Move over London... Wigan Borough's now the place to be! And don't just take our word for it.

Founded in 1998, Agilisys is a digital services and AI software company that's grown to become the trusted partner of more than 120 local authorities across the country.

Now, after almost three decades in the capital, the firm has decided to move its main base up north - to the repurposed Civic building in Wigan town centre!

Announcing the news, Agilisys CEO Nigel Muirhead said: “We see this as one of the most innovative regions in the country to be located in, with access to great people and ambitious public sector organisations like Wigan (Council) that want to truly transform how they deliver services."

Rubbing shoulders with royalty! 👑

She’s our very own ‘ice queen’ - and this week Wigan’s wheelchair curling ace Karen Aspey met real-life royalty when the Prince and Princess of Wales popped by to visit the Team GB training camp up in Stirling.

The squad are currently getting ready for the 2026 Winter Paralympic Games in Milan and Cortina, and were delighted when William and Kate called in to wish them good luck.

“It was great meeting them,” said Karen. “It was all very informal. We got to have a chat and they even had a go at curling themselves!”

Karen’s one of the many top athletes who’ve been helped to compete on the international stage by Be Well’s Believe Talent Fund. 

Others include Commonwealth bronze medallists Harry Coppell and Charlie Bowling, Women’s World Cycle Speedway champ Emily Burgess, and – most famously of all – our Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson MBE.

Sponsored by JJH Contractors Ltd and Fielden Factors, the fund awards grants of up to £500 to pay towards the cost of travel, accommodation, competition/training fees and equipment. The next application deadline is Friday 30 January.

In other news...

🚆 Works are set to start at Bryn station this week to make it accessible for all. The £6.1m improvement works will see two passenger lifts and a stepped ramp installed at the Wigan Road station, which will be a big boost for disabled passengers, older residents, or commuters with pushchairs or heavy luggage. Led by TfGM, the project is part of a wider scheme to create accessible railway stations across the city region, with work to begin at Hindley station in the coming weeks. Residents can expect some disruption along Wigan Road while the works take place.

🚬 Are you a smoker aged 17-35? You could get a £50 shopping voucher for sharing your honest views and experiences at one of Heathier Wigan’s upcoming focus groups. Your insights will play a vital role in improving local support and services. All you have to do is answer a few simple questions and, if selected, you can claim a voucher as a thank you! (T&Cs apply). Follow this link to complete the survey.

What's on

Half-term fun at Hindley Pool 💦

Planning for half term? Don’t miss Hindley Leisure Centre and Pool’s super-fun Inflatable Pool Sessions...

Perfect for ages 8-14, kids can bounce, slide and splash with the giant floating obstacle course plus slides, climbs and jump zones. It's fully supervised & safe, and just £5.30 per child! 

Bookings are now being taken for 1pm-2pm on Wednesday 18 February & Friday 20 February.

Spaces are limited – so book now via the Be Well website, the free Be Well App, or by calling Hindley Pool on 01942 404886.

Our communities

Say hello to Quit Coach! 🚭

Are you a smoker looking for a little help to quit in 2026? Meet ‘Quit Coach’ - your new FREE digital stop smoking assistant, supporting you every step of the way on your quitting journey.

Easily accessible via WhatsApp, with Quit Coach you can get:

💡 Personalised guidance to help keep you on track

💡 Daily motivation

💡 Tips to help you resist cravings

💡 Progress tracking so you can celebrate milestones

Don’t go it alone. Start your journey today with Quit Coach online, or call 01942 828535.

Would you like to adopt? ❤️

“Adopting our three children has given us the family we wanted for a long time..."

Nadia and her husband Dan had struggled with infertility before deciding that adoption was the right path for them to take to become parents. They say good support can make all the difference. 

If you are looking for a supportive adoption agency for your adoption journey, Together for Adoption will be there for you every step of the way.

Come at meet the team at the next session: 

Saturday 31 January, 10am-11.30am, Standish Library, 13 Cross Street, WN6 0HQ.

More from communities...

📋 If you're supported by adult social care - you may have received a survey through the post from NHS England. These are being sent to a random selection of adult social care service users across the country. If you can, please grab a brew, fill it in and return it in the provided freepost envelope. The more people take part, the more that local councils and the NHS can learn, to improve services for the future.

🩷 Did you know your cervical screening could save your life? Cervical screening helps prevent cervical cancer by detecting HPV and abnormal cells, which can then be treated if needed. So, when invited by the NHS, please book your appointment.

Staying well this winter

Are you keeping yourself safe? 🤧

Small steps make a big difference in winter. Follow this checklist to help protect your family from flu, COVID, RSV and other common infections: 

✅ Wash your hands regularly 

✅ Catch coughs and sneezes in a tissue 

✅ Open a window when meeting inside