Kind Wiganers helping others in time of crisis

Whether it is businesses making deliveries to customers or neighbours providing essentials for those who are self-isolating, there are plenty of positive stories shining through.

Wigan Central has been offering carry-out bags, which hold up to four pints, as well as bottles and cans to take home, since it first opened but hopes more people will take them now.

England and Sons Butchers in Pemberton is offering a home delivery service for its most vulnerable customers, while Italian restaurant The Olive Garden in Standish has turned to offering home deliveries too.

Soup is being delivered by the Boathouse in Appley Bridge, Sportsmans Deli in Leigh is offering free local deliveries to over 65s and meals are being delivered by the Foresters Arms.

Happy Smiles Blog CIC is working with the Co-op, on Woodhouse Lane in Wigan, to deliver shopping to customers who are unable to access the store or have to self-isolate.

The Queen Anne in Golborne is delivering hot meals for free to vulnerable people over 70 who are self-isolating and struggling to get supplies.

Staff at Signatures Blinds and Shutters are offering to help in any way they can, with a downturn in trade meaning they are available to take people to supermarkets, for example.

Jordan’s Chippy in Shevington gave a bag of food and toilet rolls to elderly and vulnerable people.

As pupils had their last day at school abruptly forced on them teachers across the borough came up with ways to pay tribute to the students. At Cansfield teachers stood at the school gates and clapped in every Y11 student, at others special assemblies were held and shirt signing ceremonies took place.

Many people are using social media to stay in touch and help others, with Facebook groups set up to help people who need shopping or provide support for small businesses.

One House community centre in Aspull is being used as a base to provide support for people in the surrounding area.

Mahogany care home in Newtown is on lockdown, so employee Christine Silcock has contacted residents’ families on her iPad so they can still keep in touch.

Windsor House residential home in Standish has set up video-calling for residents too and regular updates are provided on Facebook.

Staff from Care Choice North West Limited and Excel Care in Leigh are going the extra mile, delivering food and toilet rolls to people.

There are also reports of other workers delivering food to people, including British Gas engineers, Stone Cross estate agents and a postman.

Wigan Youth Zone is supporting vulnerable children, offering free meals and putting together an interactive online fun activities timetable.

Sunshine House and Fur Clemt are also continuing to provide support to people.

Standish Voice has set up a crowdfunder appeal to raise money to help during the crisis, with more than £2,000 collected so far. Councillors Debbie Parkinson, Adam Marsh and Ray Whittingham have united with residents group Standish Voice to launch a 24-hour helpline aimed especially at the self-isolating elderly and otherwise vulnerable.

The group wants to buy essential items that they may need if stocks run short in shops and they are unable to find them elsewhere, or are unable to travel to buy them.

It will also create packs of essentials that it can distribute to them, so it is encouraging volunteers to come forward and for people to donate money.

To help the group, call their helpline on 01257 228488.

The Daisy Foundation in Appley Bridge is running live online antenatal and baby classes so that parents do not miss out on their pre and postnatal education. Cathy Cattle who runs Whitley Stay and Play has recorded herself singing the songs which her tots usually sing at the end of their sessions so they can still get involved. Many, many other people too numerous to count are doing similar lovely gestures.

Our Facebook followers also highlighted several individuals who were trying to help people, including Danny Fletcher, Luci Ormrod, Elisha Robinson, Angela and David Bowker and Ashley Winstanley.

There was also praise for staff at Lower Ince Surgery, Wigan Infirmary’s A&E unit, Leigh walk-in centre and at Asda in Wigan, supporting people during the pandemic.

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