Wigan community to get new support centre

Struggling families in a Wigan community have been given a huge boost after it was confirmed a new lifeline will be launched next month.

The Bryn Support Centre opens on July 1 and will be a food bank providing dry food as well as free baby and young children essentials such as cots, prams, bottles and baby clothes.

Coun Steve Jones and his partner Courtney Bampton, with the help of the community, have set up the new charitable non-profit group.

The initiative has been made possible after the group has secured the former Bryn Veterinary Centre in Downall Green Road.

People are still being encouraged to make donations to the group via their fund-raising page while businesses can sponsor them.

Coun Jones said he had secured a “fantastic deal” for the community, adding: “This is an amazing opportunity to use upstairs and downstairs of the old vets. Myself and Courtney are starting work today getting the shop ready.

“The donation page is still open and we are welcoming sponsorship from local businesses which in return we will highly publicise.”

So far the group has raised £280 through Just Giving as well as £200 through local businesses, with its target being around £3,000 to help with the first few months’ rent.

The food bank will provide free food which will be delivered to anyone without the need for a referral.

Baby and young children’s items will also be provided but this will be on a referral basis.

Coun Jones said previously: “We know how many people are struggling in Bryn.

“Bryn is a deprived area like many and so many families will struggle from the recession that is likely to follow this crisis.”

For more information, contact Coun Jones on 07803 320183 or email [email protected]

To donate money, visit the Just Giving page “Fund Bryn Support Centre”.