Our first blog post
The Cross Community Network CIC: Building Stronger Communities Across Wigan and Greater Manchester
Community Support, Skills Development and Social Enterprise for a Sustainable Future
The Cross Community Network CIC is a Community Interest Company based in Wigan, dedicated to creating opportunities, strengthening communities, and developing sustainable projects that deliver long-term social impact across Wigan and Greater Manchester.
Our mission is to support individuals and communities through skills development, creative projects, heritage initiatives, digital opportunities, volunteering, and community engagement. We believe strong communities are built when people are given the opportunity to learn, contribute, connect, and grow.
As a Community Interest Company, everything we do is designed to benefit the wider community. Our long-term vision is to develop sustainable projects that create opportunities for local people while generating income that is reinvested into future community initiatives.
A Different Approach to Community Development
Many community organisations rely heavily on grants and donations to survive. While funding remains important, we believe long-term sustainability comes from a balanced model that combines community support with responsible social enterprise.
Our goal is to create multiple small, ethical income streams that strengthen the organisation and allow us to increase our impact over time.
By generating income through community-focused services and projects, we can reinvest directly into:
- Local community initiatives
- Equipment and creative resources
- Training and skills development
- Volunteering programmes
- Creative and media projects
- Future community hubs across Wigan and Greater Manchester
This approach helps build a resilient organisation that can continue delivering real community benefit for years to come.
Building Community Capacity Through Social Enterprise
The Cross Community Network CIC was not established simply to create employment. Our vision is to build a community-led organisation that creates opportunities for many people, not just a few.
We are developing a diverse network of volunteers, creatives, community leaders, project coordinators, designers, media creators, heritage enthusiasts, and skilled contributors who share a passion for positive local impact.
Every project we develop is designed to strengthen community capacity while creating meaningful opportunities for residents across Wigan and Greater Manchester.
Success for us is measured not by profit, but by the positive impact we create and the opportunities we help unlock for others.
Developing Skills and Creating Opportunities
One of our key objectives is to support learning, confidence building, and personal development.
Through future projects and partnerships, we aim to provide access to:
- Skills development and training
- Volunteering opportunities in Wigan
- Digital and technology learning
- Creative arts, media and photography projects
- Heritage and local history initiatives
- Community engagement programmes
- Pathways into employment and self-employment
- Social enterprise development
We believe investing in people creates stronger communities, greater resilience, and better long-term outcomes for everyone.
Community Print and Design Hub
As part of our sustainability strategy, we are developing a Community Print and Design Hub in Wigan.
This initiative will provide affordable design, garment printing, and promotional services for local businesses, charities, churches, community groups, clubs, and organisations across Greater Manchester.
The project will:
- Generate unrestricted income for community reinvestment
- Support local organisations with affordable creative services
- Provide practical skills development opportunities
- Create volunteering and work experience placements
- Support local heritage and awareness campaigns
- Strengthen long-term CIC sustainability
Any surplus generated will be reinvested directly into community-focused programmes and initiatives.
Supporting Wellbeing Through Creativity and Connection
Community wellbeing is at the heart of our work.
We recognise that many people face challenges such as isolation, poor mental health, unemployment, lack of opportunity, and social exclusion.
Through creative projects, photography, digital media, heritage exploration, volunteering, and community engagement, we aim to create safe and meaningful opportunities that encourage confidence, connection, and personal growth.
By bringing people together around shared interests, we can help build stronger and more connected communities across Wigan and Greater Manchester.
Our Vision for 2030
Looking ahead, The Cross Community Network CIC has an ambitious long-term vision.
We aim to develop a network of sustainable community hubs that provide opportunities for learning, creativity, wellbeing, volunteering, and social enterprise.
These hubs will act as local centres of opportunity, helping people access support, develop skills, build relationships, and contribute positively to their communities.
Alongside this, we will continue developing innovative social enterprise projects that generate sustainable income while delivering measurable social value.
Every step we take today is focused on building a stronger foundation for tomorrow.
Working Together Across Wigan and Greater Manchester
We actively welcome collaboration with local authorities, businesses, charities, churches, community groups, educational organisations, and individuals who share our commitment to positive change.
Partnership and collaboration are essential to building thriving communities. We believe the greatest impact is achieved when organisations work together toward shared goals.
Join Our Journey
The Cross Community Network CIC is at the beginning of an important journey, but our vision is clear.
We are building a sustainable, community-focused organisation that creates opportunities, supports local people, develops skills, encourages creativity, and strengthens communities across Wigan and Greater Manchester.
Whether you are interested in volunteering, partnering with us, supporting our work, or learning more about our projects, we would love to hear from you.
Ready to get involved?
Contact The Cross Community Network CIC today and help us build stronger communities for the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Cross Community Network CIC?▼
A Community Interest Company based in Wigan focused on community development, skills training, volunteering, and social enterprise.
How can I get involved?▼
You can volunteer, collaborate, or support projects by contacting the organisation directly.
What happens to any income generated?▼
Any surplus is reinvested into community projects, training, equipment, and local initiatives.

