21 September 2026
Locala Health & Wellbeing’s Sexual Health Service and WithYou in Wigan and Leigh have joined forces to trial a new way of making free, confidential support easier to access in Golborne.
WithYou’s drug and alcohol support team have joined Locala Sexual Health’s Clinic in a Van. The partnership will give local people the opportunity to access sexual health and contraception services, as well as drug and alcohol advice and support, in one convenient community location. No appointment or referral is needed for either service.
The drop-ins will take place 22 September, 20 October, and 17 November in Queen Street car park in Golborne, from 2.30pm to 5.30pm. No appointment or referral is needed for either service.
The pilot will explore how bringing the two teams together in a familiar community setting could make it easier for people to ask questions, receive advice and access the support that is right for them.
“We want to make accessing help as easy as possible,” explains John Settle, Harm Reduction Lead for the service. “By partnering with Locala and being physically present in the local community, we can support people who might find it difficult to go into our services in Wigan and Leigh - whether that’s because they don’t have transport, they’ve got kids or elderly relatives to look after, or because they’re worried about people seeing them go into a drug and alcohol service. With the Clinic in a Van, there’s no need for an appointment. You just have to turn up.”
Joy Hewitson, Medical Director, Locala Health & Wellbeing, added, “Our Clinic in a Van is designed to bring free, confidential sexual health services closer to the communities we serve. By welcoming WithYou’s team alongside us for this pilot, local people will be able to access two complementary services in one convenient place.
“Whether someone needs sexual health support, wants to talk about their drug or alcohol use, or is simply looking for information, they can drop in without an appointment and have a confidential conversation with the appropriate team.”
Future dates can be found on Locala Sexual Health’s and WithYou Wigan and Leigh’s official channels.
WithYou in Wigan and Leigh provides free, confidential drug and alcohol support for adults, young people, and families - whether they want harm reduction information, to cut down on their use, or to stop drinking or taking drugs entirely. Working in partnership with BAC O’Connor, the local team offers a range of services including one-to-one support, community rehab, and structured group programmes - all without judgement and without a GP referral.
Additional mental health support
Anyone struggling with their mental health or wellbeing can access the Hub of Hope, a free national database of mental health support services created by Chasing the Stigma. The platform includes a ‘Get Urgent Help’ button connecting users to 24/7 crisis support lines. Visit www.hubofhope.co.uk or download the free app via the App Store or Google Play.
About Locala Health & Wellbeing
Locala Health & Wellbeing is a social enterprise and Community Interest Company (CIC) providing NHS and community healthcare services across West Yorkshire and Greater Manchester.
Locala delivers a wide range of services for people of all ages, including children's services, community nursing, therapies, urgent care, long-term condition management, health improvement and specialist community health services.
As a social enterprise, Locala reinvests its surplus into services, colleagues and local communities, helping to improve health and wellbeing and reduce health inequalities.
For more information visit: https://www.locala.org.uk
