Age UK Wigan Borough

16/10/2026

Pension Credit Week of Action: Don't rule yourself out.

This week we've been tackling some of the common misconceptions about Pension Credit.

You might own your home.
You might have savings.
You might already receive your State Pension.
You might think you're not eligible.

None of these things automatically mean you won't qualify.

Pension Credit could provide extra financial support, but you won't know whether you're entitled unless you check.

So don't make the decision for yourself.

Not sure if you qualify? Let us check for you.

Our Information & Advice team can carry out a benefit check and help you understand whether you could be entitled to Pension Credit.

📞 Call us on 01942 615880 to find out more.

15/10/2026

“You’ve got b***s too.”

It might sound like a cheeky phrase, but there’s an important message behind it.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and while breast cancer is far more common in women, men can get breast cancer too.

Men have a small amount of breast tissue around the ni**le and chest area, and this tissue can develop cancer. Most men diagnosed with breast cancer are over 60, yet men aren’t routinely invited for breast screening in the same way women are.

So, this October, we’re encouraging everyone to know what’s normal for them, look out for changes and speak to their GP if something doesn’t look or feel right.

In our latest blog, we explain what men should know about breast cancer, the signs to look out for and why checking yourself matters.

Because breast cancer awareness isn’t just for women.

Read the full blog here: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/wiganborough/about-us/news/youve-got-b***s-too/

15/10/2026

Pension Credit Week of Action: Think Pension Credit is paid automatically?

It's a common misconception that Pension Credit will automatically be added to your State Pension if you're entitled to it.

It won't.

You need to check whether you're eligible and make a claim.

That's why it's important not to assume you're receiving everything you're entitled to.

Not sure if you qualify? Let us check for you.

Our Information & Advice team can carry out a benefit check and help you understand whether you could be entitled to Pension Credit.

📞 Call us on 01942 615880 to find out more.

14/10/2026

On Monday, the Chatty Bus was out and about with Age UK Wigan Borough's Emma, and James and Luci from Go North West, bringing conversations, connections and a few ideas for the next day out! 💙

From chatting about our Shevington Soup and Sandwich group to helping passengers work out which bus to catch for their next journey, there was plenty to talk about.

We shared ideas for places to visit, including Chorley Market, Bygone Times, Heskin Hall and Derby House, as well as racecourses across the country!

One passenger was particularly pleased that we approached them for a chat. It’s a lovely reminder that sometimes, a little friendly conversation can make all the difference.

The Chatty Bus is about more than getting from A to B. It’s about helping people feel connected, sharing information and making it easier to get out, explore and enjoy life.

Because a journey is even better when it comes with a friendly chat. 🚌

14/10/2026

Pension Credit Week of Action: Already receive your State Pension?

Receiving your State Pension doesn't automatically mean you're not entitled to Pension Credit.

Pension Credit is a separate benefit that can be paid in addition to your State Pension and could provide extra financial support if you're eligible.

It's easy to assume that because you're already receiving your State Pension, you've got everything you're entitled to.

But it's worth checking.

Not sure if you qualify? Let us check for you.

Our Information & Advice team can carry out a benefit check and help you understand whether you could be entitled to Pension Credit.

📞 Call us on 01942 615880 to find out more.

13/10/2026

On Thursday last week, Kim and Carwyn represented Age UK Wigan Borough at the Health and Wellbeing Open Day, joining a fantastic range of organisations all working to support our local community.

It was a great opportunity to meet people, raise awareness of our services and connect with other organisations, including our valued partners at Wigan and Leigh Carers Centre, who we work closely with.

We came away with lots of referrals and new opportunities to help older people access the advice, support and services they need to live independently and well.

Because when local organisations work together, we can make a real difference. 💜

13/10/2026

Pension Credit Week of Action: Have savings? You could still qualify.

Another common myth is that having savings means you can't receive Pension Credit.

That's not necessarily true.

The first £10,000 of savings is ignored when calculating Pension Credit entitlement.

If you have more than £10,000, you could still be eligible. For every £500 above £10,000, the Department for Work and Pensions assumes you have an extra £1 a week in income when working out your entitlement.

So don't rule yourself out before you've checked.

Not sure if you qualify? Let us check for you.

Our Information & Advice team can carry out a benefit check and help you understand whether you could be entitled to Pension Credit.

📞 Call us on 01942 615880 to find out more.

12/10/2026

🎉 Voting is OPEN! And we need your vote!

We’re incredibly proud to have been named a finalist for the People’s Choice Award at the Wigan Business Awards 2026 – and this is the one award where you decide the winner.

Age UK Wigan Borough is here for people aged 50+ across our borough, helping people live independently with dignity, connections and financial security.

From advice and support at home, to social activities, wellbeing, friendship and community events, we’re proud to be part of the Wigan Borough community.

Now we’re asking you to show your support.

If you think Age UK Wigan Borough deserves your vote, please take a moment to vote for us and share this post to help spread the word.

👉 Vote here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=dphaE3o4zE6Z2quQTJrmS0OvzNepziJLhz9252poWnFUQ01PRjBJQTlGQVRBUDJSWEhISzJURkxGTi4u

The winner will be announced on Friday 6th November.

Every vote really does count. Thank you for supporting your local Age UK. 💜

12/10/2026

Pension Credit Week of Action: Own your home? You could still be eligible.

One common misconception about Pension Credit is that owning your own home means you won't qualify.

That's not the case.

Your home is not taken into account when calculating your Pension Credit entitlement, so being a homeowner doesn't automatically rule you out.

If you're of State Pension age, it's worth checking whether you could be entitled to extra financial support.

Not sure if you qualify? Let us check for you.

Our Information & Advice team can carry out a benefit check and help you understand whether you could be entitled to Pension Credit.

📞 Call us on 01942 615880 to find out more.

11/10/2026