The latest news

Kick-off your Be Well journey with a FREE month ⚽ 

It’s coming home!!! England are now just 90 minutes from glory at the Euros… and with the Wimbledon finals this weekend and the Olympics on the horizon, it’s fast becoming a glorious summer of sport.

While Gareth Southgate’s men prepare to battle it out with Spain in Sunday’s final, you can score your own personal goals with an exciting offer from Be Well!

Become a member now and you’ll get your first month FREE! That includes football, netball, badminton and many more sports… all included in your membership alongside gym, swim and group exercise classes.

Progress with Unity leads the way forward

Wigan Council is preparing to start a new era under its Progress with Unity motto, helping to set the entire borough up to make the most of the next decade. 

The masterplan - which will focus on creating wide-ranging opportunities for our communities to flourish - received approval from the council's cabinet members this week.

In other news...

🚆 Network Rail is holding a community information event on the Wigan to Bolton electrification project, for those interested in/affected by the works at Ince. It’s on Wednesday 17 July, 4pm-6.30pm, at Christ Church, Church Street, Ince, WN3 4RF.

🎥 Did you spot one of the borough's amazing community organisations on the BBC's The One show this week? The amazing team at The Hamlet were in the spotlight. Watch the episode here

What's on

Acclaimed exhibition opens at the Turnpike Gallery

An internationally acclaimed exhibition is set to go out on a high as it finishes its tour of UK galleries at its final destination in Leigh.

The Trinity Buoy Wharf Drawing Prize, widely regarded as the most prestigious open exhibition dedicated to drawing in the UK, will open at the Turnpike Gallery on Saturday, July 13.

The exhibition runs until Saturday, September 14 and is accompanied by a programme of drawing workshops, family activities and talks.

A bit more what's on...

🏳️‍🌈 Everyone’s welcome to come along to the free, family friendly, Pride in Leigh event on Saturday 27 July in Pennington Hall Park, 12-9pm. The event, which is all about celebrating diversity, will offer a stage of music, speeches, and entertainment, along with BBQ, café, bouncy castles, info stalls, and family friendly pub. Reserve your free ticket

🚲 The school summer holidays are almost here… and so is Be Well’s free family fun day Cycle Three Sisters! Head to Ashton-in-Makerfield’s Three Sisters Circuit on Tuesday 23 July for the chance to ride your bike round the track - plus balance bikes, cycle skills, adapted cycles, e-bikes, climbing wall, stalls and more! Most activities start from 3pm. Find out more on Facebook or on the Be Well website.

🤸‍♀️ Keep your kids busy and active this summer with Howe Bridge Leisure Centre’s fun activity camps!!! Includes climbing walls, skate park, adventure soft play, sports, team games and exclusive use of the swimming pools for ages 5-12. Prices from as little as £12 per day, Mon-Fri from 22 July to 30 August. Places limited. Call 01942 870403 to book or for more information.

Our communities

Shining within our communities for 100 years and counting

For 100 years, Wigan Rotary Club has been at the heart of our community, supporting local charities and initiatives and helping thousands of residents in their hours of need.

This year, they've been recognised with a Believe Star, coinciding with their big anniversary. 

The star will be laid later in 2024 but representatives recently visited the town hall to receive the honour. 

More from the community...

💪 Howe Bridge Leisure Centre’s new-look gym has its official grand reopening this weekend – with free tours and classes for non-members. One hour tour slots are available at 10am, 12pm and 2pm each day, and you can try a circuit class (11.30am-12.15pm Sat & Sun) or gym floor class (1.30pm-2pm). Book via the Be Well app, online, or by calling 01942 870403.

🎵 Heading to Robin Park Arena for the gigs next week? Make it even more of an evening to remember with a night out in Wigan beforehand. Find out more about travelling to the arena on our web page.

👍 Six creative youngsters inspired by their hometown of Tyldesley have been recognised as winners of a special art competition. Harrie, Gabriel, Shermine, Lucas, Elsie and Peter were crowned champions of the competition for their artwork, which captured their favourite parts of their home town. Read the full story.

Here for you

Extend your Child Benefit claim for your teen today

It’s time for parents across the UK to extend their Child Benefit claim if their 16-19-year-old is staying in full-time non-advanced education or approved training.

HMRC sent 1.4 million letters between 24 May and 17 July to parents, explaining how to extend their claim. If you haven’t received a letter yet, there’s no need to worry. You can still extend your Child Benefit via the HMRC app or online where eligible.

We know how important Child Benefit can be to families, so let HMRC know by 31 August if your teen intends to stay in approved education or training.

Extending your Child Benefit ensures you won't miss out on any payments from 31 August. However, if your child changes their mind about further education or training, you can simply let HMRC know online or in the app and we’ll update our records and adjust any payments as needed.