It’s National Care Home Open Day this weekend and lots of the homes in the borough have activities and events for the whole community to join in. Contact your nearest care home to see what they have planned. The homes below have a range of activities from afternoon teas to entertainment! Friday: Alexander Grange, Ambleside Bank, Ancliffe, Ashwood Home, Primrose Villa, Shawcross, Westwood Lodge, Windsor House. Saturday: Ancliffe, Ashton View, Barley Brook, Belong – Atherton, Haighfield, Norfolk House, Rosebridge Court, The Hamiltons, Westwood Lodge. Monday: Greenacres, Lakelands.

The continental food markets will be making an appearance in Leigh town centre this weekend along Bradshawgate and Ellesmere Street. Make sure you take a trip into town before they go on 22nd April!

Pat and Dave Walsh have fostered 37 children over twelve years with our fostering team. They are urging others to keep families together during the hardest time in their lives by caring for siblings and children with disabilities. Read their inspirational story: http://bit.ly/2JXSRwn

We’ve been shortlisted for the Digital Leaders national award for ‘Digital Skills or Inclusion Initiative of the Year’ as a result of our work with the Duke of York iDEA award. Vote for us using the link! bit.ly/2vd4Tid

Great news for young people in Shevington as the youth club reopens, offering a safe space, activities and somewhere to socialise. It will be open every Thursday from 7-9pm and it's hoped to tackle anti-social behaviour in the area. Full story: http://bit.ly/2Hck78D

Universal Credit will be fully rolled out across Wigan Borough from today. Universal Credit replaces a number of benefits and is paid in one monthly payment. You do not need to do anything unless you are making a new claim, have a change in circumstances or are contacted by the Department for Work and Pensions. Free school meals and council tax reduction will not be replaced by Universal Credit and should be applied for separately: bit.ly/2HyY8fo

We’re working closely with GMP to support the work they’re doing to tackle off road bikes which we know have a detrimental impact on the community.

The deadline to apply to vote by post in the upcoming Local Elections is 5pm on the 18th April. If you need a postal vote make sure you apply before the deadline to have your say- www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

What are your views on Wigan as a place which promotes social cohesion? The Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham wants to hear your views as a part of an independent commission into the issue. If you live in the borough please take the time to fill in this survey to help improve our communities as a cohesive place to live and reduce extremism. It should take about 10 minutes to complete. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GMCohesion

We’ve been shortlisted for the Digital Leaders national award for ‘Digital Skills or Inclusion Initiative of the Year’ as a result of our work with the Duke of York iDEA award. Vote for us using the link! bit.ly/2vd4Tid

Midnight this evening is the deadline to register to vote for the upcoming Local Elections! Make sure you register by the 17th April to make your mark and have your say- www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

It’s school admissions day and 97% of children will be starting primary school in September at one of their preferred schools! 👍 There’s info on our website for parents if you have any questions: bit.ly/2i9gyYa