”
Within a week of taking on Graham’s
case Julie had found him a new flat in
sheltered accommodation in Norley
Hall, Wigan.
His new flat has made a big difference
to Graham who is now reassured by the
cords he can pull if he falls and by the
regular calls to check he’s okay.
He also has a new circle of friends and
is going on trips away and attending
regular socialising groups.
Susan, a domestic at Royal Albert
Edward Infirmary, who regularly visits
her uncle, is full of praise for the service
Julie supplies.
Susan said: “If it hadn’t been for Julie we
wouldn’t have got him to where he was
today.
It’s brilliant here.
I’m much happier.
Graham Scott
“If he would have gone back to the flat I
don’t know what would have happened.
“He’s now much more himself. There is
a communal room where he can meet
people and there are day trips. He has a
better social life than me!”
21
22
On the
write
track
At any one time
10,000 adults in
Wigan Borough
receive support
from adult social
care services.
Most people don’t think about adult
social care when they think about the
council. It’s only when they need it that
they truly appreciate how important it
is. The chances are though that most
of us will come into contact with it at
some point in our lives – whether it’s
ourselves or a family member who
receives support to lead a better, more
independent life.
As people live longer the number of
residents who rely on adult social care
services will continue to increase, as
will the healthcare bill which is rising by
around £2.5million each year.
The increase in demand has led to a
social care funding crisis nationally as
council’s struggle to keep up with an
aging population. In the Chancellor’s
Autumn Statement last year, local
authorities were given the power to add
a two per cent social care precept to
plug the funding gap – an option Wigan
Council has been forced to accept.
The two per cent will still leave the
council with a big funding challenge,
but, through The Deal, services will
continue to transform to ensure the
changing needs of the population are
met.
Retired author, Alan Miller, 75, had his
life turned upside down almost six
years ago when he was diagnosed with
retinitis pigmentosa. With the support of
Borough Life /Spring 2016/ www.wigan.gov.uk
23
Praise for a
“First class”
service
Wigan Council’s adult social care service
he’s been able to get his life back on
track.
The former history teacher from Orrell
has written a number of books about
the history of Orrell and Upholland
but when he was diagnosed with the
untreatable degenerative eye disease he
thought he would never write again. The
illness left him with five per cent of his
vision, lacking confidence and struggling
to read.
Alan said: “After my sight got severely
worse I wasn’t doing much at all. I just
sat on the couch vegetating because I
didn’t think that I could do the things
that I used to be able to.”
Alan was referred to adult social care
and that’s when he met Robert Young,
a rehabilitation officer who specialises
in support for people with visual
impairments.
Alan said: “In the short time I have
known Robert he has changed my life
by giving me the mental shake up that I
needed and re-booting my confidence.
Now I don’t just sit around the house
all day. I can read the books that I have
written using the technology that Robert
has told me about, I have a special
tablet which talks to me so that I can
search the web for news about my
favourite rugby team Wigan Warriors
and I have even thought about writing
another book.”
Wigan Council’s reablement service
has been described as “first class” by
residents.
The service provides a stepping stone
to independence giving customers the
support they need to regain lost skills,
learn new ones and help them adapt to
the challenges that independent living
presents.
Over the last 12 months, 853 people
have accessed the service and the
compliments book is full to the brim
with positive feedback, including
comments such as: “you gave people a
quality of life” and “it was a privilege to
have you in our home”.
24
Let’s
talk
about it
It’s time to end the
stigma surrounding
mental health.
Here Borough Life
finds out how one
group of residents
took it into their own
hands to do just that.
When mental health drop-in sessions
started to close 45-year-old Brian
Mattocks from Ashton decided
something needed to be done.
In September 2015 Brian saw a leaflet
advertising a council ‘Have Your Say’
session in the Ashton and Bryn area as
part of its Deal in Action programme.
He said: “I saw a leaflet and wasn’t
sure whether it would be worth going.
I have been fighting for a long time for
this but decided to go along.”
Brian raised his issue around the
mental health support in the area
directly to the leader of the council,
Lord Peter Smith and chief executive,
Donna Hall.
Brian and a group of his friends wanted
to set up a self-help support group
where people with on-going mental
health conditions can support each
other.
Brian said: “After the session a council
officer got in touch with me but I didn’t
think anything would come of it. It’s
been frustrating because there’s been
a lack of funding but now it’s better
because Lee from the council, who
we’ve been working with, has been
doing everything he can.”
With support from Lee, who works in
the council’s adult services, the group
have found a room to hire and had
advice about funding and how to cover
costs.
The group were unsure about handling
money and opening a bank account to
receive official funding so Lee helped
Borough Life /Spring 2016/ www.wigan.gov.uk
25
Healthy mind
Simple tips to help improve your
mood include:
• Eat a healthy diet including fruit
and vegetables
• Reduce your alcohol intake
• Get regular exercise. Even just a
regular walk can help
• Get a good night’s sleep
• Explore self-help techniques
including meditation and
breathing exercises
them find an alternative solution and
they are now being supported by the
YMCA in Ashton. The YMCA applied for
investment on their behalf and have
agreed to manage the money for the
group.
ago a group of us have stayed together,
meeting at somebody’s house. Now
we’ll have somewhere official to go and
other people who need support can
come along.”
Each member will pay £2 per session
and any profit can be reinvested into
activities for the group.
The group are hoping to have
professionals come into the sessions to
offer advice and they would like to do
activities such as arts and crafts.
Brian explained: “We’ve had some
issues with getting the group started
because there was talk of us finding a
chairman and a banker but we wanted
somewhere people could just turn up
for support.
“There’s a taboo around mental health,”
Brian said. “I hope we can reach out
to anyone in the area and let them
know we are here. We’re hoping to do a
leaflet and promote the session in the
local library.
“There will be an activity session
every fourth week and so far we have
between six and ten people attending.
“Since the drop-ins closed a few years
“For some people social inclusion
means just having a session out there
that they can drop in to for some
support.”
• If you have been prescribed
antidepressants carry on taking
them
Tell someone
If you are feeling sad, anxious, angry
or stressed remember you are not
alone.
If you have had suicidal thoughts
or feel you need support for mental
health issues speak to your GP.
It will also help to tell someone you
trust such as a friend, relative or
close colleague.
The Samaritans operates a service
24 hours a day, 365 days a year,
for people who want to talk in
confidence. Call 08457 90 90 90.
To find out more about The Deal in Action visit www.wigan.gov.uk/thedeal
26
Think
before you
sext
Sexting is
becoming an
increasing
problem among
teenagers. What
may at first feel
like a bit of fun
can quickly spiral
out of control.
Residents of Grove Street
“Sexting is really common and it’s
getting even more so,” said 17-year-old
Katie from Beech Hill.
“If someone sends a picture to a boy
it can be with all his friends within
minutes.”
‘Sexting’, sending sexually explicit
words, videos, or images to someone,
such as a nude or semi-nude photo,
is on the rise. Talking to a group of
21 local young people, aged 12-20,
revealed that 100 per cent of them
knew what sexting was, and nearly
all of them could describe recent
examples when someone they knew
had been involved.
Reasons why young people said
someone might send a sext, included:
•
You trust someone and they ask
you to do it
•
To make someone jealous
•
To get attention
•
You’re in a relationship and it’s
something you both want to do
•
Feeling pressured into it
•
Not being aware of the
consequences
Sexting can quickly lead to problems,
with supposedly private images being
shared with other people or posted on
websites or social media.
“Some people don’t know what they’re
getting themselves into,” said Leonie,
aged 16, from Lowton, “They think
Borough Life /Spring 2016/ www.wigan.gov.uk
What to do if you’re under
pressure to sext
As soon as you’ve sent the picture, you’ve lost control of it. Would you be
comfortable if it was posted online and your mum, dad, grandparents,
teacher, friends, total strangers all saw the picture? This could happen.
You could be blackmailed or threatened.
There are lots of other ways to show you care – ‘Zipit’ is a free app for young
people which offers funny images you could send instead.
Are you being pressured? NEVER let anyone pressure you into doing
something you feel uncomfortable with. It’s your body and you’ll have to
live with the consequences.
If you’re under pressure, report it to CEOP www.ceop.police.uk
When are you breaking the law?
If you’re under 18, it is illegal to take or share an indecent picture of yourself.
they’re in a trusting relationship but
then things change and the photos are
out there and could haunt you for the
rest of your life”.
The young people were also quick
to describe the pressure particularly
some younger girls felt under to send
sexts, explaining how access to online
porn had changed the expectations of
how both young men but especially
young women felt they should look and
behave.
“Things like page three and porn can
make boys start to think that’s how
girls should look and so girls start to
think they should look that way to get
boys to like them,” said Warren, aged
14, from Worsley Hall. “But they forget
everything’s fake and edited. None of it
is reality.”
Picture posed by model
Whatever age you are, it is illegal to take or share an indecent image of
anyone who is under 18.
It is illegal to pressure anyone aged under 18 to take or share an indecent
image of themselves.
If you’ve already sent a sext…
Don’t panic. If you’re worried, talk to an adult you trust or call Childline on
0800 11 11
If your image has been shared on social networks, Childline can report it to
the Internet Watch Foundation, who can get the image taken down.
Useful websites for young people and parents:
www.childline.org.uk
www.ceop.police.uk
www.nspcc.org.uk
27
28
Is your relationship
Constant arguments,
storming out of
the house, name
calling – a toxic
relationship can have
a huge impact on
your happiness levels.
Find out what makes
a relationship healthy
and take our quiz to
see if your relationship
passes the test.
healthy?
Borough Life /Spring 2016/ www.wigan.gov.uk
What does
a healthy
relationship
look like?
Respect
Your partner should respect you and
your feelings. They should never
make you feel uncomfortable or
intimidated. The relationship should
never feel one-sided.
Take the relationship test
Everyone deserves to be in a healthy relationship. Do you know if your
relationship is healthy? Answer the questions below to find out…
Q You and your partner have plans to go for dinner when a friend calls.
Their close family member has died and they’re upset. They ask if you
can go round. Do you:
a. C ancel dinner, apologising to
your partner
Trust
A relationship needs two key
ingredients to work – trust and
love. You shouldn’t feel scared to
do something in case it upsets your
partner. They should support you
and the decisions you make.
Understanding
Everyone’s different, that’s what
makes us unique. Understanding
and accepting these differences and
being patient is key to a healthy
relationship.
as you have plans as you know
your partner won’t be happy
Q If you have financial problems, do you:
a. Talk to your partner about it
b.Hide the letters – you’re scared
it will make your partner angry
Communication
You should always feel like you
can have an open and honest
conversation with your partner.
b.Explain that you can’t come
Q You’ve planned a night out with friends. Your partner is upset because
they don’t want you to go. Do you:
a. T ell your partner you can spend b. Cancel your plans as you don’t
the day together tomorrow
want to upset your partner
Q You get a text off someone. Your partner thinks they fancy you. Do they:
a. Take it as a compliment
b. Take your phone and text the
person back
Q You’ve planned to cook a romantic meal. You’ve got your timings wrong
and end up burning the chicken. Do you:
a. Laugh about it and order a
takeaway
b. Panic – this was supposed to
be a special night and your
partner will be angry
If you answered mostly a’s
Your relationship is ‘A’ okay. You feel happy to talk about your feelings
openly and honestly. Your partner trusts and respects you.
If you answered mostly b’s
It’s great that you want to spend time with your partner, but don’t forget
to make time for yourself. If any of these questions have made you think
differently about your partner’s behaviour talk to them about how you feel
or confide in someone you trust.
More relationship advice can be found at www.wigan.gov.uk/LINC2
29
30
Your what’s on guide for Wigan Borough this spring
April
Sign of the times
Comedy by Tim Firth.
Where
Wigan Little theatre
When
Wednesday 6th to Saturday 16th April
7.30pm – 10pm
Price
£8 - £10 concession admission fee
Contact us
01942 242561
Northern Soul Night
Dance the night away well into the early
morning.
Where
Robin Park Sports Centre
When
Saturday 2nd April
9pm – 6am
Price
£10 per ticket can be purchased on the
night
Contact us
On Facebook on Follow Your Heart to
WN5 0UL – Peter Neil
May
Beehive Power
Learn about the honey bee and honey
and bee products which help us to look
after our wellbeing.
Where
Standish library
When
Thursday 19th May 2016
7pm - 8.30pm
Price
£3 over 12s only (booking is preferable
but drop-ins also welcome
Contact us
01257 400496 or on Standish.library@
wigan.gov.uk
Kids Club Sailing, Kayaking
and Windsurfing
Taster session experience where you
will have a brief introduction to sailing,
windsurfing and kayaking in a safe
environment.
Where
Scotman’s Flash, Rushdene, Off
Poolstock Lane
When
Every Saturday in May
9am – 10.30am
Price
£8 per person or 1.5 hours (Age 8 -16)
Contact us
01942 769812 – booking is essential
Beginner Sailing, Kayaking
and Windsurfing
A taster experience of sailing, windsurfing
and kayaking.
Where
Scotsman’s Flash, Rushdene, Off
Poolstock Lane
When
Every Saturday in May
11am – 12.30am
Price
£10 per person or 1.5 hours (Age 14+)
Contact us
01942 769812 – booking is essential
Enjoy
A comedy drama by Alan Bennett.
Where
Wigan Little Theatre
When
Wednesday 11th to Saturday 21st May
7.30pm – 10pm
Price
£10 - £8 concessions
Contact us
01942 242561 - Booking advised but
seats are available on the night
When
Monday 6th June
3pm – 8pm
Price
No charge but donations welcome
Contact us
01942 828530
The Witches of Eastwick
A musical comedy drama by John
Dempsey and Dana Rowe.
Where
Wigan Little Theatre
When
Wednesday 15th to Saturday 25th June
7.30pm – 10pm
Price
£10 – No concessions for musicals
Contact us
01942 242561 - Booking advised but
seats available on the night
Mini Splash
A water confidence session for your child
using the equipment at Scotman’s Flash.
Where
Scotman’s Flash, Rushdene, off
Poolstock Lane, Wigan.
When
Every Saturday in June
9.30 - 10.30am
Price
£7.50 per person Age 4-7
Contact us
01942 769812 Booking essential
June
Formula Fun Family Cycling
Event
A fun and exciting opportunity for
families to come down and cycle
around the Three Sisters race track.
As well as cycling there will be many
other attractions including balance bike
course, archery, crazy golf and a climbing
wall.
Where
Three Sisters race track, Ashton in
Makerfield
All information correct at time of going to press. Please contact the venue in advance to confirm details.
Armed Forces Day
Join us in the annual celebration of the
Armed forces, displays and activities
throughout Wigan town centre.
Where
Market Place, Wigan
When
Saturday 25th June
Price
Free
Borough Life /Spring 2016/ www.wigan.gov.uk
31
For future sports fixtures visit: www.wiganlatics.co.uk | www.wiganwarriors.com | www.leighcenturions.com
Matches
What’s on in your borough
Family History Workshops
Wigan Family & Local
History Society
Baby Bubbles
Wigan Warriors fixtures
Wigan Warriors vs Warrington Wolves
Friday 1st April
DW Stadium 8pm
Wigan Warriors vs Castleford Tigers
Friday 15th April
DW Stadium 8pm
Wigan Warriors vs Huddersfield Giants
Thursday 21st April
DW Stadium 8pm
Wigan Warriors vs Hull FC
Friday 13th May
DW Stadium 8pm
Wigan Warriors vs Leeds
Saturday 21st May
DW Stadium 7pm
Leigh Centurions fixtures
Leigh Centurions vs Whitehaven
Sunday 10th April
Leigh Sports Village 3pm
Leigh Centurions vs Batley
Sunday 1st May
Leigh Sports Village 3pm
Volunteers from Wigan Family History
Society will help to research your
ancestors.
Where
Wigan Local Studies based in the
Museum of Wigan Life
When
Every Monday
1pm – 3 pm
Price
Free
Contact us
01942 828020
Ancestry: Brighter days
Leigh Centurions vs Workington
Sunday 19th June
Leigh Sports Village 3pm
Run by a volunteer from Help the Aged
to support customers to identify their
ancestors and also meet and enjoy being
together. All welcome.
Where
Shevington Library
When
Every Tuesday 1pm – 3.30pm
Price
Admission fees 50p for refreshments
Contact us
[email protected]
Wigan Athletic fixtures
Gymnastics
Bradford vs Leigh Centurions
Saturday 28th May
Leigh Sports Village 7pm
Leigh Centurions vs Featherstone
Sunday 12th June
Leigh Sports Village 3pm
Wigan Athletic vs Coventry
Saturday 9th April
DW Stadium 3pm
Wigan Athletic vs Southend
Saturday 23rd April
DW Stadium 3pm
Wigan Athletic vs Barnsley
Sunday 8th May
DW Stadium 12.30pm
Children will learn new skills and simple
sequences, gradually progressing as
children move up in to intermediate and
advance classes.
Where
Leigh Leisure Centre
When
Every Wednesday
4pm – 5pm 4 years to 6 years
5pm – 6pm 5 years to 7 years
Price
£48 for 10 week course
Contact us
01942 487800 - Booking in advance is
recommended
Discover your family tree through online
and archive resources.
Where
Wigan Archives and Leigh Local Studies,
Leigh Town Hall
When
Every Thursday
10.30am – 12.00pm
Price
£5.00
Contact us
01942 404559 - Booking essential
Relaxing time for babies to listen to
music and do gentle exercises.
Where
Shevington Library
When
Every Friday
12noon – 1pm Parents with babies,
grandparents with grandchildren
Contact us
[email protected]
Football Academy
An opportunity to improve your football
skills in a fun, friendly environment with
FA qualified instructors.
Where
Ashton leisure centre
When
Every Saturday
5 – 7 years 10am – 11am
8 – 12 years 11am – 12pm
Price
£31.20 for an 8 week course
Contact us
01942 720826 - booking is advised
Fun and Floats
A fun session for all the family.
Where
Leigh Leisure Centre
When
Every Saturday and Sunday
2pm – 3pm
Price
Under 5s – 60p
Children - £2.80
Adults - £3.80
Locker tokens – 20p
Direct Debit Members - free
Contact us
01942 487800
32
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Make sure you are registered to vote.
Registering is easy and you can apply online in just a few minutes.
All you need is your date of birth and national insurance number.