Talking Points are popping up across Warrington to connect residents to people, places and services that can provide support.

Following the launch towards the end of last year, multiple Talking Point locations have been set up in the heart of communities across the town. Weekly sessions now take place in Birchwood, Burtonwood, Latchford, and in the town centre at the Gateway, and residents are invited to attend any session that is most accessible for them.

At each location, the friendly Talking Point team can help people with a variety of issues including:

• Connecting with local groups and activities

• Mental health and wellbeing

• Using online services

• Health and social care issues

• Finance issues

• Carers advice

• Healthy lifestyles

• Getting out and about

• Bereavement

Cllr Paul Warburton, cabinet member for statutory health and adult social care, said: “Talking Points do what they say on the tin. They are a place where you can speak to someone about anything that might be concerning you and get advice and support to help you.

“Sometimes, when you’re looking for information or support, it may be that you don’t necessarily know where to turn. The pandemic has also made us more reliant on virtual services to access information and, while online services play a vital role in keeping people connected and informed, it’s not always the easiest place to go for everyone, and sometimes you just need to talk to someone in person.”

Talking Points take place at:

• the Gateway, Sankey Street, WA1 1SR
  Every Tuesday, 10am-12noon

• Latchford Methodist Church Hall, WA4 1LH
  Every Wednesday, 11.30am-1.30pm

• Burtonwood Library, Chapel Lane, WA5 4PS 
  First and third Wednesday of the month, 3pm-5pm

• Burtonwood Community Centre, Green Jones Brow, WA5 4LH
  Second and fourth Wednesday of the month, 1pm-3pm

• The Encounter Centre, Birchwood, WA3 7PQ 
  Every Thursday 10am-12pm

Cllr Warburton continued: “At each Talking Point, everyone is greeted with a warm welcome, a hot drink, and somewhere comfortable to sit. Every person who comes to the sessions will have a different experience, as advice and support is completely personalised.

“Talking Points aren’t about having to answer difficult questions or fill out lots of forms, but rather taking a moment to have a good conversation with a member of the team who can then work with you to find solutions to help you live well and stay well.”

Talking Points have been set up in partnership with partners across Warrington, including the council, NHS services, and voluntary organisations – known collectively as Warrington Together.

So far, the Talking Point team has supported people with a range of issues, including providing guidance and information on care and support needs, helping to reduce isolation and loneliness, advice around money issues, housing concerns, and healthy lifestyles advice.