A WOMAN who was on the brink of becoming homeless after a hospital visit has thanked Wigan Council for saving her life.
Jean, 78, was unable to return to her former home following gallbladder surgery and personal circumstances left her with nowhere to go.
She said: "I am just absolutely thriving here.
"Anyone who is homeless they need to get to Wigan Council, they can’t fail.
"I can’t thank them enough for what they have done.
"They have saved my life because I had visions of being on the streets, and I hope more people get the help I got."
Wigan Council’s homelessness team, working with NHS partners, secured her a place in a sheltered housing scheme.
Since moving in, Jean has built friendships and settled into the community with support from fellow residents who helped furnish her new home.
She said: "I was welcomed from day one.
"I’ve made friends for life, everybody has been so kind."
Residents in the scheme regularly take part in activities organised by council staff, including coffee mornings, bingo and parties.
Jean now enjoys Sunday lunch out with friends and is planning a trip to see the Jersey Boys in Manchester.
She said: "I might be 78 but I feel so much younger.
"I am so happy, so secure, I am enjoying my life now."
Councillor Susan Gambles, cabinet member for housing and welfare and chair of the Wigan Borough Homelessness Partnership Board, praised the team effort that helped Jean.
Councillor Gambles said: "Jean has been through so much, and I am so pleased she is now happy and comfortable in her new home.
"Helping to end homelessness should be everyone’s business.
"We came together for Jean, and I want to thank everyone involved for helping to make this happen."
Jean is one of many residents across the borough that make up a small proportion of older people who are at risk of becoming homeless due to a variety of reasons.
Wigan Council’s Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2025–2030 prioritises prevention, expanding affordable housing and supporting residents in need.
More information about homelessness support in Wigan is available on the council’s website.
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