Wigan residents gain instant access to 14,000 mental health services

Residents across the Wigan Borough now have a streamlined, digital gateway to mental health support as Wigan Council becomes the first local authority in the country to formally adopt the Hub of Hope platform. This partnership, launched during Mental Health Awareness Week, integrates a massive national directory directly into the borough’s public health strategy, ensuring that help is never more than a few clicks away.

The Hub of Hope, managed by the charity Chasing the Stigma, functions as a comprehensive search engine for wellbeing. It brings together approximately 14,000 services, ranging from high-level NHS provision to small, grassroots community groups and national charities. By entering a Wigan postcode, residents can instantly see every available support option in their immediate vicinity, filtered by the specific type of help they require.

National directory brings 14,000 services to Wigan doorsteps

The scale of the Hub of Hope makes it the UK’s largest directory of its kind. It currently assists over 300,000 people annually, providing a vital bridge between those in need and the often-complex landscape of mental health provision. For Wigan residents, this means no longer having to navigate multiple websites or waiting lists just to find out what services exist nearby.

The directory is not limited to clinical services. It includes peer support groups, creative therapy sessions, and voluntary sector initiatives that address the social factors influencing mental health. This move complements existing Wigan-based mental health initiatives which have already demonstrated the power of community-led support in the region.

Wigan Council becomes first UK authority to embed the platform

By formally adopting the Hub of Hope, Wigan Council is taking a lead role in digital health integration. Councillor Keith Cunliffe, the council’s deputy leader and cabinet portfolio holder for adult social care and health, noted that the partnership is designed to make services more visible and easier to navigate. The initiative is a core component of the council’s ‘Progress with Unity’ approach, which focuses on tackling the root causes of ill health within local neighbourhoods.

While the council continues to fund and manage traditional health and care services, this digital link-up acknowledges that many residents prefer to seek help privately and at their own pace. The platform is entirely free for both the residents using it and the organizations listed within it, ensuring there are no financial barriers to accessing information.

Immediate support via the ‘Get Urgent Help’ feature

One of the most critical elements of the new partnership is the ‘Get Urgent Help’ functionality embedded within the app and website. For anyone experiencing immediate distress, this feature provides a direct connection to 24/7 crisis support lines. This includes the Samaritans and Shout, alongside local crisis intervention teams, ensuring that emergency help is accessible without the need to search for separate phone numbers.

Jake Mills, CEO and founder of Chasing the Stigma, emphasized that the collaboration aims to challenge the long-standing stigma associated with seeking mental health support. By making the directory a standard part of the council’s service offering, the hope is that residents will view seeking mental health help as a proactive and normal part of maintaining overall wellbeing.

How to access the Hub of Hope in Wigan

The service is available to all residents regardless of their current health status or whether they are already receiving treatment. There are three primary ways to access the directory:

• Web Portal: Residents can visit the Hub of Hope website and use the postcode search tool to find local providers.
• Mobile App: The app is available for free download on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, allowing for on-the-go access.
• Local Hubs: Council staff and community volunteers are being briefed on how to use the directory to signpost residents during face-to-face interactions.

The partnership ensures that the data remains current, with services regularly updated to reflect new opening times, contact details, and available spots. This proactive maintenance prevents the common issue of ‘dead-end’ referrals where residents contact services that are no longer operational.

Source: Wigan Council