| Help to get online The world is becoming more digital, but we know that tech can be expensive, so if you need a device, we hope our brand new tablet lending library will help. From accessing Google, to booking doctors’ appointments, and applying for jobs, the pandemic really shone a light on how vital technology can be in connecting and enabling people. Local organisations and professionals can now refer adults from the borough who are digitally excluded and request a project loan to borrow tablet devices with data free of charge. |
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| This week’s Covid-19 tracker for the borough has been published It shows: The rate of new cases in Wigan is lower than last week (the change in guidance around PCR tests may have affected this week’s rates) ONS survey data suggests around 1 in 20 people in residential households in England had Covid-19, with positive cases decreasing nationally and in most regions, including the North West Wigan has the seventh highest rate of new cases in Greater Manchester for the latest complete week (15th-21st January). Wigan currently has the 3rd highest total rate in GM. The over-60s weekly incidence rate for Wigan is the seventh highest of the 10 Greater Manchester areas. Wigan is lower than the Greater Manchester and the North West average for rate of new cases in the latest 7 days. As at 25th January, there were 72 COVID-positive patients in Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh hospitals, a decrease from this time last week. |
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| Reminder of changes to Covid-19 safety measures Last week, the Government announced some changes to the Covid-19 safety measures. 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. |
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| Local vaccination information There have now been 642,491 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 this weekend 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. |
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| New activities for older adults at Haigh Woodland Park BeWell Wigan’s Out and About sessions are back at Haigh Woodland Park this February. These sessions are designed for older adults, including those living with dementia and their friends and families. All sessions are fully accessible for wheelchair and walking frame users and include nature walks, adventure golf and arts and crafts as well as boccia and other indoor activities. Tea and coffee provided. Booking is essential for each session. £3 per person, free for carers. For booking and more information email activeinclusive@bewellwigan.org |
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| Electoral boundary review The latest stage of the local government boundary review process for Wigan Borough is coming to a close. A public consultation on draft recommendations is open until February 7, 2022, independently overseen by the Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE). You will be aware from the previous stage that the LGBCE has proposed keeping the current set-up of 75 councillors across 25 wards. The latest stage proposes boundary changes for a number of wards. All the information and a press release is available via the LGBCE website. |
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| Work for Be Well Wigan We have several job vacancies available at Be Well Wigan, our sports and activity team, including part-time swimming instructors with various hours at several leisure centres. |
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| 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 bring all of these things for both you and the young person. We really need more people to come forward to find out about becoming a foster carer. |
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