THE success of Warrington’s “Talking Point” scheme – launched by the borough council some four years ago – has resulted in a new venue opening in Orford Jubilee Neighbourhood Hub.
Talking Points are places you can go to get friendly, face-to-face information, support and guidance to help you to live and stay well in Warrington, the council says.
And the continued growth of the network of Talking Points shows they asre right.
The team can help with a range of subjects including:
• Support with money and housing – including access to food, temporary shopping support, housing advice, energy advice, benefits support and cost of living support
• Lifestyle support – accessing community services and help with loneliness and social isolation
• Getting around – including transport and travel and the mobility and adaptations service
• Carer support
• Employment and volunteering opportunities
Organised in partnership with Warrington’s voluntary, community, health and social care organisations, Talking Points first launched in Birchwood in 2022. The friendly team running the sessions isn’t drawn from a single organisation; instead, it brings together representatives from a wide range of services and community and voluntary groups. This mix of knowledge and experience helps ensure people are connected with the right support at the right time.
The new venue in Orford brings the total to 11 Talking Points taking place across Warrington each week. You can drop in on any of the dates below, where the team will offer a warm welcome, a hot drink, and the chance to talk through any concerns or issues. From there, you’ll be able to access personalised information and support for the things that matter most to you.
There are Talking Points at:
• Community Shop, Bewsey, WA5 0AN – Mondays from 10am – 12pm
• Fearnhead Community Centre, WA2 0HD – Mondays from 11am – 12.30pm
• The Living Well Hub, WA1 1XL – Mondays from 1pm – 4pm and Fridays from 9am – 12.30pm
• The Oaks Centre, Penketh, WA5 2QS – Tuesdays from 11am – 1pm
• Culcheth Library, WA3 5SL – Tuesdays from 2pm – 4pm
• the Gateway, WA1 1SR – Wednesdays from 10am – 12pm
• Birchwood Shopping Centre – Wednesdays from 1pm – 3pm
• Lymm Library, WA13 0QW – Thursdays from 10am – 12pm
• Orford Jubilee Neighbourhood Hub, WA2 8HE – Thursdays from 10am – 12pm
• St Mary Magdalene’s Church, Appleton, WA4 3AG – Fridays from 1.30pm – 3.30pm
Cllr Maureen McLaughlin, the council’s cabinet member for health, wellbeing and adult social care, said: “We understand that it can be difficult to know where to turn when you or someone you know might need further help or support. Talking Points offer a safe and welcoming first step, where residents can get clear information, friendly advice and support from a wide range of community partners.
“By opening a new venue in Orford, we’re making it even easier for people to drop in, have a friendly conversation, and get personalised guidance on the things that matter most to them. It’s another important step in ensuring that everyone in Warrington can live well, stay well and feel supported in their community.”
The programme has been ffunded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) until now but will now be funded by the Department of Health and Social Care’s Public Health Grant to help people get support at a neighbourhood level to include prevention.
