Wigan Council has become the first local authority in the country to formally adopt the Hub of Hope, a national mental health directory designed to connect residents with support services in seconds. The partnership, launched during Mental Health Awareness Week (May 11–17), integrates the UK’s largest database of wellbeing services directly into the borough’s public health strategy.
Managed by the North West-based charity Chasing the Stigma, the Hub of Hope is a free-to-use digital platform available via a mobile app or web browser. It currently lists approximately 14,000 services, including NHS programs, national charities, and local voluntary groups. For residents in Wigan, Leigh, and the surrounding townships, where local health projects are expanding, the tool removes the often-overwhelming barrier of knowing where to start when seeking help for anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges.
Nation-first partnership brings 14,000 services to Wigan
The formal adoption of the Hub of Hope marks a shift in how local authorities manage public wellbeing. By embedding this national tool, Wigan Council ensures that residents have a live, updated directory that evolves faster than traditional paper-based or static web lists. The platform currently supports over 300,000 users annually across the UK, but Wigan’s proactive integration is the first of its kind at a municipal level.
Councillor Keith Cunliffe, deputy leader of Wigan Council, confirmed that the partnership is designed to make services more visible and easier to navigate. The initiative aligns with the borough’s “Progress with Unity” approach, which focuses on community-led support and prevention. This framework recognizes that mental health is often influenced by local factors such as employment, housing, and social isolation.
This digital expansion complements existing grassroots initiatives in the borough, including local community support groups like Place2Place, which provide vital peer-led assistance to residents navigating difficult times.
How the Hub of Hope app works for residents
The platform utilizes location-based technology to show users the nearest available support. Residents can filter results by specific needs, such as veteran support, LGBTQ+ services, or youth-specific counseling. This ensures that the help offered is relevant to the individual’s specific circumstances and location within the borough.
| Feature | Service Detail |
|---|---|
| Cost | Completely free for all residents and service providers |
| Accessibility | Available via web, iOS App Store, and Google Play |
| Urgent Care | Includes a ‘Get Urgent Help’ button for 24/7 crisis lines |
| Service Types | NHS, voluntary, community, and private sector listings |
For those in immediate distress, the ‘Get Urgent Help’ function provides a direct link to crisis text lines and 24/7 national helplines. This feature is intended to provide a safety net for individuals who may feel unable to make a phone call but require immediate intervention.
Strengthening the local support network in Wigan
Chasing the Stigma was founded by Jake Mills following his own experience with mental health crisis. The charity’s mission is to normalize the conversation around mental wellbeing and remove the stigma that often prevents people from seeking early intervention. By partnering with the council, the organization aims to reach residents who might not otherwise engage with traditional health services.
Jake Mills noted that by embedding the Hub of Hope, the council is showing leadership in making support stigma-free. The goal is to ensure that no resident feels they have to struggle alone simply because they do not know what help is available in their specific neighborhood.
Accessing free mental health help today
Residents do not need a referral from a GP to use the Hub of Hope. The directory is open to anyone looking for support for themselves or on behalf of a friend or family member. The platform is also a resource for professionals, such as teachers or community leaders, who may need to signpost others to professional help.
To access the directory, residents can visit the Hub of Hope website or download the app from major mobile storefronts. The service remains free for both the people seeking help and the organizations listing their services, ensuring that even small, local volunteer groups can maintain a visible presence alongside national NHS services.
Source: Wigan Council
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