Wigan families struggling during lockdown set to get vital support

Families in a Wigan community struggling during the coronavirus pandemic could soon get vital help through a new initiative.

Coun Steve Jones and his partner Courtenay Bampton with the help of the community are setting up a new charitable non-profit group called Bryn Support Centre.

The organisation 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.

And the group is looking to rent the former Simply Eyes opticians in Downall Green Road.

It said all the funding it is going to receive may take a couple of of months, so it is asking the Bryn Community to support them with the the first couple of months rent.

The group would also welcome support from local businesses in the form of sponsorship.

So far the group has raised £255 through Just Giving as well as £200 through local businesses, with it aiming to raise around £3,000.

It is looking to rent part of the building and had a viewing on Monday while it is looking at other locations in Bryn town centre.

Coun Jones said he is looking at launching the “extremely important” service in the next couple of weeks.

He said: “We’re in negotiations with Simply Eyes about the size of the unit we could have .

“It’s in a great location and we’re looking at a couple of other locations as well as a couple of council properties outside the town centre.

“One of those is the former Priory Day Care Centre.

“We’re hoping to raise around £3,00o but are asking the Bryn community to support us with the first couple of months rent.

“This service will be extremely important in Bryn.”

He said the food bank would provide free food which would be delivered to anyone without the need for a referral.

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

Coun Jones said: “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 07803320183 or email [email protected]

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