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A project to give people with learning disabilities the chance to play a
fulfilling role at one of Wigan’s cultural icons received a holy seal of
approval today.
The Most Reverend Patrick Kelly, Archbishop the Roman Catholic Church of
Liverpool, visited Wigan Pier’s ‘The Way We Were’ today to learn more
about the role volunteer Brian Kenyon has been playing at the award
winning heritage attraction.
Thanks to Nugent Care’s ‘Step Up’ volunteering scheme and Wigan Pier’s
team, Brian, who has learning difficulties, has played an active role as
a volunteer at the Pier helping to guide visitors and assisting with
group activities.
Archbishop Kelly said: “It’s wonderful to be back in Wigan I always
receive a warm reception when I’m here. It is a real tribute to Wigan
Pier’s team that they are able to assist Nugent Care in giving people
like Brian an opportunity to live a more fulfilled and rewarding life. I
would like to wish everyone involved in the regeneration of the Wigan
Pier Quarter the best of luck and look forward to visiting the new
scheme in the future.”
Nugent Care was formed thanks to the pioneering work of Father James
Nugent who was once a priest in the Wigan area during the 19th Century.
He worked hard to tackle child welfare, poverty relief and social
reform. Today Nugent Care is one of the leading charities in the North
West of England, caring for children, disabled and disadvantaged people
of all ages.
Debby Hill, Learning and Volunteer Officer at Wigan Pier for Wigan
Leisure and Culture Trust, said: “Brian has made a great contribution to
the team. It is always rewarding to see how closely the volunteers work
together and Brian has had great support from all of our volunteers who
are a great asset to the Way We Were. Working with Nugent Care has
brought great benefits and we look forward to working with them in the
future.”
Brenda Nicholson, Wigan Pier Volunteer, said: “I have only been working
here for six weeks and Brian has been a great help; he has really shown
me the ropes. Brian is a great character who really loves working here.
He is always well-mannered and is very popular with the public. I really
enjoy working at the Pier and would urge anyone who is interested in
volunteering to give it a go.”
For more information about volunteering at Wigan Pier or within Wigan
Heritage Services contact Debby Hill on 01942 323666. For further
information about volunteering with Nugent Care call 01942 491941.
-ends-
NOTES TO EDITORS: For further information on this press release please
contact Chris Dunbar, Media and Public Relations Manager, on 01942
486937 or at
c.dunbar@wlct.org
Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust: Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust is a
charitable trust working on behalf of Wigan Council to manage and
support leisure and cultural facilities, initiatives and events for over
300,000 residents in the Wigan Borough. See
www.wlct.org
Getting Wigan Active: Getting Wigan Active is Wigan Leisure and Culture
Trust’s vision to help people across the Wigan Borough to become more
physically, mentally and creatively active. It also aims to increase
community activity and to encourage good citizenship.
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Archbishop Patrick Kelly with members
of the team from Wigan Pier and Nugent Care
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