Based in Liverpool, Big Help Project provides support and housing for vulnerable people across England and has now struck a sponsorship deal with Wigan Athletic FC. Tony McDonough reports

A national charity based in Liverpool will see its name on the shirts of Championship side Wigan Athletic when the new football season kicks off.

Big Help Project offers support, and now housing, to vulnerable people across England. It has struck an agreement with Wigan Athletic FC and the club’s parent company EPIC GI.

This deal will see EPIC GI “gifting” the front of shirt branding opportunity to the charity ahead of the club’s return to the EFL Championship. Wigan were the winners of League One last season.

It will establish a commitment to collaborative working between club and charity to widen access to vital services to members of the Wigan community and the surrounding areas.

Wigan Council, local politicians and business Leaders will soon be announcing a package of community initiatives. These will directly target people who are socially isolated, in need of financial inclusion support or those without access to fresh, affordable food items.

Big Help Project chief executive Peter Mitchell said: “Football helps to forge a strong sense of community and that’s what we at Big Help Project are all about. Creating strong bonds in communities to help them thrive.

“Through this partnership, we will be able to increase awareness and access to the vital services we offer, allowing us to make a tangible difference within the Wigan community. It is an honour to be associated with Wigan Athletic and together we are united in the fight to empower people out of poverty and assist them into a better future.”

Originally based in Knowsley, The Big Help Project originally delivered all the Trussell Trust foodbanks throughout the borough. It still provides those services and is now also providing housing through a new investment model.

Wigan Athletic chief executive, Mal Brannigan, added: “We are really pleased that we will be able to raise awareness for – and grow – the work of Big Help Project in Wigan through this partnership.”