Presenting Rachel Heyden with a "Heart of the Community" Award

This afternoon, it was our absolute pleasure to nominate Rachel Heyden for the "Heart Of The Community" Award for her work in setting up Wigan Litter Pickers and her work in the community.

Rachel, who lives in Douglas Ward, first started the litter-picking group during lockdown, after seeing that Wigan Council would provide free equipment for people to tidy up their local area. It gave her an idea to make it bigger and invite the whole community to join in.

Under Rachel's leadership, the Facebook group has grown to over 1,500 members! These fantastic volunteers tackle littering and fly-tipping all over the borough, and are a fantastic asset for our local communities and natural environment.

Wigan Litter Pickers have done group picks; individual picks; organised children's awards and talks in schools; ordered free equipment; and Rachel has personally delivered equipment to lots of residents across all townships in the borough. She runs the group on her own.

Cllr. Pat Draper first became involved with the group during the Covid-19 pandemic, and after meeting up with Rachel, contacted the Council's Environmental Department to discuss ways in which they could work together. This relationship has grown with time, helping to combat litter in our town.

Through the group, Rachel supports three youngsters to obtain their Duke of Edinburgh Award. She also serves as a local school governor, championing SEND and sports premium for children.

Rachel believes that Wigan Litter Pickers belongs to the people of Wigan, who have made it what it is. She said: "I love living here and want other people to love it too. We are so lucky to live here, and I will support anyone to do the right thing."

So, a huge thank you to Rachel and the other litter-pickers who came to today's ceremony, including Jude, Victoria and Kath! Thanks also go to Mayor Cllr. Kevin Anderson for hosting us, and presenting Rachel with the award.