| Welcome to your weekly email update from Wigan Council Welcome to Wellfest Our festival for all things health and happiness is back. Browse our virtual site online for healthy recipes, relaxation tips, new hobbies, home workout ideas, links to local activities and much more. We’re also running lots of free events – have a look in our main stage area online and join us next week. Follow our social media channels (links at the end of this email) for more information. |
 |
| This week’s Covid-19 tracker for the borough has been published It shows:The rate of new cases in Wigan Borough is lower than last week (the change in guidance around PCR tests may have affected this week’s rates).Wigan Borough has the seventh highest rate of new cases in Greater Manchester for the latest complete week (8-14 January).Wigan Borough currently has the 2nd highest total rate in GM.Wigan is currently ranked 85th in England.The over-60s weekly incidence rate for Wigan Borough is the second lowest of the 10 Greater Manchester areas.Wigan Borough is higher than the Greater Manchester and the North West average for rate of new cases in the latest 7 days.As at 18 January, there were 117 COVID-positive patients in Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh hospitals, an increase from this time last week. |
 |
| Changes to Covid-19 safety measures The Government has announced some changes to the Covid-19 safety measures this week. In Wigan Borough the rates of Covid-19 continue to be challenging so we continue to encourage all residents to do some small things to help reduce the spread:Wear a face covering in busy public places such as shops and public transport.Wash your hands frequently.Watch your distance from others.Test and isolate if you get any symptoms.Open windows every so often to let in fresh air.Sanitise frequently touched places in your home, such as door handles and light switches. |
 |
| Local vaccination informationThere have now been 638,741 Covid-19 vaccinations given out in the borough. Thank you to everyone who has come forward for your vaccination. If you’re aged 16+ and haven’t had your first vaccination yet, you are still welcome to come forward. If you’re aged 18+ you can now also book your booster vaccination. Children aged 12-15 are now also being offered vaccinations. These will be offered through schools (if parents give consent) but can also be done at a walk in centre or booked online. Information about local walk-in vaccination sessions is below. You do not need an appointment to go along to one of these sessions. Or call 01942 807780 to book an appointment at one of these local venues. You can also book an appointment for a vaccination in advance on the NHS website. If you can no longer attend your vaccination appointment, please make sure you cancel it. This means the slot can be used by someone else. |
 |
| Children’s social work recruitment If you’re interested in working for us as a children’s social worker, book your place on next week’s virtual recruitment event, Tuesday 25 January at 6pm. There’s a chance to learn more about our current vacancies, find out about the investments we’ve been making in our social work teams, meet some of our social workers and ask any questions you might have. |
 |
| Are you a retired teacher or have you taught in a previous role? Would you consider returning to the classroom on a temporary basis to help out a local school? The Department for Education (DfE) is urging qualified ex-teachers to consider returning to teaching on a temporary basis as COVID-19 continues to impact schools and colleges in England.DfE has published an urgent call for qualified teachers which explains what is required and how to register with a supply teaching agency. |
 |
| Leigh litter pick Join a community litter pick in Leigh on Tuesday 25th January. Meet at 3.15 outside Sacred Heart Catholic School. All residents welcome and equipment provided. Those aged under 16 will need to be accompanied by an adult. |
 |
| Sub C Divers need your help Sub C Divers, a scuba diving group in Wigan, is hoping for your support. The group, which has trained hundreds of people how to dive, is hoping to raise £25,000 after the Covid-19 pandemic forced them to stop memberships for two years. We have already pledged to support the group with £2,000 as part of our new crowdfunding scheme and Sport England has pledged a further £10,000. They have also secured Emergency Trust Funding so for every pound donated they will match it. However this funding will only be available to the club if they are able to reach their full target. |
 |
| Care to join us?If you’re a caring, people-person we have lots of flexible opportunities in our care teams.You don’t need any experience or qualifications; we’re looking for caring people happy to help others, and we’ll help you train and grow professionallyWe’re holding some events to help you find out more:4pm – 7pm on 26 January at Leigh Cricket Club4pm – 7pm on 27 January at the Edge Arena, Wigan6pm – 7pm on 1 February online (follow link to sign up) |
 |
| Plant-based goodness January is often a time when we all reflect on the year just passed and think about how they can become happier and healthier. One initiative that has grown in popularity in recent years is Veganuary – where people challenge themselves to go plant-based for a whole month. As well as being good for your health, changing your diet – even slightly – can have a big impact on our planet and having a focus can help you to beat the January blues. |
 |
| Staying warm and cutting costs There are tonnes of bright ideas you can take on board to use less energy in your home – cutting down on your energy bills and being kinder to our planet.Switching to LED light bulbs can knock around £30 off your bill each year.Stand by for lower bills! By turning your electrical items fully off at the socket you’ll notice a saving.Stay cool! Doing your washing on a lower temperature, like thirty, uses less energy.These small changes add up to make your bills more affordable and create a cleaner greener planet for us all to enjoy. For two weeks only, Eon are currently replacing boilers for free for individuals meeting certain criteria. If you are eligible you can receive a brand new A-rated gas boiler installed in your home for free, saving as much as £2,000. |
 |
| New free walking groups BeWell Wigan has new free group walks across the borough! Waggy Tails Walk 11 am Sunday 30th at Three Sisters Nature Reserve.New weekly Bump and Buggy Walk 10 am Mondays Pennington Hall Park. A new weekly walk at 1pm on Wednesdays from The Surgery, Coldalhurst Lane in Astley.All walks are free and there is no need to book, just turn up. |
 |
| Could you foster? A new year often brings a wish for changes, new challenges, and joy. Fostering a child or supporting a young care leaver, could all of these things. We really need more people to come forward to find out about becoming a foster carer. |
 |
