Thank you for caring Salford
Life in Salford 29 • June 2020 2
This print issue of Life in Salford went to print Tuesday 26 May, as the country began moving into the next stages of living with coronavirus. This digital version was published 8 June with additional information that was current at that time. For the latest Coronavirus updates please follow www.salford.gov.uk and the council’s main Facebook and Twitter accounts for current guidance. We are experiencing unprecedented times and the magazine reports on how Salford responded to the coronavirus pandemic challenges, celebrates our community spirit and looks ahead.
Life online – stay in touch Did you know you can read Life in Salford online just as you would the print magazine? You’ll find more stories and a report on how Salford City Council has responded to the coronavirus pandemic. https://issuu.com/salfordcouncil/docs/how_salford_ responded You can also catch up with Life magazines from the last two years – and if there’s a website mentioned just click on the link and it will take you straight there. Check it out at https://issuu.com/salfordcouncil/docs
Remembering those lost Salford Council has an online book of remembrance to honour the memories of people who have died from coronavirus. The virtual book allows people to post information about their loved ones and upload photos of them if they wish. Please visit www.salford.gov.uk/remember
Safe streets save lives in Salford The Safe Streets Save Lives initiative will support social distancing on our streets and roads as well as encouraging more walking and cycling as we recover from the coronavirus pandemic. Changes will include temporary measures such as the widening of pavements, reducing through traffic on certain roads, adding extra cycle facilities and removing street ‘clutter’ like pedestrian guard rails. The changes will also enable social distancing for safe essential journeys such as going to work, doing shopping or taking exercise. These emergency changes will also help give people more space at locations such as areas outside shops, transport hubs or routes to hospitals. The project will be funded through the Greater Manchester Mayor's Cycling and Walking Challenge Fund. Salford City Council recently asked for your views in an online consultation and is now reviewing all the feedback received. We will be implementing the new measures as soon as possible. To keep up to date with the latest news, visit www.salfordliveablestreets.commonplace.is/news
Top tips to keep cycling safe • • • • • •
Get a bike that fits you and is enjoyable to ride. Check your bike is working properly before setting off. Ride with confidence and respect other road users. Be seen - wear something bright, check reflectors and have lights in the dark. Plan your route and try off road routes such as segregated cycle ways. Always lock your bike in a visible location by the frame and ideally the front wheel too.
www.salford.gov.uk/cycling - details about cycling and cycle routes in Salford. www.tfgm.com/cycling - links to cycle maps, courses, maintenance tips and more. www.britishcycling.org.uk/commuting - how to improve your cycle commute.
Life in Salford 29 • June 2020 3
City Mayor Paul Dennett
The Spirit of Salford shines through Salford’s amazing community spirit has been in abundance in recent months. Front line workers, volunteers, charity workers, people who look out for their neighbours, leave thank you notes for essential workers or do something for your community – you are all Spirit of Salford heroes. From the bottom of my heart I would like to thank every resident of our city for the way you have responded to the challenges faced by the coronavirus pandemic. In April we shared on social media CCTV footage of empty streets as we as a city stayed home – a testament to your resolve. Many people in Salford have lost loved ones to this deadly virus and we feel your loss. The Spirit of Salford Network and helpline was launched within days of the coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown to support selfisolating vulnerable residents. This saw volunteers, councillors, council employees and partner organisations such as Salford Community and Voluntary Services (CVS), work together to get help to those that need it. We have seen thousands of food packages delivered, essential shopping done and prescriptions picked up for people who have had to stay at home because of their age or health. Council employees who normally manage events turned their hands to coordinating a food hub with boxes of essential groceries. The Spirit of Salford is exactly what this great city is about. I would like to pay special thanks to those who continued to
work out and about in our communities, putting themselves at risk throughout this pandemic. The NHS, social care and essential workers as well as volunteers focused tirelessly on helping those who needed it most and keeping this city moving. We would also like to thank the shop workers, drivers and delivery people who have been so busy. In times of crisis like this it becomes clear how much society relies on things we take for granted. Never before in my lifetime has the national spotlight shone so much on the people who empty bins, look after the vulnerable, work in supermarkets and transport goods. Until a vaccine is available then testing, tracing and selfisolation in some cases will remain part of our lives as will social distancing and restricting contact for vulnerable people. Our resources have been and continue to be stretched as we continue to deliver our essential services and respond to reopening services and being prepared for further outbreaks. Since 2010, we have lost over 50% of our budget and we are lobbying hard to hold the government to its promise to refund to local authorities the costs of responding to the coronavirus pandemic. We are working as a city to help support those areas of our economy going back to work and I would ask you to support local businesses which are struggling to return to activities. If you need support while self-isolating visit www.salford.gov.uk/spiritofsalford or call The Spirit of Salford helpline on 0800 952 1000.
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Supporting our care homes
during coronavirus (COVID-19) As Salfordians continue to work hard to keep themselves Life in our care homes and each other safe from coronavirus, we pay tribute Care Home manager Amanda Collins to our care homes who have worked through the most tells us more about challenging of times to keep their elderly and vulnerable life for residents and staff at The residents healthy and happy. Broughtons Care
Home throughout the coronavirus Amanda Collins pandemic. “Despite this being the most challenging time for both staff and residents there has been a strong sense of camaraderie, with everyone pulling together as a team. Everybody is determined to do their absolute best to fight this terrible virus,” she said. “I have been so proud of my staff, how they have cooperated and continuously put the residents first. “My staff have also worked really hard to create some really special moments for our residents. One gentleman tested positive for coronavirus and was transferred to Salford Royal. After a short stay in hospital he was re-tested and was negative so he was discharged home. Our staff gave him a lively homecoming celebration. Another resident also beat coronavirus. Her isolation period ended on VE Day so we celebrated this with her in the garden with an afternoon tea. “There have been lovely gifts for staff from the local community, which have been gratefully received. We’ve also had lots of support from the local health and social care organisations and Salford Care Homes Practice.”
The Salford Care Homes Practice team
Working in care
Caring for the care homes The Salford Care Homes Practice was established in 2009 to provide a GP service to residents living in the city’s care homes. The practice, which is now run by Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, has 1,100 registered patients. The practice team consists of GPs, Consultant Nurse Practitioners, a Dementia Specialist Nurse, Practice Nurse and medicines management professionals. Rather than having to liaise with numerous GP practices for their residents, Salford care homes benefit from a single contact point with quick access to a highly skilled and specialised team. Dr Khalid Alshawy, Lead GP, has worked at the Care Homes Practice for 10 years. He said: “I have seen many changes in how we deliver care to the most vulnerable people in our society. “I feel privileged to work with such a brilliant, hardworking and dedicated team supporting the carers and residents in care homes across Salford.” Like many teams within health and social care, the Salford Care Homes Practice has adapted its way of working during the coronavirus pandemic, introducing virtual appointments to continue close contact with their patients and their relatives and carers. Volunteer drivers are helping to speed up the delivery of prescriptions to the pharmacy at Salford Royal and in urgent cases can deliver medications back to a care home within the hour.
Extra care home heroes are always needed – and there are always opportunities. Working in a care home can feel like being part of a large family or a small community. You’ll get to know each resident and provide them with friendship, familiarity, emotional support and company, making sure each person is well cared for and has their needs met. If you’re helping the person at home with their every-day tasks, you’ll have a chance to chat and build a relationship. This is an important part of the job as it makes the care you give more personal. If you’re working in supported living, you’ll be making sure people with learning disabilities are safe and well. Whatever branch of care you choose – you’ll be making a difference. See Page 14 for how to find your perfect job.
Supporting our care homes Most of the city’s care and residential homes are independent providers, supported by health and social care bodies across the city, including Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Salford City Council and NHS Salford Clinical Commissioning Group. The organisations introduced early testing of care home residents with symptoms of coronavirus and offered testing for health and social care staff and their families ahead of the national scheme.
They’ve provided constant advice and support through daily contact with care homes, helping them maintain their stock of PPE equipment and offering financial and practical support to bring in additional nursing and domestic staff where necessary. They have also provided iPads and technology support so residents can keep in touch with their families. Salford Royal’s Director of Adult Social Care, Cath Gormally said: “The city’s care homes have risen to the
challenge of ensuring their residents and their loved ones continue to receive the best care and experience Cath Gormally through the most difficult of times. We’ve got a strong track record of partnership working in Salford and we will all continue to keep on supporting them to do that.”
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Get the treatment you need The coronavirus pandemic has resulted in a sharp drop in people accessing NHS services for a range of conditions not related to the pandemic. If you need medical help, the NHS is still here for you. The NHS is still very much up and running. It’s vital we continue to look after our health and seek medical advice as soon as possible if, for example, you find a lump or have a mole you are concerned about. The NHS is working hard to respond to the coronavirus outbreak in Salford, while at the same time ensuring essential services such as A&E departments, stroke and heart attack care and paediatrics continue to operate. GPs and hospital doctors are holding many appointments via telephone so you do not need to visit in person. Other safety measures include strict social distancing at healthcare sites and the use of personal protective equipment by staff. If you need medical help from your GP practice, contact them either online, by an app or by phone to be assessed. If you need urgent medical help, go to https://111.nhs.uk/ If you cannot get help online, call 111. If it’s a serious or life-threatening emergency call 999. If you are told to go to hospital it is important that you go to hospital. You should continue to attend your appointments, unless you have been told not to attend.
Prescriptions You can order your repeat prescriptions on the NHS App or through your GP surgery or pharmacy’s online service, where available. If you need to collect a prescription and have coronavirus symptoms or are self-isolating at home, arrange for a friend, relative or volunteer to collect for you. To maintain supplies to everyone who needs them, only order repeat prescriptions in your usual quantities at the usual time.
Routine vaccinations It is important that you or your baby or child still have routine vaccinations. They protect against serious and potentially deadly illnesses and stop outbreaks in the community. If the person needing vaccination has coronavirus symptoms or is selfisolating because someone in the household is displaying symptoms, contact your GP practice for advice
Pregnant women If you are pregnant it is important you still attend your antenatal appointments and continue seeking advice from your midwife/maternity team. If you are worried about your health or the health of your unborn baby, contact your midwife or maternity team.
Life in Salford 29 • June 2020 7
CORONAVIRUS
SELF-ISOLATE
WHEN ALERTED If you’re told you have been exposed to an infected person you must self-isolate for 14 days. PLAY YOUR PART. PROTECT YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY. nhs.uk/coronavirus or call 119
pirit of Salford
Life in Salford 29 • June 2020 8
Spirit of Salford shines through Salford’s amazing community spirit has shone through in the city’s time of need. Spirit of Salford helpline
June hours: Monday to Friday 8.30am to 6pm, Sat 9am to 1pm.
The Spirit of Salford helpline has provided a lifeline to isolated people without family or friends to support them. From delivering food boxes and essential medication to dog walking and regular Stay in Touch wellbeing chats, staff from Salford City Council, Salford Community Leisure, NHS Salford Clinical Commissioning Group, Citizens Advice Salford, Salford Connexions and local volunteers organised by Salford CVS have helped thousands of people.
Connect Youth and Community Centre
Dancing with Dementia volunteers
swapped lunches for virtual arts, crafts and singing and phoned and sent cards to their members who live alone.
delivered cooked meals to group members and PPE and toiletries to care homes.
Cycling projects created a free bike hire scheme for NHS staff at Salford Royal and offered adapted bikes to people with disabilities to exercise.
Salford Foundation’s Digital Buddies scheme
links young and old to help people use technology. Tommy, 16, helped Irene, 69, set up email, PayPal for online shopping and Zoom video calls to stay close to family.
Mustard Tree volunteers The Federation of Jewish Services (The Fed) took on 100 extra volunteers to manage a 58% increase in calls and provide telephone and practical support to vulnerable people. Spirit of Salford
Spirit of Salford
have been running a food pantry and delivering emergency food parcels.
Emmaus Salford
provides a home and meaningful work to help people overcome homelessness. Members are keeping affordable supermarket Lucie’s Pantry running. Spirit of Salford
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African Rainbow Family volunteers helped asylum seekers buy essentials and ran online activities to support their 500 members.
Social adVentures volunteers have cooked 600 meals a week for NHS frontline staff, provided childcare for key workers, delivered food parcels and supported local families.
Salford Food Share Network and Salford Community and Voluntary Services (CVS) Food Response Fund
Banana Enterprise Network, which helps
people overcome barriers to self-employment, donated care packages to single parents and low income families.
Sian, a volunteer with Visit from the Stork CIC, which has helped over 250 families, cycled from Salford to Stockport to deliver baby essentials to a new mum.
awarded over £100,000 to food banks, clubs and services, boosted by donations from the AJ Bell Trust, NHS Salford Clinical Commissioning Group and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.
Music, meditation, creative writing online, shopping and phone calls – just some of the ways
Age UK Salford staff and volunteers are keeping
in touch with vulnerable people.
Salford Citizen’s Advice’s new virtual call centre offers welfare advice and helps people claim Universal Credit and reach local food banks.
Local artist Emma Evans used Monton shop windows to thank key workers.
The Belt and Road Association (UK), which represents over 100 Greater Manchester-based Chinese import/ export and transport companies, donated 120,000 facemasks to Salford. Alan Lin, Vice Director, said: “Our members have family here. Many of our children were born here. This is our country and we care.”
Wellbeing champion Celine switched to dog walking to help.
Salford’s Healthy Holiday £30 voucher scheme
is providing essential baby supplies.
to help families claiming/eligible for free school meals with the cost of summer holiday food is back. See www.salford.gov.uk/coronavirus for details. Spirit of Salford
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Salford Baby Bank run by the Daughters of Salford charity Women with Wings have helped families across Salford with food and care parcels
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Life in Salford 29 • June 2020 10
If you need help with digital skills
Phil Leonard, a special sergeant with Greater Manchester Police, whose Salford factory normally makes textiles for film and tv productions, switched to producing free face masks, headbands and uniform washbags for local key workers.
Great Places housing association donated £4,000 to The Spirit of Salford scheme to support vulnerable people. Head of Neighbourhoods Anila Khalid said: “Salford City Council was one of the most proactive local authorities in Greater Manchester in responding to this crisis and we were involved from the start.”
Youth workers from Salford City Council started SPY, a virtual youth club after young people said they missed their weekly sessions. They’re also running a weekly book club, daily quizzes and art and creative writing challenges for a future exhibition. To join in see @spy_M27 on Instagram, the Deans Youth Club on Facebook or email kath.pollit@salford.gov.uk
check out Make it Click at makeitclick.learnmyway.com/ directory part of Salford’s Digital You programme to help residents get online with partners Good Things Foundation. Visit www.salford.gov.uk/digitalyou Local businesses are being asked to donate unwanted items such as smartphones, laptops and sim cards to help digitally excluded households. Visit www.futuredotnow.uk/ devicesdotnow to see details.
Teams of NHS and council workers gave up their Easter weekend to set up a drive-through testing centre at the A J Bell Stadium in just 24 hours. It tests staff working in social care, the NHS and Salford City Council. The centre tests people with early signs of symptoms and their families to reduce the spread of the virus and keep essential staff in work.
Salford City Council’s bereavement services team has introduced live online
streaming of funerals at Agecroft Crematorium to support people.
It has been a busy time for Salford City Council:*
£
Business Figures April 2020 Over £24m in business rate grants paid out in April
Over 2,000 grant payments were made to help businesses in April
Salford gin distilleries Zymurgorium and 4Sisters switched to producing hand sanitiser for the public sector and local charities.
Financial help Salford Assist, the council’s emergency support scheme continues to provide food and fuel vouchers for people in crisis and direct them to further help. The council’s welfare rights and debt advice team is helping people navigate the benefits system and deal with debt, providing advice by phone and email. See useful contacts for details or visit www.salford.gov.uk/betteroff for online assistance. Anyone struggling to pay council tax can seek help at www.salford.gov.uk/backontrack to discuss changes to payment plans or check entitlement to benefits.
Salford household waste and recycling centres are open For the latest information please see www.salford.gov.uk/tips
Welfare rights and debt advice service Advised 400 people about their benefit entitlements and debts between March and April.
Spirit of Salford helpline
Any business which has not yet applied should check eligibility and apply online at www.salford.gov.uk/cvbusiness
Figures March – May 2020
Environment
9,667 number of calls 2,000 food boxes to Spirit of Salford helpline delivered
Figures April 2020
8,354 calls made to shielded people
1,187,000 waste and 9,679 recycling bins emptied
30,000
litter bins emptied Spirit of Salford
tonnes of waste and recycling collected
Spirit of Salford
2,300 Salford Assist food and fuel vouchers given out.
* figures correct at time of going to print 26 May. Spirit of Salford
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Life in Salford 29 • June 2020 11
Showing appreciation for the NHS Over the last few months, clapping has sounded out across the country as people show their appreciation for keyworkers each Thursday at 8pm. Members of the Gypsy and Irish Traveller community went one step further by donating 40 pizzas to hardworking frontline staff at Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust. A resident of Salford’s Duchy Road Caravan Park, who helped to organise the donation, said: “Everyone on the park wanted to show how grateful we are for the hard work the NHS staff are doing. We thought organising a pizza delivery would be the best way to say thanks.” Warren Carlon, communities’ service director for Salix Homes which manages the site, said: “The Spirit of Salford is alive and well even in these challenging times and the generosity of the residents of the Duchy Road Caravan Park is just another shining example of this.”
Dana and Lindsey’s gesture has generated some great comments on social media. Here’s just a small sample - well done ladies! Nice one ladies! Well done so proud of you.
Inspiring! Thank you, ladies. Love it. Well done, ladies.
Absolutely amazing, girls. Well done. Wonderful, well done.
Aw, brilliant!
Being good neighbours People across Salix Homes neighbourhoods have been displaying the Spirit of Salford by stepping forward to help vulnerable people in their community. Dana Wrigley and Lindsey Bester from Ordsall were shopping in their local Sainsbury’s when they noticed an elderly man struggling to find anything to fill his basket. Dana and Lindsey offered to do his shopping for him once the store had been restocked in the evening. They took his address and found out that he lived in one of Salix Homes' sheltered schemes. As elderly people were starting to be encouraged to self-isolate, Dana and Lindsey knew others living in the sheltered scheme would be struggling to get their shopping. After asking for donations on Facebook, they were flooded with offers of food and supplies for the residents. Lee Sugden, CEO of Salix Homes said: “Thanks to the generosity of local residents donating food and supplies, Dana and Lindsey have been able to make two drop offs a week to the scheme. “Dana and Lindsey’s act of kindness is just one example of the Spirit of Salford. Scores of local people have been donating their time and resources to help vulnerable people in their communities. It’s stories like these that makes Salix Homes proud to be a part of the Salford community.”
Useful contacts The Spirit of Salford Helpline 0800 952 1000 www.salford.gov.uk/spiritofsalford Salford welfare rights advice call 800 345 7375 Monday to Friday 10am to 12 noon. Debt advice call 0800 345 7323 Mondays and Wednesdays 1pm to 4pm Or visit www.salford.gov.uk/advice Salford Citizen’s Advice call 0300 3309 074, 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday https://salfordcab.org.uk/ Salford Credit Union contact them online through www.salfordcreditunion.com or phone 0161 686 5880 between 10am and 12 noon Monday to Friday (10am to 1pm Thursdays) Give your time or donate to foodbanks through www.salfordcvs.co.uk Help Salford 4 Good Emergency Response Fund at www.justgiving.com/campaign/salford4good Spirit of Salford
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Life in Salford 29 • June 2020 12
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Salix homes proud to support Salford £10,000 for Salford 4 Good Salix Homes is one of a number of local organisations that have donated funds to the Salford 4 Good charity. As well a monetary donation, Salix Homes also coordinated support from its suppliers including Leigh Electrical which also donated money, and Diamond Decorators and The Sure Group SureServe Foundation which donated money as well as drivers. Sue Sutton, Operations Director at Salix Homes, said, “There are over 13,600 local charities and community groups in Salford that all work hard to help improve the quality of life of the people in Salford. “During the current coronavirus pandemic many of these groups are working extra hard to support local people so we wanted to help with funding so that they can continue this crucial work. We are proud to be able to support such a worthwhile charity alongside other Salford-based businesses.”
Checking in Each week a group of Salix Homes volunteers have been making thousands of phone calls to elderly and vulnerable tenants across Salford. ICT service delivery manager Ellie Morley is part of the team making the calls, which make sure tenants have access to food and medicine and, in many cases, provide the human contact that is being missed. Ellie said: “We speak to the same people twice a week which I think helps build relationships. Some calls will last for two minutes, while others last for 15. Some people have no-one so they really look forward to chatting. During a call Ellie found out that a tenant had run out of personal health items. Ellie was able to make an emergency one-off doorstep delivery to her. Neighbourhood manager Liam Turner, who has been coordinating the calls, contacted the Spirit of Salford team to connect the tenant to the right health and social care team. Salix Homes is one of a number of Salford organisations signed up to the Spirit of Salford Network, providing targeted support to vulnerable residents across the city.
Life in Salford 29 • June 2020 13
CORONAVIRUS
STAY ALERT TO THE RISK OF INFECTION Remember it’s critical to keep washing your hands regularly for 20 seconds. For more ways to stay safe go to gov.uk/coronavirus
Life in Salford 29 • June 2020 14
A message from the BBC Philharmonic
Stay safe
If you have any of these symptoms you should test now High temperature New, continuous cough Change or loss in taste and smell
For several months now, we’ve remained apart but, through music, we’ve been able to be apart together. Through our individual performances and the multi-track pieces we’ve been able to record at home and come together as an orchestra through the magic of editing! We really look forward to sharing music with you again in person in the future - and you can still hear our broadcasts on BBC Radio 3 (tune in to the Afternoon Concert slot every day from Monday 29 June to Friday 3 July). Until we’re back together you can watch and listen to everything we’ve been up to on our website. Visit www.bbc.co.uk/philharmonic to find the #BBCPhilatHome page with links to a whole range of content - including our Sports Medley challenge for BBC Radio 5 Live and our own version of David Bowie’s Sound and Vision for 6Music. Plus - for anything else you might have missed, you can find more of our recordings on BBC Sounds. Now, more than ever, we want to keep playing for you. Stay well, stay safe and we’ll see you soon. Your friends, and your orchestra the BBC Philharmonic.
If you test positive protect your friends and family by sharing your recent close contacts with the Test and Trace service. www.gov.uk/guidance/nhs-test-and-trace-how-it-works
Life in Salford 29 • June 2020 15
ForHousing - a different kind of landlord During times like these, it’s more important than ever that we help and support residents and communities so they can stay safe and healthy in their homes. Everything we do is with health and wellbeing in mind. Together with our partners across Salford, we are working hard to make sure we help as many people as possible and assist others to keep delivering the essential services that residents and communities need. We are coordinating and delivering a volunteer medicine delivery service, in partnership with Salford CVS, which has been commissioned by NHS Salford Clinical Commissioning Group. This service provides pharmacies across Salford with additional support with the delivery of medication to those who are unable to leave their homes and have no support network able to assist. Pharmacies can contact us directly through our dedicated phone line and email address to request assistance with the collection and delivery of medication. After receiving the requests, staff from across ForHousing and volunteers from Salford CVS then travel to pick up the prescription from the pharmacy and safely deliver it to the patient’s home. Because this service is in operation, we were able to assist Salford Primary Care Together's SWEAP (Salford Wide Extended Access Pilot) collecting and delivering medications to residents who had accessed GP services over the bank holiday weekend.
We’re proud to play a part in keeping residents of Salford healthy with access to vital supplies such as medication. Working collaboratively with care we can make sure we make a real difference through these challenging times. If you would like to find out more about our services please visit www.forhousing.co.uk
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No place for hate Pendleton residents and Salford youngsters have created a video to say no to hate crime. It tells the stories of those affected by hate and explores the issue and solutions. It inspired local poet J Ahmed to write “bredjudice”. Michelle Allott, Director of Pendleton Together, said: “Keeping residents safe is at the heart of what Pendleton Together do and it was moving to hear the stories of of those who have been affected by hate. This video not only records those stories, but also shows others why they should report any crime immediately.”
Councillor David Lancaster, lead member for environment and community safety, said: “There’s no place for hate crime in Salford and it has a devastating impact on people. People should not be targeted because of their religion, ethnicity, disability, sexuality or the way they look. I’d urge anyone who sees or experiences hate crime to report it to get support and help us stamp it out.” The video, was made by young people mentored by restorative justice agency Remedi with support from Pendleton Together’s video staff.
You can report any hate crime anonymously through Crimestoppers tel 0800 555 111 or https://crimestoppers-uk.org/ or www.report-it.org.uk See the video and poem at www.pendletontogether.co.uk/hate-crime-video/
Join our care heroes in Salford
Keeping Salford residents safe If it doesn’t feel right call now Worried an adult is being abused or neglected? Call 0161 631 4777
Worried a child is being abused or neglected? Call 0161 603 4500
Outside office hours call 0161 794 8888 or in an emergency call 999 www.salford.gov.uk/keepingsafe
Salford Safeguarding Children Partnership
c i t s e m Do Abuse
can happen to anyone If you need help call the national domestic abuse helpline 24/7 on 0808 2000 247 or see www.salford.gov.uk/ domesticabuse
Are you kind and caring, patient and love working with people? Our care homes, home care and supported living need you to deliver top quality, essential care and support. You don't necessarily need experience as training will be provided. Many care providers recruit directly see greater.jobs/search-and-apply/job-details/SF-37737 Contact Salford City Council for more information at jobs@salford.gov.uk
Care home employer? Contact skillsandwork@salford.gov.uk for help with recruitment or see www.salford.gov.uk/recruitmentsupport
Life in Salford 29 • June 2020 17
Ordsall Hall Gardens Re-opened The beautiful gardens at Ordsall Hall have now re-opened. Salford’s hidden gem, the hall is the oldest building in the city and it’s gardens are the perfect place to enjoy some outdoor exercise and relaxation. The gardens at Ordsall Hall have been designed to showcase garden elements popular throughout history and likely to have featured in the Hall’s history at some point in time.
The gardens feature a late Tudor style knot garden; a traditional 20th century allotment; Herb Garden with medieval and Tudor herbs alongside those grown today; ornamental borders containing flowers cherished by the Tudors; and an orchard of historic fruit varieties. There are also a number of stone artefacts on display challenging as well. You can even take a piece of the gardens home with you as you can purchase plants via contactless payment. All visitors should continue to abide by the 2 metre social distancing rules between households. The gardens are open between 10am-12pm, Monday to Friday. Please note that there aren’t any toilets and the cafe and car park is shut with no access to the Hall itself.
Holiday help More than 1,000 Salford families will get help to feed their children over the school summer holidays. Salford City Council is relaunching its healthy holiday voucher scheme for families where children are eligible for or normally receive free school meals. Families can apply for shopping vouchers worth £30 per child to help towards the cost of extra food over the school summer holidays. The shopping vouchers are enough to provide a daily lunch of sandwiches, soup and fruit for children. The scheme ran for the first time last year, as part of a range of holiday activities which also included free healthy lunches. Last year over 1,600 families applied for the vouchers alone. The initiative is being run under the Salford Assist scheme which helps people in crisis. Anyone who applies can also ask for further help from debt advice to benefit checks to make sure they are receiving all the money they are entitled to. To apply please see www.salford.gov.uk/summervouchers
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Staying well If you want to lose weight, stop smoking and improve your health, Salford City Council’s health improvement service is here to help. The service has put its community groups on pause for now – but has launched Health Improvement Connect. It will use every means it can, from What’s App, Zoom, Facebook and email to phone support or even posting information to your home to carry on supporting people. There’s a full range of activities from live cook along healthy eating sessions to gardening groups. Call the Spirit of Salford Helpline on 0800 952 1000 or email health. improvement@salford.gov.uk or visit www.salford.gov.uk/his
Keep active
Stop smoking
It’s really important to keep moving and even a small amount of activity can lift your spirits and boost your mental health.
There’s never been a better time to stop as smokers are at higher risk of more at risk from serious complications of coronavirus.
Twenty to 30 minutes a day or 150 minutes a week of exercise which leaves you just slightly out of breath is recommended but if you’re not used to this level of activity build up slowly. Walking is an easy way to do this and you can work it into your day in 10 minute bursts. Taking a daily walk helps you get fitter and stronger and helps lower your blood pressure. Join in the walk everyday programme and share your step count. If you’re looking to improve your mobility, gently tone and strengthen your muscles and try to prevent falls, ask for their easy exercises which you can do sitting in a chair. Or if you’re looking for something more challenging the couch to 5K group will help you go from sofa surfer to runner. There are also virtual exercise classes and a cycling group with expert advice to help you ride safely.
Smoking damages your lungs, increases your risk of respiratory diseases and weakens your immune system, making it harder to fight infections. It also raises your chance of developing heart disease and various cancers. Smoking exposes you to around 4,000 chemicals and reduces the oxygen in your blood which affects your skin. You’re also burning through money. Based on a pack of cigarettes costing £10.04, 20-a-day smokers can expect to spend £3,664 per year and 40-a-day smokers will spend £7,329 per year. Salford City Council’s stop smoking service can tailor support to meet your needs and help you plan to quit and achieve your goals. Staff can offer podcasts, video conferencing, regular emails, telephone support and prescriptions for nicotine replacement therapy including patches, gum or nasal sprays. www.salford.gov.uk/stopsmoking
Life in Salford 29 • June 2020 19
Step away from the fridge
Need more ideas?
Being at home makes it easy to eat more and get a nasty shock when we step on the scales. If you want to make long-term changes and improve your health the Weigh Ahead programme can help. You’ll get full support to make small but significant alterations to the way you eat and to help keep you motivated to maintain these new habits. This is about long term changes that you can keep up, not quick fixes.
For more advice and tips for improving your physical and mental health, losing weight, drinking less alcohol and stopping smoking please visit: www.nhs.uk/oneyou www.nhs.uk/change4life www.nhs.uk/live-well www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters
We will walk 500 miles – and we will walk 500 more Young people and youth workers in Salford have put their best foot forward to ‘walk’ to the city’s German twin town without leaving home. The group is aiming to walk or cycle 506 miles or just over 814 kilometres – the distance from Salford Civic Centre, Swinton to the town of Lünen. The group are logging their daily exercise distances on Strava a until they all add up to a completed challenge. They logged over 400 kilometres in the first week. Deputy City Mayor Councillor John Merry said it was a fantastic idea.
“It’s just another example of the creative ways our youth workers have responded to the pandemic,” he said. Councillor Derek Antrobus, lead member for planning and sustainable development, who champions town twinning, said to do the walk in reality would take 130 hours and include a ferry ride to Holland. “Our twin towns links were born from the desire for peace after the Second World War and have remained strong for many decades. It is nice to see our young people recognising and celebrating that connection,” he said. Youth Mayor Rose Palmer said the group should ‘reach’ Lünen easily and are already considering their next virtual challenge – walking and cycling round all Salford’s twin towns. “We’ve really got into this and we’re already talking about mapping routes to Clermont-Ferrand, Narbonne and Saint-Ouen in France,” she said. You can see the group’s progress at www.strava.com/clubs/665072?utm_ source=com.google.android.gm&utm_medium=referral
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Salford’s digital success Salford’s creative, can-do spirit swung into action when coronavirus (COVID-19) came along. With the biggest cluster of digital businesses outside London and a council that won digital Council of the Year in 2019, it’s no surprise we turned to technology to keep vital support going.
Staying active Eighty six year old Sylvia Billington from Wardley thought her weekly class would stop but Salford Community Leisure staff had other ideas. The Active Lifestyles team, which supports up to 800 older people, created their own exercise videos and phoned clients to encourage them to carry on exercising. They send out regular newsletters and are now planning live online sessions. Sylvia was referred to the postural stability class by her GP to recover from a broken hip and try to prevent further falls. “I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is not sure about their balance. It is a fantastic way to boost confidence and a great social activity. I really miss people from the group,” said Sylvia. “I am trying to keep active doing my exercises and I walk up and down my garden path to be ready to come back to the class. I’m also very grateful for the instructor’s catch up calls that keep me motivated.” Ninety one year old William Lomax from Worsley is also enjoying the new routine. “I’m keeping my exercises up, breaking them down into bits but I do them all for a total of around half an hour every day. I’m very happy and will be glad to be back at the class,” he said. Agnes Michalska, active lifestyles support officer, added: “Everyone who attends the classes receives a booklet of exercises so the videos, calls and newsletter supplement those. The positive feedback has been really rewarding.”
Sylvia
Agnes
Life in Salford 29 • June 2020 21
Florence is a superhero
Florence
Two year old Florence hasn’t missed out on vital support either. Florence and her mum April receive help at home from Salford City Council’s portage service for young children with additional needs and/or a disability. The service supports children’s learning and development through play and fun activities and works with other professionals to meet children’s needs Portage home visitor Paula Watt said switching to virtual visits meant she and mum April could pick up where they left off before isolation. “I was able to see Florence once again. Our discussions about play resumed and April told me about what she had done with Florence, including an online event organised by Derian House children’s hospice where she dressed Florence as a superhero seizure fighter,” she said. “We document all Florence’s achievements so I’ve saved the photographs April has sent me to add to her book. We have also invited Florence’s teacher, who works with visually impaired children, to meetings to plan some joint targets as we used to do.”
Write on A writing group at Age UK Salford has gone online to keep up the good work. SWit'CH which stands for Swinton Writers in’t Critchley House) normally meets at the Critchley Community Hub, Chorley Road, Swinton. Now they’re using video conferencing to socialise and carry on writing. The group is led by Bill Cameron who supports information technology groups and who has been volunteering at Critchley House for five years. Each week members of the group are set a task and read out their work the following week. Previous challenges have including commemorating the 250th anniversary of William Wordsworth’s birth with a poetry session and celebrating the birthday of William Shakespeare. Last year the group compiled an anthology of short stories called Peterloo People to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Peterloo Massacre. To join the group please email nicholaswettenham@ageuksalford.org.uk
Inspiring Communities Together helped Salford Royal’s dementia unit set up virtual visiting to keep families connected while the unit is closed to visitors.
Learning online Inspiring Communities Together was helping older Salfordians learn digital skills through Tech and Tea sessions in the community. Now they’re helping people master video conferencing so they can continue the course online. People have used their new digital skills to stay in touch with family and friends, share messages and photographs and keep up with the latest news and information. Tech and Tea is a five-week, low level digital skills programme delivered by Inspiring Communities Together and funded by Salford City Council and Salford Clinical Commissioning Group. In the last five years the organisation has delivered more than 260 courses involving 2,000 people supported by a paid tutor and volunteer wellbeing champions. Their next course starts on Monday 25 June. For more information call Matt (Salford CVS), tel 07564 124 991 Monday, Wednesday, Friday 2pm to 4pm or Jo Inspiring Communities Together, tel 07375 924 424 Tuesday and Thursday 10am to 2pm or visit www.inspiringcommunitiestogether.co.uk
Life in Salford 29 • June 2020 22
Keeping Salford safe Despite the challenges of coronavirus, members of Salford’s Community Safety Partnership have continued their vital work to keep the city safe. The Partnership brings together a range of agencies which each play a part in reducing crime and disorder. These include Salford City Council, Greater Manchester Police, the NHS, local housing associations and criminal justice services including probation and youth offending.
Open water swimming is dangerous Hot weather can make swimming in open water seem like an attractive way to cool down but it is the wrong thing to do. Jumping in cold water sends the body into shock leaving you struggling to move, gasping for breath and at risk of taking water into your lungs. It can also cause heart attacks even in young people. Under the surface there can be all sorts of hazards. That’s why we ask everyone – adults and young people – not to get involved in any unsupervised, unsafe swimming at lakes, ponds, canals, reservoirs or the basins at Salford Quays. With coronavirus restrictions limiting schools and indoor activities, your children will have more time on their hands so please make sure you talk to them about keeping safe and water safety. We’re supporting Greater Manchester’s annual #Safe4Summer campaign, which aims to prevent anti-social behaviour and keep young people safe throughout the summer. Find out more here: www.safe4summer.com
Life in Salford 29 • June 2020 23
Project Gulf Tackling organised crime…………….. Salford was the first city in the country to pioneer a new approach to tackling organised crime and gangs. Project Gulf, set up over 10 years ago, brought together the council, police and up to 20 other agencies to gather and share information which could be used to disrupt criminal activities and make life difficult for perpetrators. At the same time, Gulf focused on steering young people away from crime and into better life choices. It’s an approach that has been expanded to cover Greater Manchester and copied around the country. Running alongside Gulf is Greater Manchester Police’s Operation Naseby which, by January this year had arrested 200 people for a variety of offences and recovered 13 guns and £3 million worth of drugs. During lockdown the police have added a disruption hub to the operation, using information to precisely target criminals. Since April officers have made 56 arrests, which includes 13 people who were recalled to prison and secured two convictions with more pending. Thirty seven cars were seized, including seven which had been stolen and searches of homes found a cannabis farm, drugs, bullets and weapons including crossbows and blades. Officers also seized £30,000 in cash and luxury items including a Rolex watch and designer clothes seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.
Councillor David Lancaster, lead member for environment and community safety, said: “I welcome any initiatives which strengthen the work of Project Gulf and send the clearest message possible to these people that they are not wanted nor welcome in our city and we will do all we can to put an end to their activities. “If anyone has information which can support that please contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or report it online at crimestoppers-uk.org It is completely confidential and you will be helping to build a better future for our city
……………. and building a better future for young people Young people are going from arrests to apprenticeships thanks to Project Gulf. STEER, run by Salford Foundation and funded by Gulf and its Greater Manchester counterpart Project Challenger is one of a number of ways to encourage young people away from a life of crime. The project helps young people at risk of being drawn into crime or who have already been arrested for anti-social behaviour or theft. Coaches work with young people on anger management and resisting peer pressure which often leads them into trouble and encourage them to set new goals and get involved in positive activities such as sport. They also meet people who have served time in jail to hear about the realities of prison and a life of crime.
Put the brakes on Tackling illegal motorcycle and off-road bike riders is one area where partnership working pays off. It becomes more of a nuisance in the summer months but there are ways to put the brakes on. Using Salford City Councils anti-social behaviour reporting form means complaints are captured in one central point, making it easier to use the council’s CCTV network to monitor hotspots, capture footage and take action.
Information from the public has helped the police seize and destroy illegal bikes. You can see what information police and partners need to take action against those who ride off-road bikes illegally at www.gmp.police.uk/offroadbikes If you have any information please report it online, even if you have already reported it elsewhere, at contactus.salford.gov.uk/?formtype=ANTISB
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The latest Coronavirus update – 1 June On 1 June the government changed guidance for people living in England. This is a summary of just some of the key points.
2m
It is vitally important to keep two metres away from anyone outside your household.
You can •
•
spend time outdoors, including private gardens and other outdoor spaces, in groups of up to six people from different households, following social distancing guidelines – staying 2 metres apart visit car showrooms and outdoor markets
It is still important not to • •
use an outdoor gym or playground in our parks gather outdoors in a group of more than six (excluding members of your own household) The more people you have interactions with, the more chance the virus has to spread. Please spend as much time at home as possible. Outside please limit the number of people you see over short periods of time. If you are showing coronavirus symptoms, or if you or any of your household are self-isolating, for example if you have been contacted as part of the Test and Trace programme, you should stay at home.
The six people rule You can meet in a group of up to six people, including children, if you are outdoors. You should ensure you stay at least 2 metres away from the people you do not live with. There is no limit to the size of a gathering in an outdoor space if you are all members of the same household. You can spend time in gardens and other private outdoor spaces such as yards in a group of up to six people from different households – as long as you remain two metres apart. You should not go indoors unless you need the toilet or are passing through to access the garden. Avoid touching surfaces and if you use the toilet wash your hands thoroughly, wipe down surfaces, use separate or paper towels and wash or dispose of them after use. Please don’t share equipment such as paddling pools.
The latest information can be found at www.salford.gov.uk where you will find a link to a handy government frequently asked questions.
Life in Salford 29 • June 2020 25
CORONAVIRUS
STAY ALERT TO STAY SAFE
To control the risk of infection: Stay home as much as possible Limit contact with other people Keep washing hands regularly For more ways to stay safe go to gov.uk/coronavirus
Life in Salford 29 • June 2020 26
Household waste and recycling centres updates
YES Garden waste, general waste, small bulky items, wood, scrap metal cardboard and rubble Cars, small vans and MPVs
COMING SOON
(dates will be on our website) In June - carpets, electrical items, tyres, oil, batteries, gas bottles, textiles, mattresses at Lumns Lane Recycling Centre. In July - mattresses at other sites
NO Large, bulky furniture and white goods (such as fridges or washing machines) Transit vans or vehicles with trailers
DON’T FORGET Stay away if you’re isolating or have coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms. Maintain social distancing Take proof of your address (such as recent gas, electric and council tax bills)
CHECK Latest centre opening hours The odd/even car number plate entry system has stopped, but residents are still limited to 52 visits per year. More information: www.salford.gov.uk/people-communitiesand-local-information/coronavirus/ household-waste-and-recycling-centres/ Household bins and chargeable bulky waste collections continue as normal.
Life in Salford 29 • June 2020 27
2 metres
CORONAVIRUS
STAY ALERT TO STAY SAFE
To control the risk of infection: Keep a safe distance from others Wash your hands the moment you get home For more ways to stay safe go to gov.uk/coronavirus
Life in Salford 29 • June 2020 28
RHS Garden Bridgewater opening moves to May 2021 Progress at RHS Garden Bridgewater has been affected by Covid-19 so they have postponed its opening date to Tuesday 11 May 2021. We look forward to it opening next year when it will bring a wide range of benefits to the city from economic and social to health, education, cultural, heritage and tourism. City Mayor Paul Dennett negotiated an agreement for Salford residents to enjoy free entry on Tuesdays for the first year. He said:“This is a flagship project for the city creating an outstanding asset providing a beautiful green lung connected to the Bridgewater Canal. I am proud that this will be the largest garden build in Europe, with a positive impact on local people and our city”. Visit www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/bridgewater for the latest updates.
During covid-19 we can now come to you with our brandnew Cloud Coffee and Chat sessions. We’re now offering face to face chats with a member of your locality team via video calls to replace the drop in BetterOff sessions usually held in our Gateways. It’s really easy to do. So, if you need help with rent or council tax, are struggling with money or simply don’t know where to turn, get in touch so we can help you become better off. Our advisors provide support on Council Tax, Business Rates and Benefits or we can put you in touch with a wide range of services that can help you such as housing and health and well-being. Other than having to make your own brew, it will be just the same as the Gateway sessions except in the comfort of your own home. This service has the added bonus of also offering a text type service that our advisors would be happy to show you how to use it.
Visit www.salford.gov.uk/cloudchat to book a session with your local Gateway representative, choosing a date and time to suit you. You’ll receive a confirmation email with details of how to join the session. The call will be over Microsoft Teams but you don’t need to have the app if you’re using a laptop or desktop computer - you’ll just need to click on the weblink as a guest from any device which has either Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge. If you are using a mobile device, you will need to download the Microsoft Teams app in advance, then follow the same instructions to join the meeting. As well as face to face sessions there is also a BetterOff website where you can find out if you’re entitled to benefits and apply for them online. At the click of a button, you can also find jobs, childcare, and information on debt or money management. Find out more at www.salford.gov.uk/betteroff
Life in Salford 29 • June 2020 29
Do you have room in your heart and your home for a
foster child? If you’ve been thinking of fostering for a while, now might be the right time to take that first step and start the conversation. Salford City Council is urgently looking for foster carers for babies, toddlers, children and teenagers. We need weekend respite and short-term carers, aswell as long-term carers, carers for sibling groups and children with additional needs. Our processes have been adapted so you can still apply and go through assessments and training in the current circumstances and become an approved carer in just a few months. If you can provide a happy and loving home and give a child a stable environment and the care and guidance they need, then get in touch. Call 0161 799 1268 and have a chat about fostering with one of our team. You can also find out more at www.salford.gov.uk/foster or email the team at salfordfoster@salford.gov.uk Watch our new animation featuring Adam the foster carer.
Life in Salford 29 • June 2020 30
Looking after your mental health and wellbeing Understandably, you may find social distancing boring or frustrating. You may find your mood and feelings are affected and you may feel low, worried or have problems sleeping. At times like these, it can be easy to fall into unhealthy patterns of behaviour which in turn can make you feel worse. There are simple things you can do that may help: • Look for ideas of exercises you can do at home via www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise • Spend time doing things you enjoy – this might include reading, cooking, other indoor hobbies or listening to the radio or watching TV programmes • Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, drink enough water and try to avoid smoking, alcohol and drugs • Keep your windows open to let in fresh air, get some natural sunlight if you can, or get outside into the garden You can get expert advice and tips on how to look after your mental wellbeing when you have to stay at home and guidance if you’re feeling worried or anxious about the outbreak from the ‘Every Mind Matters’ website. www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters
New mental health services in Salford A new mental health service called Beyond has launched for Salford that will help people cope through the coronavirus outbreak. You can refer yourself or anyone you know through the Spirit of Salford helpline, www.salford.gov.uk or 0800 952 1000. If you are currently using Greater Manchester Mental Health services, you can also access 24/7 support through the Spirit of Salford helpline.
Digital mental health resources Greater Manchester health and care providers and the voluntary sector are stepping up support for people with mental health needs, learning disabilities and autism during the coronavirus outbreak. Mental health services across Greater Manchester have considered the digital options available to continue to deliver care. We now have an expanded range an expanded range of digital support offers across Greater Manchester including: • Shout crisis service - a 24/7 Text Service (with trained crisis volunteers who will chat using trained techniques via text responses) • Kooth - an online counselling and emotional wellbeing platform for children and young people • Living Life to the Full - one of the world’s most used wellbeing support packages providing key information using everyday non-complex language • BlueIce - an evidenced-based app to help young people manage their emotions and reduce urges to self-harm. This is only available on prescription from a clinician working in child and adolescent mental health services • SilverCloud - an online therapy programme for adults proven to help with stress, anxiety, low-mood and depression. Find them all here: hub.gmhsc.org.uk/mental-health/ digital-mental-health-resources
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CORONAVIRUS
STAY ALERT
TO STAY SAFE Keep a safe distance from others Stay home as much as possible Keep washing your hands regularly
Life in Salford 29 • June 2020 32
SALFORD HEROES: STUDENTS ON THE FRONTLINE FIGHTING COVID-19 As the NHS continues to manage the impact of the Coronavirus, University of Salford students are at the heart of the health care response. Kerry Cain is a second-year student nurse and mother to four children – three of whom still live at home. Alongside charity work, and setting up her own sewing business, Kerry is also working 40+ hours in A&E to support the NHS during the pandemic. “I wouldn’t have it any other way. I thrive off being busy and get great satisfaction helping patients on placement and at work. I think keeping busy is my coping mechanism.”
Nathan Harrison, a second-year student nurse, has been working across A&E departments in Greater Manchester ensuring that suspected COVID-19 patients get screening, where appropriate, and the care they need to get better.
I am so grateful that I am qualifying as a nurse during a time like this and that I have had the opportunity to help during this crisis. Nathan also helps to run the University of Salford’s nursing society, supporting fellow students during the pandemic. The society has created a COVID-19 Peer Support Network on Facebook, to allow students to seek support and share their experiences. Aisha Hussein is currently in the third year of her children’s nursing degree and was recently shortlisted in the category of “Student Nurse of the Year: Children” at the prestigious Student Nursing Times Awards. Aisha said: “I am so grateful that I am qualifying as a nurse during a time like this and that I have had the opportunity to help during this crisis.”
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR COURSES
ATTEND OUR ONLINE
OPEN DAY Although we can’t welcome you on to our campus at the moment, we are holding our next Open Day online; where you can find out about our courses, meet teaching staff and hear from some of our current students.
BOOK YOUR PLACE NOW AT WWW.SALFORD.AC.UK/OPEN-DAYS
our ennetxt SATURDAY ev
20 JUNE
Life in Salford 29 • June 2020 33
