What a year it has been! As the countdown to Christmas starts, we are reflecting on 2023 and some of the extraordinary social enterprises we have in our borough.
Many of these social enterprises have taken advantage of our new Proper Good pop-up space in the Rebuild With Hope – formerly Debenhams – store where there is floor space and shelving for up to five businesses to display stock.
If you have a social enterprise in Wigan and would like to use this prime retail location free of charge in 2024, please contact David at d.baxter@wlcommunity.org.uk for more information.
And if you know anyone whose new year’s resolution is to give back to the community, we are looking for volunteers to staff the pop-up’s pay desk. Please do get in touch.
Wigan Workshop CIC recently became one of the first social enterprises to feature at the Proper Good pop-up shop in the Rebuild With Hope flagship store.
They offer affordable sessions in sewing, woodwork, joinery, DIY, and arts and craft. The perfect present for practically minded teens and adults alike!
Craft Hive is a welcoming, safe space for people from all walks of life to enjoy a brew and a chat while learning a new skill. Look out for products made by their members to support their ongoing services – might be something interesting for a festive gift.
Make 2024 your best year with MissPlaces. They deliver well-being sessions to support women to feel better about themselves, to set goals and help them to make healthier lifestyle choices. They help ach member to be the ‘best they can be’ and aim to create a healthy ethos of well-being and wellness.
A non-profit women’s workshop upcycling furniture, we love ReMade Wigan’s ethos supporting women in Wigan going through tough times by means of paint, brews and open arms. You can pick up a unique upcycled piece to finish your home off from their website or buy the tools and paint to get started on that home project yourself.
If you suspect you might not be in the best shape, either physically or mentally, get yourself the gift that keeps on giving throughout 2024. Former Super League rugby player Steven Wild believe the fitness industry needs to offer more than training programmes and meal plans, instead he support people to creating a strong minds and bodies for longlasting health.
Dionne Doherty’s Complete Kindness CIC is a cafe and community space in Tyldesley, set up to help support people with their emotional and mental health needs. Why be alone when you can pop in and say hello.
At a time when it seems things to be getting ever harder for people who have chosen to make the UK there home, Everything Human Rights offers vital support to migrant communities in Wigan and Leigh. This feels like the true spirit of Christmas.
Want to get active again in the new year? Garswood Hall Bowling Club is more than just a place to play a few ends with friends. It is a whole community in itself with gatherings and events weekly. See you on the green!
Rather than thinking about Christmas dinner with all the trimmings this year, are you worried about how to make your food budget stretch to the end of the month?
Fur Clemt CIC provides fantastic food that otherwise would have been wasted through its cafes, food outlets and food sharing scheme. Check them out.
From those who have never danced before to those who’ve had previous experience Pianos Pies and Pirouettes gradually improves and enhances students’ abilities. And with a reduced price for the first six lessons, it might be the perfect present for the prima donna of the family.
Christmas can be a tough time for many. All Ears was set up in memory of Aleysha Rothwell who died by suicide in 2014, they aim to help anyone else in a similar situation. If you or someone you know is struggling, sharing All Ears with them could be the best gift for them this year.
Happy Smiles Training’s inclusion and diversity courses are delivered by an award-winning team, which is more than 90% disabled people. Sales of Happy Smiles co-founder and Proper Good’s Alex Winstanley’s series of books for children raising awareness of a range of long-term health conditions in a positive and supportive way, directly supporting these important workshops.
We wish them and you a Proper Good Christmas and a peaceful new year. See you all in 2024.
