Wigan Council has made a landmark commitment to resident wellbeing by becoming the first local authority in the country to formally adopt the Hub of Hope. This national mental health directory, managed by the charity Chasing the Stigma, provides a comprehensive map of support services available across the UK and specifically within the Wigan Borough.
| Service Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Cost | Completely free for all residents |
| Eligibility | Open to all Wigan Borough residents |
| Platforms | Available via Web, iOS, and Android |
| Scope | 14,000+ local, national, and NHS services |
This proactive partnership was announced during Mental Health Awareness Week, highlighting a new era of accessibility for those seeking support. The Hub of Hope is designed to remove the confusion often associated with finding mental health care by consolidating thousands of providers into one easy-to-navigate platform.
How to access mental health support in Wigan Borough
Residents of Wigan, Leigh, and the surrounding areas can now use the Hub of Hope as their primary tool for finding mental health assistance. The platform uses GPS technology to show users the nearest available support services, ranging from large NHS trusts to small community volunteer groups.
By adopting this tool, Wigan Council aims to ensure that no resident has to struggle alone or spend hours searching for the right contact details. The directory includes services for a wide range of needs, including anxiety, depression, bereavement, and addiction. Because the platform is free for both the users and the services listed, it provides an equal playing field for grassroots charities to reach those in need alongside national organisations.
Councillor Keith Cunliffe, Wigan Council’s deputy leader and cabinet portfolio holder for adult social care and health, noted that this partnership strengthens the local “Progress with Unity” approach. He emphasised that while the council continues to work on the root causes of mental health issues, it is vital that residents have a simple, trusted way to find immediate help when they need it.
A comprehensive directory for local and national services
The Hub of Hope is managed by Chasing the Stigma, a North West-based charity that has grown the platform into the UK’s largest mental health directory. It currently helps over 300,000 people annually. The directory is unique because it does not just list NHS services; it brings together the voluntary sector, private charities, and peer support groups that often go unnoticed.
Jake Mills, CEO and founder of Chasing the Stigma, praised Wigan Council for its leadership. By embedding the Hub of Hope into its public service framework, the council is taking a “bold, proactive step” to make mental wellbeing support stigma-free and easily accessible. The collaboration is intended to encourage positive help-seeking behaviour and to normalise conversations around mental health across the borough.
Breaking the stigma and finding immediate help
One of the most critical features of the Hub of Hope is the ‘Get Urgent Help’ button. For individuals in immediate distress or experiencing a mental health crisis, this feature connects them directly to 24/7 crisis support lines, including the Samaritans and Crisis Text Line. This ensures that even in the middle of the night, Wigan residents have a lifeline at their fingertips.
To access the service, residents can visit the Hub of Hope website or download the app for free from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The council encourages all residents to familiarise themselves with the app, even if they do not currently require support, so they are prepared to help friends, family members, or colleagues in the future.
Source: Wigan Council
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