Champion Rob knows Whatsup in Wigan

Wetherspoon employee Rob has been selected to be a community champion for his local area.

Rob, who works as a part-time kitchen associate at The Brocket Arms, was named in the role following the launch of Wigan Council’s new WhatsUp Champion Project 2023.

WhatsUp champions are individuals based in a care setting who serve as advocates, are the voice for others and look out for their fellow residents.

The pilot project has been set up in partnership between Wigan Council and Thrive CIC, working with other groups, services and individuals across the borough, aiming to ‘guard people to be safe’.

Thrive CIC is a disability service, supporting adults with learning difficulties in the community.

Rob, who has Down’s syndrome, was initially helped to gain work at The Brocket Arms by Wigan Council Supported Employment Service, supporting people with a disability or long-term health condition to gain and sustain paid employment.

Rob has since been an independent employee for much of his 16 years’ service at the pub and hotel.

Hotel manager Laura said: “When Rob is not at work (helping out in the hotel, as well as working in the pub’s kitchen), he takes part in a council-run group where they sing, dance and perform.

“Rob was part of a performance showcasing this new project to local services, and we are all so proud that he has been picked as a champion for our area for the new WhatsUp Champion Project scheme.”

Laura continued: “The initiative is aimed at all people, like Rob, who use the service – and the champions are chosen to support other individuals.

“In his role as champion, he is also there to help other service users to gain confidence in talking about any worries which they have, yet are not confident enough to talk to other people.

“Rob is there to help those people, who need it, to have a voice.”