Your Wellbeing at the forefront of new Wigan hub

Not-for-profit organisation Wellbeing Wigan CIC opened the doors of its new base on Gidlow Lane recently, with the mayor doing the unveiling honours.

The organisation has installed a wellness kitchen and cafe in the front of the premises, while the back has been transformed into meeting spaces and areas for holistic treatments.

The team behind Wellbeing Wigan has a long list of plans to develop the place, with a book club moving in, therapies already taking place and more treatments being prepared.

It is also hoped the place will provide a haven for vulnerable Wiganers struggling with major traumas and problems, as well as those who just need a helping hand with their everyday stresses and strains.

Wellbeing Wigan has mushroomed quickly from a series of day retreats and one-off events organised by the four people behind it, ex-social workers Kim Meehan and Lisa Morley, Julie Green and former publican Tracy Branagan.

Kim says the initial idea came from them using mindfulness and wellbeing techniques and then realising there was nowhere in the borough offering a whole range of treatments and services under one roof.

She said: “The concept is to nourish mind, body and soul. We had a really good response from the community to our taster day and opening.

“The four of us got together to do this because we found ourselves using mindfulness and meditation as ways of helping us cope with the stresses of daily life.

“We realised that if we were getting the benefits, other people must be able to do the same.

“Other towns have holistic hubs, but there’s nothing like this in Wigan.

“I think we all need a bit of wellbeing. A lot of people are in stressful situations such as caring for other people or suffering from isolation. Someone needs to care for those who care.”

Wellbeing Wigan CIC is being supported by funding from The Deal at Wigan Council and the team has struck a partnership arrangement with Fur Clemt.

The centre offers Reiki, acupressure, meditation, massage and other forms of alternative therapy, while Kim says the next big project is setting up special courses for women who have suffered domestic abuse and violence. The meeting room is also available for community groups and Kim hopes to set up more social events there to encourage people spending a lot of time alone to make new friends.

For more information visit www.wellbeingwigan.co.uk