Talking Points were established across the borough last year as a way of connecting residents to people, places and services that can provide information and support on a wide range of issues.

Sessions take place in community venues, with weekly groups in Birchwood, Burtonwood, Latchford, Penketh, and in the town centre at the Gateway, with residents encouraged to attend any session that is most accessible for them.

The new Talking Point will take place every Tuesday, 12.30pm-2.30pm, at The Oaks Centre, Stocks Lane, Penketh, WA5 2QS.

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.

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
• Social care issues
• Finance and housing issues
• Support for carers
• Getting out and about
• Bereavement

Talking Points take place at:

• the Gateway, Sankey Street, WA1 1SR – every Tuesday, 10am-12noon
• The Oaks Centre, Stocks Lane, Penketh, WA5 2QS – every Tuesday 12.30pm-2.30pm
• 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 Paul Warburton, cabinet member for statutory health and adult social care, said: “Talking Points have now established themselves in the hearts of communities across Warrington. They’re a place for residents to go to access friendly, face-to-face support about the issues that matter to them.

“The sessions have proven useful for residents who need help, but don’t necessarily know where to turn. The Talking Point team includes representatives from a range of different organisations, so if they don’t know the answer right away they will work with you to connect you to the right services to help resolve your issue.”

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.

For more information about Talking Points and to keep up-to-date with new locations, visit our Talking Point webpage.