29 September 2026
A local Wigan woman is sharing her story for Recovery Month, after supporting her husband for years through his struggle with alcohol.
With sheer determination and support from charity WithYou and partner BAC O’Connor, she was able to rebuild her life, lose 12.5 stone and join a women’s football group run by Wigan Council’s Be Well service.
Kate O’Neill, 40, joined the charity’s support group for loved ones of those struggling with drugs or alcohol, after her husband Martin, 47, joined the recovery programme delivered by charity WithYou. WithYou works in partnership with BAC O’Connor and Wigan Council, at Greenslate Farm, working together as a collective for the good of the borough.
“I had completely lost myself,” she explains. “I wasn’t eating or sleeping — everything revolved around his illness. Walking into the Concerned Others group was overwhelming, but it became the place where I finally found myself again.”
The service’s person-centred approach and the companionship of people who were in the same situation helped Kate start to live for herself again. “The service made me feel less alone. I didn’t think I could get through it without them. That group gave me confidence, purpose and the support I needed to rebuild my life,” she smiles.
Since then, Kate has undergone a major life transformation, including undergoing gastric sleeve surgery, losing 12.5 stone, and taking up the gym and football.
She now volunteers with BAC O’Connor and plays weekly in Be Well’s weekly women’s football session at the William Foster Football Hub in Ince.
“I feel incredible, and I finally have the confidence to be a new me,” says Kate. “The women’s football team has been truly inspirational — it gave me community, strength and joy.”
Martin is now thriving in long-term recovery, and Kate wants to share her story to highlight how vital these community services are for loved ones of people struggling with alcohol or drugs.
“There’s so much stigma around addiction, but there’s also stigma for families,” she explains. “You often feel powerless — but there is help. We’re thriving now, both individually and together, and the support from the groups has been continuous.”
As Wigan Council’s commissioned drug and alcohol recovery service, 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. Grounded in a commitment to seeing the person, listening deeply, and knowing this place, the local team works together as a collective in close partnership with BAC O’Connor to offer a range of services including one-to-one support, community rehab, and structured group programmes - all without judgement and without a GP referral.
WithYou has also worked closely with the council’s health and wellbeing service, Be Well, to help the people it supports become more active – including specialist programmes for those in recovery.
As well as having more than 20,000 members across its seven local leisure centres, Be Well also offers a range of community-based activities in parks and other locations.
Councillor Keith Cunliffe, Deputy Leader of Wigan Council and cabinet portfolio holder for adult social care and health, said: “Kate and Martin’s story is truly inspiring and an amazing example of the real difference that WithYou is making in our communities, and we’re really proud that Be Well has played a part in their journey.
“Particularly during Recovery Month and the Month of Hope, it’s a wonderful reminder that - whatever challenges you are facing - there is always somebody to turn to.
“As a council, we’ll continue to collaborate with WithYou and all our local partners to ensure Wigan Borough residents are able to get the support they need.”
About BAC O’Connor
BAC O’Connor offers a wide range of treatments and therapies, including support for family members. It works to address all the different challenges someone might be facing. Support is offered in the community providing training, volunteer opportunities and paid employment to people who have experienced drug and alcohol challenges.
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.
