Funding secured to roll out holistic community mental health programme following successful pilot
Following a successful 12-week wellbeing pilot programme designed by Wigan Borough Living Well, Wigan Athletic Community Trust (WACT) and Be-Well Wigan, funding has been secured by WACT to rollout the programme further.
The funding will cover another six programmes, running over 12 weeks, across a two-year period.
The Game Changing Community Programme (TGCCP) pilot was initially aimed at people who live within the Wigan Borough and experienced mental health challenges which significantly impacted their quality of life.
The programme piloted on the 11th of April 2024 and comprises of a personalised training programme, activities including yoga, circuits, boxing, wellbeing walks, rock climbing, archery, and spin classes and weekly peer support groups.
The peer support groups will range from informal hot drinks and chats to workshops about coping mechanisms and nutrition advice, delivered by experts.
It includes health assessments, progress reports and goal setting for physical and mental health, and the opportunity to train with like-minded people.
Jamie Cook, Health Engagement Manager at Wigan Athletic Community Trust, said:
“The Game Changing Community Programme (TGCCP), has brought together three outstanding local services which when teamed together have been able to create an innovative programme to support the mental health and overall wellbeing of Wigan Local residents.
“Each session has aimed to improve the confidence of our people to access movement in many forms rather than just attending the gym and feeling alone. The future is looking bright for the TGCCP.”
Hannah Unsworth, TGCCP participant, said:
“Before joining this programme, I felt extremely anxious about interacting with others. I would stay at home most days due to my severe anxiety and suffered with panic attacks.
“Over the past 12 weeks, I have pushed myself to attend all classes and sessions as well as interacting frequently with other participants and mentors.
“My confidence has grown massively, and I find it so much easier to be in public spaces and speak to people I don’t know.
“My panic attacks have reduced, and I can enjoy being outdoors much more. This programme has also given me the confidence to seek therapy for my mental health which I was too scared to do before, which has resulted in me being put on a waiting list.
“My mood has improved, and I have so much more energy to do things I enjoy again and to be myself around others.”
Martin Rigby, another TGCCP participant, said:
“Before the programme, I was struggling with low mood and was not motivated to do much. My lifestyle was lacking activeness, and I was forced to take a step back in my career due to my battles with mental health.
“All the classes within the gym programme have been interesting. I enjoyed participating in the rock-climbing session as this helped me overcome my fears of heights and challenged my mental resilience.
“The gym programme has brought my self-confidence back.”
Kieran Jones, Peer Mentor Co-ordinator and Megan Dobie and Chris Stirrup, Peer Mentors at Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (GMMH), have also launched the ‘3 peaks 3 peer challenge’ to promote movement as well as the importance of Peer Mentor roles. This challenge will involve climbing Ben Nevis, Scarfell Pike and Snowdon over three days, in May 2025.
From left to right: Kieran Jones, Megan Dobie and Chris Stirrup
Each said that the success and experience of being involved in the TGCCP programme gave them the confidence to partake in the 3 peaks challenge.
Kieran also won the ‘NHS Shining Star’ award, being nominated by Senior Leaders for his outstanding achievements and the impact this programme has had on many lives across Greater Manchester.
GMMH are currently exploring funding options to roll out the programme to staff, following a successful staff well-being pilot.
Read our press release about the launch of TGCCP here: PT for mental health recovery pilot launches in Wigan | News and Events | Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS FT (gmmh.nhs.uk)
