This episode contains conversations about mental health and suicide, which may be distressing for some listeners. For help and support, visit wigan.gov.uk/MentalHealth

We’re kicking things off with a catch‑up from Tom Stocks, better known as The Chubby Northerner. You might recognise him from his pavement poetry, uplifting scrolls, or his iconic PO-E-TEA.

Tom shares why poetry should be part of everyday life - not just something for the few - and reveals some incredible stories about how his words have made a real difference to people across the borough.

In the second half, we sit down with Northern Heart Film to explore the story behind the borough’s brand‑new Filming Fund.

A project that reinvests 100% of the councils filming fees straight back into young local creatives… and the first big opportunity? Young people in Leigh will get to create a documentary following chart‑topping band The Lottery Winners ahead of their homecoming stadium show in 2026!

Useful links:

Learn more about funding opportunities and what's going on in the community: Wigan Borough Communities Teams

Learn more about the filming fund - Lights, camera, action: Filming fund set to help creative Leigh youngsters

Like Wigan's film-friendly approach? Film in the borough! - Filming in Wigan Borough

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