While towns in Makerfield are swarmed by politicians and the press – the streets plastered in the signs of political parties – the Three Sisters park in Wigan feels like a sanctuary of calm amid the by-election madness.
Ducklings bob across the surface of the boating lake as pensioners take refuge from the rain at The Hamlet, chatting with waiters and tucking into cake.
But even this lakeside oasis has not been immune from the political racket. A couple of weeks ago, it was thrust into the spotlight after it became the backdrop to a spat between Andy Burnham and Nigel Farage.
The experience was upsetting for managers and trainees, not least because the venue was described as a ‘community cafe’ by newspapers and social media commentators. In truth, it’s is so much more.
The community interest company is an award-winning centre for young adults with additional needs. Trainees with different needs such as down syndrome; hearing impairments; and autism develop the skills they need to live independently and get involved in the community.
“I’m not here to call out any political party,” boss Gemma Crompton told the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
“But I do think there was a lack of research about where they were going, or some ignorance about how daunting something like this can be for some of our young people.
“I didn’t want that to happen to any other organisation, that’s why I wrote a letter to Reform, so this doesn’t happen to anyone else.”
Gemma Crompton, boss of The Hamlet, Wigan. Credit: LDRS
Gemma wrote to the party after Mr Farage and his entourage descended on the site’s small cafe.
The party claimed not to have known Mr Burnham – in his role as Greater Manchester mayor rather than an election candidate – was holding a private talk with trainees in a gazebo next door to celebrate their completion of the Duke of Edinburgh award.
The encounter resulted in a fiery exchange between Mr Burnham and a national journalist that later made its way onto social media, propelling The Hamlet into the public eye – but ‘not for the right reasons’, Gemma added.
“It was overwhelming for our trainees,” she said, explaining that some have epilepsy and are sensitive to flashing lights, or can get overstimulated by large numbers of people.
“The fact that filming and photography was being carried out without permission is just not acceptable. I’ve no issue with any political party coming along if they’re genuinely curious about what we do, but I will always stick to my guns when it comes to keeping our young people safe. That’s my job, to keep our young people safe, and not being used as political pawns.”
Gemma emphasises that she’s not at all political. In fact, she’s never voted in her life. For the past 25 years she’s worked passionately and committedly as a SEND teacher. For her, the worst thing about being dragged into the spat was that the overall mission of the site became lost in translation and that the cafe was targeted by political abuse online. That mission is simple: transform lives and break down stereotypes.
“Our trainees love coming to the Hamlet because they believe they are coming to work,” Gemma added. “They have a reason to get up in the morning and have a purpose – to come and serve the community. As the hamlet has grown in the last few years, we’ve become an integral part of the local area. And we’re changing mindsets about what our young people are capable of. I always say they don’t have disabilities, but abilities.”
The site is joyous. The trainees love to chat and joke with visitors, between serving up delicious cake and beverages, or looking after the huge selection of plants.
Joe, one of the trainees, has been attending the centre since 2019, and says he was ‘nervous’ when he first started.
Joe, one of the trainees at The Hamlet, Wigan. Credit: LDRS
He said: “But I got used to everyone over time, and it was quite lovely then. We do all sorts of activities, and even day trips. It gives you confidence. I’m now an expert with computers and even write letters for the company in my spare time.
“I think [members of the public should come visit] because they’ll enjoy it.”
The centre’s name ‘the hamlet’, after a small village or collection of houses, is apt – because there’s much more to it than the cafe. Outbuildings and gardens sprawl across the grounds. There’s a shop, a printing press, a radio station, and a potting shed. There’s also a skills building, where young adults at The Hamlet learn vital skills that will one day help them live independently – from grocery shopping to ironing and keeping the house tidy.
And it’s not just trainees who learn new skills from the site. Every table in the cafe has a menu with a guide to using sign language to make your order.
There are 28 trainees at the village, ranging from 19 to 25 years old. And there have been some real success stories for Gemma, including trainees who started out having been selectively mute all the way through school, who’ve now gained a voice and feel comfortable speaking to customers.
“I’ve got a real big passion for our young people with additional needs and showcasing that they’ve got abilities not disabilities,” said Gemma, “I wanted to open something to the wider community coming in and seeing what I could see.”
Gemma wants the public to know that everyone is welcome at the cafe, regardless of political party or beliefs – as long as their intention is to come and see the work The Hamlet does, or enjoy a quiet tea by the lakeside.
“Everybody should come here,” echoes Joe, “It’s a lovely place.”
But then he has to dash off – he’s got to host a radio show.
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