Greater Manchester

We partner with schools in three communities across Wigan in Greater Manchester, with plans to expand in 2026.

Connecting Greater Manchester

Leigh, Atherton, and Tyldesley are unique communities within Wigan, with strong, distinct identities. But fragmented public services make it difficult for children and young people to access vital support and opportunities, most of which are miles away in Wigan town centre.

We spent two years listening to local groups to understand how these barriers affect children and young people in the area. In 2024, we launched our Impact Programme in Wigan. Today, we actively support 480 children across 13 schools, with plans to expand further into Wigan and Salford in 2026.

Schools we work with

Our impact in Greater Manchester

58%

of persistently absent children improved, with a third no longer persistently absent.

65%

of children improved their emotional wellbeing.

64%

of children improved their peer relationships.

Being there for Wigan's young people

One student at a Wigan secondary school was identified as possibly benefitting from the programme when her poor attendance was a recurring issue in Year 7. While hardworking and polite, she did not enjoy attending school and had anxieties around some lesson topics.

The student's Link Worker built a relationship to ensure that they were comfortable sharing concerns and viewed them as a genuinely trusted adult that was able to listen and support.

Through repeated engagement sessions and external opportunities, they have since improved their attendance and are present in more school lessons and activities.

Read Stories of Success