A Wigan-based charity is making a real difference for children and young adults with complex and additional needs. Brighter Dayz, located in Goose Green, provides a safe, inclusive environment where individuals aged 3 to 26 can build confidence, develop life skills, and take part in a wide range of activities.
From baking, arts and crafts, and sensory activities to newer programmes like Lego Therapy and ‘Come Dine With Me’ sessions for older cohorts, Brighter Dayz offers something for everyone. The charity also supports parents and carers through training days and workshops on topics such as Early Bird Training, Visual Support, ADHD, First Aid, and Autism Awareness.
Weekly groups, including a Baby Group and a Hope School parent group, aim to bring the local community together and reduce isolation for SEN families.
In 2020, a respite centre in Wigan, Hop, Skip & Jump, suddenly closed its doors after the national charity went into liquidation. Overnight, more than a hundred families were left without a safe and trusted place for their children and without the vital respite they depended on. For many, those few hours of support meant everything, time to rest, tidy the house, or to enjoy a quiet coffee with friends.
Among those families was Emma, a devoted mum whose son attended the centre. Seeing the heartbreak and uncertainty this closure caused, she refused to accept that this would be the end. Together with Lyndsey, the centre’s former manager, and Demi, its deputy manager, they decided to rebuild what had been lost.
In 2021, starting from scratch, with nothing but determination, they took on a derelict building and through fundraising events, sponsored walks, and pure perseverance, transformed it into a vibrant, welcoming centre. A place filled with laughter, learning, and care, where children and young people with additional and complex needs could thrive once again.
For the team, this mission is personal. Demi’s journey began when her brother Rhys suffered a brain haemorrhage at just five years old, leaving him with complex needs. Demi became a young carer at the age of ten, and later watched Rhys flourish when he attended the centre, the same setting she now helps lead. Emma’s son, who first came to the centre as a child, has grown up to become Brighter Dayz’ caretaker, proudly helping to look after the place that gave him so much.
Today, Lyndsey continues as Centre Manager, Emma is Operations Director, and Demi serves as Deputy Manager. What began with just 20 children has now grown to over 150, with a waiting list that shows just how vital this support is to families in the community.
The charity has ambitious plans for the future, aiming to develop alternative provision and expand the centre to offer even more tailored activities and specialist support. Fundraising and donations are crucial to these plans, helping Brighter Dayz improve facilities and provide essential resources to create brighter futures for the young people they support.
Brighter Dayz isn’t just a service, it’s a lifeline. It’s a place where children can truly be themselves, feel valued, and belong.
More Wiganers doing something truly special, which is what makes this town so so special.
Also, here’s your chance to get your glad-rags on and support Brighter Dayz – the charity is hosting a special fundraising event on 14th February at The Brick Community Stadium, featuring a two-course meal, live performances, and a raffle and auction.
For more information on Brighter Dayz or to get involved, visit their website here.
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