Wigan couple turn personal struggles into wellbeing project helping others
After going through their own mental and physical health struggles, two Wiganers decided to create the kind of support they felt was missing. That idea became Ataraxia for All CIC, a community wellbeing organisation in Ince helping people across Wigan feel healthier, calmer and less alone.
This is Stella and Tom’s tory in their own words…
We’re ‘Ataraxia for All CIC’, a community wellbeing organisation based in Ince, focused on helping people build resilience in mind, body and emotions. We create welcoming, down-to-earth opportunities for people to move more, feel calmer, build confidence and reconnect with community, especially those who might feel out of place in traditional fitness, therapy or wellbeing settings.
Our work is a mix of opportunities to move, get mindful and fix your mindset in creative ways that feel inclusive. From all-ages fitness, science-based breathwork and sound healing, to canal walks, litter picking, creative floristry workshops and youth programmes, we want to meet people where they are and help them take positive first steps towards healthier, happier lives. Most of our activities are fully funded, so they are completely free to attend.
Ataraxia was officially established as a CIC in 2022, although the work behind it has grown organically over many years through coaching mindset and martial arts, running a healthy nutrition company, working in learning and development and community engagement, and through our own personal wellbeing practice.
The reason we do this work is deeply personal. We have both experienced physical and mental health crises ourselves and genuinely believe wellbeing can help prevent people from reaching those dark places and help them find a way out when they do.
We believe wellbeing should feel inclusive, supportive and empowering, not intimidating. In communities facing stress, isolation and health inequalities, people often don’t need more information, they need safe spaces, gentle encouragement and a sense of belonging.
We’re proud to now be based at the former Westwood Chapel in Ince and to work across Wigan creating opportunities that help people feel healthier, happier and more connected to those around them.
To find out more about Ataraxia for All CIC, click here.
It comes from Greek philosophy, where it was used to describe a deep sense of inner peace and resilience, even in difficult circumstances, which seems perfect for what Stella and Tom are doing.
If you’ve got a story to tell, please email me. Let’s fill the internet with what makes Wigan shine.
