'People are still terrified of Covid and still won't let people in their house - that's why we're here'

In the heart of Wigan sits a social club which is providing an escape for people worried about leaving their own homes since the coronavirus pandemic.

If you head down to St Jude's Social Club midweek, you will find a warm hub that provides sanctuary, community and socialisation for those that really need it. Here, elderly people reveal it is their only trip out the house all week, a welcome alternative to sitting at home shivering by themselves.

The hub, off Poolstock Lane ,offers warmth both in temperature and spirit, as the group sit creating Christmas wreaths in the latest session put on by the club’s manager Suzanne Garswood.

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The idea of sitting down with a cuppa and a biscuit discussing the week's events does not seem like much, but for some of the attendees, it means everything.

“It’s the only day I get out sometimes,” 96-year-old Theresa Leonard said. “It’s wonderful, it’s marvellous.

“We all meet a lot of people we didn’t know coming here, I’ve lived around here for years but I’ve met new people (because of this).

“We cover every topic you could mention. We have a right laugh, it’s just the company we like.

“I’d be sitting at home by myself without this. This is one of the best things to have happened. There is a bigger sense of community now.”

The small group consisting of Theresa, Ilene, Brenda and Margaret all agreed they look forward to the meet up every week, some have been going to St Jude's since it all started last year in a bid to combat loneliness and the cost of living crisis.

For Brenda Leach, the club also