Eleven community groups across Wigan Borough have secured funding to help local residents find a “path to purpose” and move back into employment. The initiatives supported by this funding range from boxing and employment classes to woodworking accreditations, all designed to empower people within their own neighbourhoods and provide practical pathways toward work.
The funding, provided by the Department for Work and Pensions’ trailblazer programme, has been channelled through the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) to Wigan Council and distributed to the Voluntary, Community, Faith, and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sector via Wigan Borough Community First. Councillor David Molyneux MBE, Leader of Wigan Council, highlighted the innovative approach, noting that community organisations are best placed to understand local residents’ strengths and guide them toward achieving their goals. He emphasized that early results are already showing significant positive impact on people’s lives.
The funding aligns with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s recently approved Get GM Working strategy, which aims to support employment and skills development across the city-region. One of the successful organisations, The Snug in Atherton, explained how the project fosters confidence, skills, and hands-on experience in a supportive, welcoming environment.
Rachael McEntee, venue operator at The Snug, described how “Path to Purpose” provides residents who may feel isolated or out of work with opportunities to engage in creative activities, hospitality, events, or volunteering. The programme emphasizes flexible, supportive learning that builds confidence and practical skills at each individual’s pace, helping participants reconnect with themselves, their communities, and their sense of purpose while progressing toward employment or volunteering opportunities.
