ABOUT WLCC
A Community Anchor Organisation at the Heart of Makerfield
We are a Community Anchor Organisation supporting Platt Bridge and Abram Ward and Hindley areas of Makerfield, as well as delivering Boroughwide programmes.
WHO WE ARE
Wigan & Leigh Community Charity
Wigan & Leigh Community Charity (WLCC) is a Community Anchor Organisation supporting Platt Bridge and Abram Ward and Hindley areas of Makerfield, as well as delivering Boroughwide programmes.
We exist to safeguard community assets, provide support, education and advice, funding support and business support to local people looking to run their own Social Economy Organisation. We strive to provide a voice for local social economy organisation owners.
We aim to support the re-imagining of High Streets, creating Community Businesses for people to meet, chat, buy locally and learn new skills.
WLCC started life as Abram Ward Community Co-operative in 2013, established around the Community Asset Transfer of Platt Bridge Community Zone — a local community hub that was built by local people in 1999 and supported by Wigan Council.
From there, we aim to create a 'line of sight' of community-led businesses, building on the history of the area while providing new, socially led employment opportunities to existing and future generations.
EST. 2013
Founded as Abram Ward Community Co-operative
2
Community buildings managed and maintained
1 of 6
Chosen in England for the Power to Change Empowering Places programme — a £1 million funded initiative
2025
Abram Ward Neighbourhood Plan approved by referendum
OUR MISSION
A Community Anchor Organisation — What Does That Mean?
A Community Anchor Organisation is a locally rooted, independent organisation that provides a stable base from which communities can grow, develop and thrive.
They act as a trusted hub — connecting people to services, supporting local initiatives, providing physical space and advocating for the needs of the community they serve.
For WLCC, that means being the backbone of the social economy in Wigan and Leigh. We're not just a charity — we're a platform for local people to build something that lasts.
Safeguard
Protecting community assets and ensuring they remain in local hands for future generations.
Support
Providing practical support, advice and resources to social entrepreneurs and community organisations.
Sustain
Building a lasting social economy where community-led businesses can grow and thrive.
Our Mission
01
Educate
Educate the community in what it is to be a social enterprise and community business.
02
Support
Support social entrepreneurs in their journey to success by providing training, coaching and access to investment.
03
Safeguard
Safeguard, support, manage and invest in community assets for the benefit of local people.
OUR HISTORY
How We Got Here
2013
Founded to save Platt Bridge Community Zone from closure — established as Abram Ward Community Co-operative through a Community Asset Transfer, funded by Wigan Council's The Deal.
2015
Established Abram Ward Neighbourhood Plan Forum — giving local people a direct say in the future of their neighbourhood. The plan was approved by referendum in 2025.
2017
Chosen as 1 of 6 across England for the Power to Change Empowering Places programme — a £1 million funded initiative to grow Community Businesses at a neighbourhood level.
2022
Renamed to Wigan & Leigh Community Charity; acquired Tudor House in Hindley; led the campaign for Wigan Borough to become a Social Enterprise Town via Social Enterprise UK; and launched the Proper Good Social Investment programme.
2013
Founded to save Platt Bridge Community Zone from closure — established as Abram Ward Community Co-operative through a Community Asset Transfer, funded by Wigan Council's The Deal.
2015
Established Abram Ward Neighbourhood Plan Forum — giving local people a direct say in the future of their neighbourhood. The plan was approved by referendum in 2025.
2017
Chosen as 1 of 6 across England for the Power to Change Empowering Places programme — a £1 million funded initiative to grow Community Businesses at a neighbourhood level.
2022
Renamed to Wigan & Leigh Community Charity; acquired Tudor House in Hindley; led the campaign for Wigan Borough to become a Social Enterprise Town via Social Enterprise UK; and launched the Proper Good Social Investment programme.
WHAT WE DO
Our Services
From community spaces to social investment — here's how we support the people of Wigan and Leigh.
THE PEOPLE BEHIND WLCC
Meet the Team
Behind everything WLCC does is a dedicated team of staff, trustees and volunteers who are passionate about Wigan and Leigh and the people who live here.
Get to know the people who make it all happen.
Ready to Get Involved?
Whether you want to start a social enterprise, support our work or simply find out more — we'd love to hear from you.