SWAN Primary Care Network

29/03/2026

We are honoured to announce that we have been selected as one of the first regional hubs for the Office for Veterans' Affairs national programme: VALOUR

VALOUR is designed to make it easier for veterans, Serving Personnel, and their families across the UK to access the care and support they deserve. It strengthens existing services by improving coordination, building on what works, and helping local support align around the individual's needs.

Almost £1m of new funding will be invested into Greater Manchester. In partnership with Greater Manchester Combined Authority and each of the 10 Local Authorities, we are creating a VALOUR Recognised Network that will have GM Live Well at its very heart with local and community groups that will grow the impact of VALOUR and enhance Live Well for the Armed Forces community at the same time.

This is about “stepping away from signposting” – supported by a single point of access – so people can navigate services more easily and receive coordinated, timely support.

Greater Manchester was part of the VALOUR Pathfinder that showcased regional expertise and knowledge, informing the national VALOUR Blueprint which will be launched this year.

This is a major milestone, and we are incredibly proud to be part of the future of support for our Armed Forces community.

https://armedforceshq.org.uk/new-funding-to-enhance-support-for-armed-forces-community-across-greater-manchester/

27/03/2026

Some of the Easter treats for sale made by the craft group and needles and natter ladies ….all proceeds to Carla lane animal sanctuary🐣

Please message us to order any little Easter treats 📩

26/03/2026

💙💜 Prostate & Ovarian Cancer Awareness 💜💙

Welcome to our awareness space a place for information and support.

📍 You can find the awareness board on the middle floor in the community living area please take a moment to stop by, read, and learn more.

📌 Why this matters:
Prostate and ovarian cancers affect thousands of people every year. Early detection and awareness of symptoms can make a real difference.

🔍 Know the signs:
• Ovarian cancer may include persistent bloating, pelvic pain, or changes in appetite
• Prostate cancer may involve changes in urination, discomfort, or difficulty urinating

🩺 Take action:
✔ Attend regular check-ups
✔ Speak to your GP if something feels unusual
✔ Encourage loved ones to get checked

🤝 You’re not alone:
This board is here to share information, resources, and support for anyone affected whether you’re going through it yourself or supporting someone who is.

💬 Feel free to share and help spread awareness.

🎗️ Awareness saves lives

26/03/2026

Today on National Social Prescribing Day, we’d like to say a big thank you to our amazing Community Link Workers – Lynn, Joanne and Lyndsey 💙

25/03/2026

𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐞 - 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢 𝐂𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐞🌶

💡Recipe tips - What to serve with chilli con carne?💡

- Serve it on a bed of plain, boiled rice, with a spoonful of soured cream on top.
- Wrap it up in a tortilla with shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes and guacamole for a great burrito.
- Nachos add some crunchy texture and act as a good dipping material.
- Use as a topping on a jacket potato and serve with a side salad.

If your chilli is extra spicy, then a bowl of coleslaw brings a cooling element.

24/03/2026

🌟 Meet the Team Tuesday! 🌟

This week, we’re delighted to introduce a fantastic member of our team…

👋 Meet Lucy!
Lucy joined SWAN PCN on 30/03/2022 as a Registered Nursing Associate 💉👩🏻‍⚕️

💬 A little about Lucy:
An Aries through and through, Lucy brings passion and energy to everything she does!

✨ Greatest achievements:
Becoming a NURSE!! 🎉 and rejoining Morris Dancing 💜

🎤 Karaoke song of choice:
Penny Arcade – we’d love to hear that performance!

🎨 Favourite colour:
Pink 🌸💗🌺

☀️ Favourite season:
Summer

🥔 Favourite food:
A classic jacket potato with cheese, beans and tuna 😋

💃 Hobbies:
Lucy loves Morris Dancing 💜

We’re so lucky to have you on the team, Lucy! 🙌

23/03/2026

EASTER EGG APPEAL 2026🐣

Once again for a second year running, we will be collaborating with Wigan St Judes ARLFC for our Easter Egg Appeal.

Together, we will be collecting eggs for families across Wigan Neonatal Unit & One Vision Studios which is an Adult Education centre in Wigan.

Our deadline is short & sweet this year, please drop any donations before THURSDAY 2ND APRIL at any of our GP surgeries:

Kumar Family Practice
South Wigan Medical Practice
Marus Bridge Practice
The Grange Practice
Winstanley Medical Centre
Medicentre
Bryn Cross Surgery

🐣🥰

21/03/2026

To celebrate the upcoming our Community Link Workers will be out and about across Wigan and Leigh, connecting with residents, sharing support available in the borough, and championing the power of community-based wellbeing 💚

Come along for a chat, find out what’s on locally, and discover how social prescribing can help you live well.

Thursday 19th March
Communi tea Coffee Afternoon 📍 Clifton Street Family Hub 🕜 13:30 – 14:30

Monday 23rd March
How Do & a Bru 📍 Turnpike Centre, Leigh 🕛 12:00 – 14:00
Wigan North – Aspull One House Pop Up 📍 Aspull One House Community Centre 🕤 09:30 – 11:30

Tuesday 24th March
Pop Up at Dr Vardhan’s Surgery 📍 Astley 🕘 09:00 – 12:30
Community Litter Pick – Shakerley Estate 📍 Meet outside the community centre 🕑 14:00 – 16:00
Ashton Food Pantry Drop In 📍 Ashton Food Pantry 🕥 10:30 – 12:00
Lidl Standish Pop Up 📍 Lidl Standish 🕙 10:00 – 12:00

Wednesday 25th March
Book cycle @ Beech Hill Pop Up 📍 Beech Hill 🕛 12:00 – 14:00
Community Cuppa (Virtual) 📍 Microsoft Teams 🕚 11:00 – 12:00
Walk & Talk Litter Pick 📍 Chandler House 🕛 12:00 – 13:00

19/03/2026

Red Nose Day fun at work!

Our team got creative and made their own noses for this year’s theme — and they turned out pretty good!

Red Nose Day is part of Comic Relief, a charity that raises money to help people facing poverty and tough times in the UK and around the world. Proud to be having a laugh while supporting such a great cause ❤️

17/03/2026

17/03/2026

🌸 New Support Group at Armed Forces HQ🌸

A free monthly support group is available for female partners, carers, and family members of serving or ex-serving personnel, as well as female veterans.

The group focuses on peer support, self-care and personal growth, and takes place on the second Monday of each month.
🗓 Next session: Monday 13th April, 6pm–8pm.

Booking is essential – please see the poster for full details and contact information.

16/03/2026

🚲 Volunteer Opportunity – Clifton Street Bike Library🚲

Calling all local residents! We’re looking for a volunteer to help open and run the Clifton Street Bike Library, an already established community resource.

📍 Family Hubs, Clifton Street
🗓 1st Thursday of every month
⏰ 2pm – 4pm

The long-term goal has always been for this to become a community-led Bike Library, helping local people access bikes and stay active. There will always be support from Be Well and the Communities Team to ensure the library continues to grow and be successful.

If you’re interested in volunteering or would like to find out more, please get in touch with Richard on Richard.Smith1@wigan.gov.uk