Life in Salford magazine issue 34

Crowdfunding scores for rugby club Read more on page 13.

INSIDE Do you remember Middlewood? pg. 14

City firsts celebrated pg. 18

Investing in young people pg. 20

Mental health help pg. 25

COVID-19 is still with us

In this issue...

As Life goes to print (Thursday 5 August) national restrictions have been lifted but the virus is still very much with us. You are required to wear a face covering on the Metrolink network and we are asking you to continue to wear a face covering in all public indoor spaces. Please keep washing or sanitising your hands, test regularly and make sure you have both doses of the vaccination to protect yourself and your loved ones. If you feel unwell get a PCR test immediately as the virus now has a wider range of symptoms.There are changes scheduled on 16 August for self-isolation for the fully vaccinated as contacts of people who test positive. Visit www.salford.gov.uk or @SalfordCouncil on Facebook or Twitter for the latest information.

All over 18s can attend —no appointment needed!

Grab a Jab

Walk-in Covid-19 Vaccination Clinics open across Salford

Spirit of Salford carries on - First and second doses (must be 8 week gap between) F

- 16 andto 17provide year olds also eligible if they have a long-term Our Spirit of Salford helpline will continue support health are a carer (paid or unpaid) for emergencies benefits, council, tax, debt,condition housing,or rights, - Vaccinations will be on a first come, first served basis jobs, skills, training and even support if you feel isolated. You - Clinics may close early if all supply has gone can call free on 0800 952 1000 Monday to Friday 8.30am to 6pm and Saturday 9am to 1pm orGo asktofor help online at www.salfordccg.nhs.uk/live-well/covid-19-vaccine/ www.salford.gov.uk/spiritofsalford

Van Gogh Alive pg.13

covid-19-vaccine-walk-clinics or scan QR code for details

Life in Salford is online Enjoy Life in Salford online at issuu.com/salfordcouncil/docs from Monday 23 August.

Look out for extra pages on what’s happening in our great city and, if there’s a website mentioned in the story, just click the link to go straight to it.

Why not share it with family and friends outside Salford or catch up with previous editions?

For all enquiries, including large print versions of this magazine, please email letters@lifeinsalford.gov.uk Cover image: Eccles Rugby Football Team.

LIFE is managed by an editorial board made up of members of the partners, and is administered and designed by Salford City Council’s Communications Team. This edition will be distributed week commencing 23 August 2021. Printing: APS Group. Distributed to more than 130,000 households by Royal Mail and other agencies. Contact: Salford Civic Centre, Swinton, Salford, M27 5FJ. Any leaflets or flyers inserted in or distributed with this magazine do not appear with the partners (listed below) endorsement or agreement and we discourage our distributors from putting material inside your copy of LIFE IN Salford.

An electronic copy is available on www.salford.gov.uk/life

Grab a jab pg. 26

Vote for your Springboard heroes pg. 30

ON THE COVER

IN THIS ISSUE

13 Crowdfunding scores

for rugby club 14 Do you remember Middlewood?

18 City firsts celebrated 20 Investing in young people 25 Mental health help

10 Construction of 104

new homes for social rent 11 ForHousing supports communities 12 Warm Salford 16 Clean Air plan published 23 Places for Everyone -

have your say 24 Helping homeless people 25 Stay well this autumn 29 Renew shops now open

REGULARS 3 City Mayor Paul Dennett 9 Fostering 22 Salford College 28 University of Salford 32 Salford News

All enquiries including large print versions of this magazine – email lettersinlife@salford.gov.uk

This magazine is funded and produced by:

U n i v e r s i t y Te a c h i n g Tr u s t

Life in Salford 34 • August 2021 3

What an incredible city We are now in step four of the government’s COVID roadmap and I hope you are able to spend more time doing the things you love.

We are still urging everyone to be cautious as the virus continues to circulate and protect yourselves and others. Please talk to your friends and families about the importance of getting two doses of the vaccination.

I have been proud to visit groups involved in supporting vulnerable residents and families including Hatzola, the Jewish ambulance service, L’Chaim Foodbank, Aim Habonim, which provides schooling for children with special needs and the food kitchen For the Love of Food.

I also met 97 year-old Vera Green, who walked 100 metres for 100 days to raise money for the Salford Survivors Project which helps people recover from physical and mental abuse. Vera’s determination and compassion shows we can all contribute.

Vera and all these groups and organisations caring for and supporting local communities show the Spirit of Salford.

This is why we introduced Salford Crowd Funder so ideas that benefit the community can be turned into reality with match funding. Read how it helped Eccles Rugby Football Club (page 13).

Throughout this last, incredibly difficult year Salford people have gone above and beyond to help their neighbours. I have absolute faith that whatever happens in the future, this will continue. We are strongest when we act together and look out for one another.

The Spirit of Salford has also been demonstrated over recent times by many people working together to secure the future of our much loved Buile Hill mansion. The future of the mansion and the ongoing animation of Buile Hill Park, (Salford’s jewel in the crown) is looking positive due to this collective resolve and community backing and I would like to thank everyone involved.

This issue of Life in Salford provides an overview of council achievements in 2020-2021 as part of an annual report. I would like to thank everyone within the council, partners and community organisations involved in delivering our Great Eight priorities, which have been updated for 2021-2022. I look forward next year to hearing about how our actions around tackling climate change and creating vibrant local places for communities to enjoy are making a real difference.

City Mayor Paul Dennett

What matters to you?

As part of the council’s budget setting process we want to know your views.

If you want to take part, pick up a postcard at one of our Gateway buildings or Broughton Hub or tell us online at www.salford.gov.uk/matterstoyou what you love about our city and what areas of our services mean the most to you by Friday 17 September.

Life in Salford 34 • August 2021 4

1. Tackling poverty and inequality

Launched our second

three-year Tackling Poverty Strategy

– No-one Left Behind www.salford.gov.uk/your-council/thesalford-way

The council helped secure over

£5

million

in benefit payments Salford people were entitled to claim.

Over

children in Salford were identified as being in digital poverty so they struggled to learn online. Laptops were provided for some children and WI-FI vouchers or data for phones were sent out via primary and high schools.

85% to 88% - the only council in Greater Manchester to do so.

20,000

people have been helped to access emergency support.

A B C

82.7% of schools are rated as

98%

good or outstanding.

of early years settings in Salford were rated as good or outstanding.

2,000

We increased the level of council tax support for low income households from

The council helped people in crisis access emergency support via Salford Assist.

Over the last three years

2. Education and skills

Increased the number of living wage employers in Salford to

55

– lifting the pay of around

1,700

people.

COVID-19

During the pandemic the council supported schools to stay open by continuing to provide catering services, providing PPE for key workers and specialised equipment for staff working from home.

Salford held its first Learning City conference

The council launched a new online information hub called

“Back to your Future”.

#FindMyFuture.

The hub is a one stop shop to help young people in Salford aged 14 to 24 find support with training, employment, wellbeing, finance and travel.

This was a chance for people in Salford to have their say on the future of learning in Salford and hear from city leaders and the community.

A new

Digital Everyone website was launched – Salford’s one stop website to help people find courses, training and support to do more online confidently and safely. https://digitalinclusion.salford.gov.uk/

Life in Salford 34 • August 2021 5

3. Health and socialcare

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the council set up the Spirit of Salford helpline for vulnerable residents.

Since it started the helpline has responded to over

25,000

calls, co-ordinated food parcels via a food hub and organised free school meals vouchers.

During the 2020 Easter Bank Holiday weekend, a team of NHS and council workers set up an operational COVID-19 testing hub at the city’s AJ Bell Stadium in just 24 hours.

We also introduced early COVID testing of care home residents and health and social care staff ahead of the national scheme.

99% of children who are referred to the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service receive their first contact or appointment within 12 weeks. Salford is consistently in the top three performing services in Greater Manchester in terms of wait times.

We supported families in Salford with food over the school holidays through the city’s Healthy Holidays scheme.

Shopping vouchers were given to parents of children who receive free school meals and the scheme was in place well before the government’s temporary scheme.

The council’s Health Improvement Service delivered a huge campaign across all Salford neighbourhoods to try and reduce the spread of COVID-19 infection by talking to people about local restrictions and handing out face coverings and hand gel to residents. The service worked hard to help keep Salford residents healthy and well.

4. Economic development

Launched our new inclusive economy strategy Closing the divide to build an inclusive green economy for all www.salford.gov.uk/thesalfordway During the COVID-19 pandemic, the council paid out

20,357

business grants totalling over

£80 million

in government grants to Salford businesses.

Salford City Council was awarded the

Green Flag Award

for Agecroft Cemetery.

This now means we have

eight

Green Flag parks and greenspaces across the city.

Salford Crescent masterplan Plans for the

were signed off and construction has started on the North of England Robotics Centre, the Energy House and the new School of Science, Engineering and Environment. The Masterplan is a £2.5 billion 240-acre regeneration programme and one of the largest development opportunities in the country.

Despite the coronavirus pandemic, the council working with its partners, has helped companies and businesses to relocate to Salford or expand.

This has created

539

jobs with the value to the Salford economy estimated to be £39.3 million.

£99

million

of public sector and

£498

million

of private sector investment has been secured.

Life in Salford 34 • August 2021 6

5. Housing

Our Rough Sleeper initiative has also helped some of the city’s most vulnerable rough sleepers.

We have helped

84

people move into settled accommodation.

Salford has helped homeless people by providing the highest level of “A Bed Every Night” accommodation in Greater Manchester.

We have helped

145

people move into settled accommodation.

150 older and vulnerable residents

have been given help to maintain their homes in a safe, warm and dry condition.

The council has helped

800

vulnerable households to get free or socialised energy efficiency measures through the city’s

Warm Salford scheme.

In recognition of their work in cutting rough sleeping, the council’s Supported Housing team

won two awards

at the Chartered Institute of Housing Awards - Frontline Team of the Year and Support and Care Team of the Year.

By March 2021, the council’s local affordable housing company Dérive had completed 45 new build homes with another 36 to follow. Our housing partners have also committed to deliver a minimum of 1074 affordable homes up to 2022/23.

6. Transport

Salford has been given

£6 million

from the government’s Getting Building fund for work on the Port Salford rail terminal. Work has already started on site.

The Greater Manchester Mayor's Challenge Fund and £110 million of funding is delivering major schemes including Salford Central station upgrade and the Salford Bolton Network Improvement Scheme.

Around

£60 million of improvements to cycling and walking are underway across Salford as part of the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Challenge Fund.

RHS Garden Bridgewater opened in May 2021.

Over six kilometres

of walking and cycling routes to the garden and local jobs, shops and schools have been created or improved. New links to Walkden railway station, the A580 Guided Busway and Salford’s looplines will make it easier for people to walk or cycle when visiting the garden or making local trips.

Plans have been approved for a

free park and ride scheme

for Walkden rail station providing over 100 car parking spaces, electric vehicle charging points and storage for bikes.

CCTV monitoring and security and a new lift at the station are also being included.

Life in Salford 34 • August 2021 7

7. A transparent effective organisation Salford City Council was

Highly Commended

in the Local Authority of the Year category at the 2020 Municipal Journal Achievement Awards.

98.1% of our creditors are paid within 30 days, an improvement on last year’s figure of 91.4%.

The council won a national award for the

Best Learning and Development Initiative

at PPMA Excellence in People Management Awards 2020 for our Digital Eagles programme which trained employees to help others with digital skills.

99.8% of customers were satisfied with our births, marriages and deaths registration service.

The national target is 95%.

Despite the impact of COVID-19 the council managed to agree a

balanced budget – no additional savings needed to be made.

8. Social impact

128

new apprenticeships have been provided by the council.

In 2020 Salford City Council was ranked in the top 100 apprenticeship employers nationally by the National Apprenticeship Awards.

Salford City Council declared a climate emergency in 2019. We have introduced a

Climate Action board and formed

specific groups to develop actions around buildings, housing, culture change and transport.

Salford’s aim is to be carbon neutral by 2038

Launched

Crowdfund Salford

to help local projects find the funding and support they need to turn their ideas into a reality. www.crowdfunder.co.uk/funds/Salford

56%

of the council’s direct procurement spend is with local suppliers based in Salford.

47.35%

of all household waste is now sent for recycling, reuse or composting – an increase on

46.87% last year.

In response to the pandemic, the council set up a

workforce planning hub

to maintain essential services by redeploying workers and securing additional workers to meet the increased needs of local residents.

The council held its second

Spirit of Salford Community Awards.

The awards this year paid a special tribute to all those individuals, groups and public services who made a great difference during the COVID-19 pandemic. www.spiritofsalfordawards.info

Life in Salford 34 • August 2021 8

Covid-19 is still very much with us.

That’s why it’s important to get two doses of the vaccine and self-isolate if necessary What you need to know about isolation

YES

Yes you must isolate if you have symptoms. Please book a PCR test to check. Stay home and self-isolate till you get the results. If it’s positive, you’ll need to isolate for 10 days.

YES

Yes you must isolate if you are told to by NHS Test and Trace or the NHS COVID-19 app. Please isolate for 10 full days, don’t leave home for any reason and don’t have visitors.

NO

No you do not need to isolate if someone you live with has symptoms of COVID19 or has tested positive IF any of the following apply • you're fully vaccinated – this means 14 days have passed since your final dose of a COVID-19 vaccine given by the NHS • you're under 18 years, six months old • you're taking part or have taken part in a COVID-19 vaccine trial • you're not able to get vaccinated for medical reasons

Please see www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19 for all the latest information on vaccines, symptoms, testing and isolation.

Life in Salford 34 • August 2021 9

Photo posed by models pre-pandemic.

Flexible, fun and so rewarding “We work full time and have our own family time but every six weeks a young person comes to stay for the weekend. We treat them as part of our extended family, do things they enjoy and create happy memories for them.”

If you’re looking to fit fostering around work or not sure you want to foster full time, why not try respite care?

Everyone needs a break – children, young people, other foster carers and families and that’s where respite carers come in.

They might provide a one-off break or a regular weekend stay for children and young people aged 11 and over and it’s a chance to share new experiences and create happy memories.

Respite carers get full training and support from a named social worker, other foster carers and a 24/7 on call helpline if needed, as well as a generous allowance.

Single mum Dee, who works full time for the NHS, has been a respite carer for more than seven years, providing both weekend breaks and emergency placements.

“I’m supporting two teenagers from different families now who stay with me alternatively every six weeks. My children are fully grown so it’s nice having children in the house again and it’s very rewarding.”

Sandra and her family copied an idea from hotels to make their young guests feel welcome.

“We put together packs of toiletries, so they feel thought about and have something for themselves. They really appreciate that as well as little things we take for granted such as eating together as a family, watching films, being able to relax and having their own space while I get on with the gardening,” she said.

Susan and her partner who work full time say respite care gives them the best of both worlds.

“Every respite break is a weekend away from the usual and an opportunity to do new things together,” she said.

“It has been great to see children grow up and develop over the years and we get a real feeling that we are making a difference to their lives.

“We have really developed a lovely bond and relationship with the children that come to visit and treat them as an extended part of our family.”

If you’d like to know more about respite or other kinds of fostering please visit www.salford.gov.uk/foster or call today on 0161 799 1268.

Life in Salford 34 • August 2021 10

Construction of 104 new homes for social rent has started Dérive is not just building homes. New affordable homes are creating jobs and training opportunities too.

Twenty-two houses and 82 apartments are under construction at Clifton Green in Pendlebury and Brassington Avenue and Ryall Avenue, Ordsall. They will join Dérive’s portfolio which will top 200 homes by next summer.

The Dérive Group, set up by Salford City Council in 2019, is creating more than 460

jobs and training opportunities with an estimated extra £2.1 million extra spending in the area through families moving into these new communities.

Dérive is also supporting The Broughton Trust and Inspiring Community Housing to deliver an additional 65 homes on sites at Weaste and Kersal that are expected to be on site in 2022.

City Mayor Paul Dennett said: “Our aim over the next 10 years is for Dérive to deliver a mix of 3,000 high quality social, affordable and private homes for rent or sale across Salford.

Councillor Tracy Kelly, Lead Member for Housing, Property and Regeneration, thanked partner organisations for their support and said: “These much-needed properties are energy efficient and adaptable to meet a range of user needs.”

Buile Hill Mansion restoration a step closer Salford City Council and Buile Hill Mansion Association have signed a memorandum of understanding to work together and with other interested groups.

Proposals for future uses of the mansion and former depot are being developed. They will be shared with the public to make sure they are in line with previous feedback from consultations and have broad public support.

Ahead of the full restoration of the mansion Salford City Council will carry out work to maintain the building and pave the way for the restoration work.

Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett praised BHMA’s dedication and said: “Once again I reaffirm my commitment to restoring Buile Hill Mansion. The overall aim is to find a long-term appropriate use for this important historic building with community use at its heart."

Jennifer-Anne Smith, of Buile Hill Mansion Association, said: “This is a positive step forward towards bringing this historic house back to life and safeguarding it for the future.”

Buile Hill Mansion was built between 1825 and 1827 for Thomas Potter, the first elected Mayor of Manchester.

Life in Salford 34 • August 2021 11

ForHousing helps tackle waste The average UK household disposes of a tonne of rubbish every year so ForHousing is working to tackle waste, be kind to the planet and help tenants save money.

For handy tips on reducing your impact on the environment by reusing, reducing and recycling visit www.forhousing.co.uk ForHousing’s mission is not only to educate, but to support tenants in providing relief from overflowing bins and excess rubbish in the form of a portable waste compactor.

Throughout the pandemic, there was a 20% increase in household waste as families needed to dispose of excess packaging from increased online orders. Working

in partnership with Salford City Council, the ForHousing Waste Management team travel to selected high- and lowrise buildings and increase their communal bin capacity by up to 50%, saving money and improving Salford communities.

Councillor David Lancaster MBE, Lead Member for Environment and Community Safety at Salford City Council said: "The waste compactor is having a significant impact on the appearance of communities across Salford and solving a major problem for local tenants."

Mustard Tree providing essential support Mustard Tree provides foodbank services, clothing and furniture. During the pandemic requests for help rocketed from 500 to more than 1,000 a month.

To enable Mustard Tree to provide increased support, ForHousing donated funding, meaning tenants could get the health and financial support they needed.

ForHousing tenant, Leia Partington from Little Hulton said “I don’t know where I’d be without Mustard Tree. Without the food, the clothes, the furniture, I’d be on the floor,” said Leia who is now getting back on track.

Mustard Tree CEO, Jo Walby said: “Our long-standing relationship with ForHousing reached another level with this financial support. By working together, we have helped more people, expanded our Eccles site and redeveloped our Little Hulton hub.”

ForHousing staff also delivered more than 600 prescriptions to people at home and volunteered more than 1,100 hours to support the vaccine rollout.

Colette McKune Group Chief Executive at ForHousing said: “The past 15 months have been a huge challenge for so many people across Salford. They have lost loved ones, lost their jobs and seen an adverse effect on their wellbeing.”

If you need help or support, or you can help with donations and volunteering, please visit www.mustardtree.org.uk Find out more at www.forhousing.co.uk or follow @ForHousing on Twitter or ForHousing Salford on Facebook.

Get tested

If you feel unwell in any way, book a PCR test to check you don’t have Covid-19.

The Delta variant has a range of symptoms and is very infectious. You can book a test at www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or call 119.

It’s still important to do regular rapid (lateral flow) tests to make sure you don’t have Covid with no symptoms.

You can collect free home test kits from pharmacies, libraries in our Gateways, leisure centres or order online at www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests Alternatively call into one of our rapid test centres and have your tests there – no appointment needed.

• Winders Way, off Frederick Road, open 7 days a week, 7am to 7pm • Civic Centre staff car park, Partington Lane, Swinton, Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm Opening times correct at time of going to print, but may change.

For latest opening times see www.salford.govuk/rapidtesting

I go to the test centre on a Monday and Thursday, I prefer to go to the test centre as it’s quick, easy and after we have undertaken the test they do the rest. I am literally in and out of the centre in five minutes.

Charlotte, Swinton

See what happens at the test centre

If you do test positive, you may be entitled to financial support if you have to self-isolate.

Go to www.salford.gov.uk/supportpayments or call The Spirit of Salford Helpline on 0800 952 1000

Keeping Salford warm and safe Cooler days and nights are coming but you can stay warm and safe with advice from Salford City Council’s Warm Salford scheme.

Visit www.salford.gov.uk/warmsalford or call The Local Energy Advice Partnership (LEAP) on 0800 060 7567 and let a qualified energy advisor help. They can: • Check if you’re paying too much for gas and electricity and help you switch if you are. You could save up to £280 a year.

• Help you get a smart meter which tells you how much energy you’re using • Install free draught-proofing and other energy saving measures, which can save the average household £30 on their energy bills.

• Give you up-to-date energy efficiency hints and tips and make sure your heating system is set up to keep you warm and save money.

• Arrange a free telephone advice service to check you’re getting all the benefits you’re entitled to or help you with debt or other money problems.

• Refer you for more energy efficiency improvements, such as loft insulation or a new boiler.

Don’t forget – gas appliances should be checked every year by a Gas Safe registered engineer. See Warm Salford for details or call Helping Hands on 0161 793 9419.

Life in Salford 34 • August 2021 13

Crowdfunder scores for rugby club Eccles Rugby Football Club is back in the game thanks to crowdfunding.

The 124 year-old Gorton Street club used Crowdfund Salford after lockdown stopped all fundraising and income generation and raised £20,000 in just 48 hours towards essential maintenance projects.

Following this success they stretched their target to £40,000 for additional ground improvements and smashed it out of the park.

The money will fund facilities works to keep the club growing and provide more opportunities for the local community to be active.

The original target was for car park and security improvements and replacement floodlights. The extra project is to deliver an outdoor covered space to be used for exercise classes, social events and community hire, match day spectating and seated family hospitality.

Crowdfund Salford enables people, organisations and community groups to test local support for their initiative by raising money to win match funding of up to £10,000 from Mayor Dennett. Projects must benefit Salford and support one of the council’s Great Eight priorities to create a fairer, greener and healthier Salford.

Club Chairman Chris Gaffey said: “Eccles RFC is a not for profit community club with more than 300 members and 18 teams of all ages. Crowdfunding has helped us recover from the pandemic to be ready to serve our community again.”

Visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/funds/salford for more information.

Learn how to use Salford Crowdfund in a free, online workshop from 12 noon to 1pm 12-1pm on Wednesday 13 October.

Sign up at www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/crowdfund-salford-live-learn-how-to-crowdfund-tickets-164475433449

Van Gogh Alive to dazzle Salford Van Gogh Alive which has delighted over eight million people around the world opens at MediaCityUK in October.

The multi-sensory exhibition uses projected images, music and even scent to create the sensation of walking right into the life and paintings of Dutch artist Vincent Van Gogh, one of the most famous and influential figures in the history of western art.

Visitors will travel through periods of his life that defined him as an artist with more than 3,000 images included. They range from his lesser known works inspired by Japanese woodcuts to his iconic Starry Night and Sunflowers paintings.

Visitors can also learn more about his life and create their own artwork using expert video tutorials. The exhibition also includes the sunflower selfie room, a 360 degree mirrored room with hundreds of sunflowers.

Van Gogh Alive is supporting The Christie charity which is currently fundraising for a new cancer centre and a world class research facility.

Donations can be made when buying tickets or at the exhibition.

Tickets are on sale now from £22 for adults and £15 for children, with concessions available. It runs until Sunday 23 January 2022. Please visit

https://vangoghaliveuk.com

for details.

Life in Salford 34 • August 2021 14

Do you remember Middlewood? ny Do you have a iddlewood memories of M m the o Scout Camp fr ?

1940s to 2016

If so RHS Garden Bridgewater would love to hear from you. They’re planning an exhibition with photos and memorabilia telling the story of Middlewood Scout Camp for next year.

Daniel Atherton, Interpretation Coordinator at RHS Bridgewater said: “We want to share Salford stories here at RHS Garden Bridgewater over the coming year and there’s no better place to start than the scouting movement which was on site for decades.”

Hollinwood Scout Camp is supporting the project with archive material and research.

Camp Warden Ste Butterworth said: “Middlewood was a central part of so many peoples’ lives. It’s great that its history is being recognised and remembered.

“Our new campsite is under half a mile away and we are currently raising money for a toilet and showers. If you can help please visit www.hollinwoodcamp.org.uk”

To share stories and memories please email middlewoodscoutcamp@rhs.org.uk

From Wednesday 1 September, you’ll no longer need to book in advance to visit RHS Garden Bridgewater on any day of the week including Salford Free Tuesdays. Some special events will still require pre-booking to give you the best possible experience, including the festive lights event, Glow. For details of the latest events visit rhs.org.uk/gardens/bridgewater/whats-on

Salford trials new approach to mental health Living Well Salford uses everything from local support services to gardening, woodwork and art to help people. The scheme, one of four being tried nationally, is run by Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (GMMH) Salford Mind, and creative charity START. Staff and support workers listen and connect people to local support which could be be help with money, housing, jobs, mental illness or loneliness, depending on individual need.

Support worker, Sarah Buckley, uses her own experience of mental health struggles to help run the service.

“I love my role, asking people what they want, what they like, what keeps them well and sorting this for them. I spend time with people on a range of activities to help them move forward. Sometimes we’ll just have a coffee and share stories,” said Sarah.

City Mayor Paul Dennet said the project was inspiring and added: “Making sure we look after the mental health of people in our city remains a major priority, especially given the effects of the pandemic.”

If you are struggling with your mental health, GMMH’s free helpline is here to help you. You can call at any time, day or night, on 0800 953 0285.

Life in Salford 34 • August 2021 15

Bridgewater Canal welcomes paddle boarders Stand-up paddle boarding has arrived on the Bridgewater Canal for the first time in its 260-year history.

A survey highlighted public interest in extending use of the canal beyond canoes and kayaks, so Peel L&P’s Bridgewater Canal Company has worked with British Canoeing to make the waterway an approved location for stand-up paddle boarding.

Anyone wishing to use a stand-up paddle board (SUP) on the Bridgewater Canal must be a member of British Canoeing. The Bridgewater Canal Company recommends that paddle boarders wear high visibility clothing and a life buoyancy jacket or personal floatation aid.

The Bridgewater Canal was built in 1761 by the Duke of Bridgewater to take coal from his mines at Worsley to new markets in Manchester. For more details please visit www.bridgewatercanal.co.uk Join or renew your membership with British Canoeing by visiting www. britishcanoeing.org.uk and see their wealth of information on stand-up paddle boarding through the Go Paddling website https://gopaddling.info/ Stand up paddle boarding sessions are available everyday at Salford Watersports Centre. Visit https://salfordwatersports.com for details.

Salford first to try sports app for disabled people Salford Community Leisure (SCL) has become the first UK leisure operator to use a new app to help people with disabilities enjoy the gym and leisure venues.

WelcoMe free to download app allows people to alert venues at least two hours before their arrival to any special requirements or assistance needed so staff can support them.

SCL manages eight gyms, six swimming pools and a water sports centre and members will be able to build their own profile with details of their specific needs. The app is available to use at Irlam and Cadishead now and will be rolled out to Eccles, Swinton and Pendlebury and Worsley leisure centres and Salford Watersports Centre.

Garry Bateman, Head of Sport at Salford Community Leisure, said: “We are proud to pilot the app. We’ve done a lot of work to ensure that our staff are fully trained and capable of looking after any user with special needs and the new app is the perfect addition to this.

“It builds the confidence of both the customer and our staff in ensuring that the visit is the very best experience it can be.”

SCL already works with Unlimited Potential’s local Empower You scheme to assist local disabled gym users. Please visit www.unlimitedpotential.org.uk/enterprise/innovationprojects/empower-you for more information.

Ben Andrews of Empower You and Sami Habib at Irlam and Cadishead Leisure Centre, which has adopted a new app to take the stress out visiitng pools and gyms for disabled people.

Life in Salford 34 • August 2021 16

Clean Air plan published Greater Manchester’s plan to tackle air pollution which contributes to at least 1,200 deaths each year across the region has been published.

The city region has been directed by the government to introduce a Greater Manchester (GM) Clean Air Zone to bring nitrogen dioxide (NO2) on local roads within legal limits as quickly as possible and by 2024 at the latest.

Private cars would not be charged to drive in the Zone, but non-compliant commercial and passenger vehicles would. Greater Manchester has secured over £120 million in government funding to help buses, coaches, taxis and private hire vehicles, HGVs and vans to become compliant. Applications for funding will open from November this year.

A consultation will be held on including the A575 and A580 at Worsley in the Clean Air Zone.

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: “Air pollution is not a problem that is going to go away on its own.

“Not only has our plan been directed by national government, we’ve taken this seriously and fought to get a plan which has the right funding support. This will also have major health and wellbeing benefits for people living near motorways or major roads as there will be fewer polluting vehicles and HGVs using them.”

Delivery of the Bee Network, a fully integrated, Londonstyle transport system is also a key part of plans to clean up the air across the city region.

Providing the UK’s largest joined up cycling and walking network linked to public transport and a new bike hire scheme are central to this vision.

Bike-share company Beryl has been chosen to design, install and operate the 24/7, public cycle hire scheme – launching later this year - starting with 1,500 bikes and e-bikes at over 200 new docking stations across Salford, Manchester and Trafford.

Find out more about the Clean Air plan and sign up for updates at www.cleanairgm.com

Stay safe this autumn It’s an exciting time as children and young people move up to high school, go to college or head off to university and become more independent.

Unfortunately mobile phones and bikes, which are such a part of that independence, can easily be stolen. It’s better to keep phones safe in pockets or closed bags when out and about so they can’t be snatched.

To keep bikes safe use a secure, certifed D lock to secure the frame to something solid in a well-lit busy area.

The Suzy Lamplugh Trust has great tips from personal safety to keeping our homes safe from burglars. Please visit www.suzylamplugh.org/Pages/Category/personal-safety-advice or visit Salford Community Safety Partnership’s website www.salford.gov.uk/communitysafety

Life in Salford 34 • August 2021 17

Be prepared for flooding Torrential rainstorms are becoming more common and can quickly raise river and stream levels.

Two flood basins on the River Irwell are designed to protect homes and businesses in Lower Broughton and Lower Kersal but flooding here and around Worsley Brook could still happen.

Check if your home could be at risk and sign up for phone, email or text flood warnings from the government’s flood information service at www.gov.uk/check-flood-risk The site also has tips on preparing for flooding in case the worst happens.

Flood alert - Prepare • •

prepare a bag that includes medicines and insurance documents check flood warnings

Flood warning - Act • • •

turn off gas, water and electricity move things upstairs or to safety move family, pets and car to safety

Severe flood warning - Survive • • •

call 999 if in immediate danger follow advice from emergency services keep yourself and your family safe

Help fight hate crime Could you be part of the fight back against hate crime?

The Crown Prosecution Service and Greater Manchester Police have launched a new community panel which starts in September and are looking for members who can share information with groups or communities covering: race, colour, ethnic origin nationality or national origins

sexual orientation

religion

age

gender or gender identity

alternative sub-culture

disability

Members of the panel will learn about Crown Prosecution Service and police processes in tackling hate crime and share that understanding with their community. They will study real cases (names will be removed) and give their feedback.

Meetings are currently online and will last two hours. Training will be provided.

The aim is to improve community confidence in reporting hate crime to the police by making sure all reported hate crimes are processed quickly and more are brought to prosecution or to a positive outcomes and victims get the support they need. Anyone interested should contact Jo Rutter, Salford City Council at Josephine.rutter@salford.gov.uk

If you’ve seen or been a victim of hate crime please report it. You can get support and you may save someone else experiencing it.

Call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or phone the police's non-emergency reporting number on 101. In an emergency ring 999.

You can also report hate crime via the True Vision website www.report-it.org.uk/home or speak to someone at Broughton Hub, Eccles, Pendleton, Swinton or Walkden Gateways.

Please visit www.salford.govuk/hatecrime for more information.

Life in Salford 34 • August 2021 18

City firsts celebrated Salford helped launch the Industrial Revolution, had England’s first public park, first free public library, first horse drawn tram service and the first street in the country to be lit by gas.

Local men and women pioneered social and scientific advances, made sacrifices in war, helped women win the vote, invented Vimto and created music, films and art renowned the world over.

Now that rich history of Salford Firsts – many of which happened on Chapel Street - has been celebrated with a new cast bronze sculpture in Bexley Square, in front of the city’s old town hall.

World-famous artist Emma Rodgers created a horse and lamp post to symbolise Salford’s rich heritage and added a small dog cocking its leg against the post in tribute to artist Harold Riley’s famous dog sketches. Funding came from developers X1 who transformed the Victorian town hall into apartments.

“The sculpture pays tribute to Salford’s past and present spirit of innovation and creativity and the horses who played such a key role on the canals, in the mines and as the transport system,” said Emma who is best known for her Cilla Black statue in Liverpool.

“The horse’s veins mirror the Bridgewater Canal which launched the Industrial Revolution in 1761. Train tracks run along the bridle symbolising the first public railway through Eccles and across Chat Moss in 1830 and books run through the mane as England’s first free public library opened in 1850 in Chapel Street. It also pays tribute to the unique Working Class Movement library nearby.

“Each book represents a piece of Salford’s history and remembers famous sons and daughters such as Emmeline Pankhurst and scientist James Prescott Joules who lived locally. A poppy honours the Salford Pals who died in World War One, and a tribute to Vimto as the first factory was on Chapel Street.

“Messages and sayings from famous Salfordians adorn the horse including poet John Cooper Clark, musicians Graham Nash and Peter ‘Hooky’ Hook and actor Albert Finney.”

City Mayor Paul Dennett said: “Emma has packed an amazing amount into this stunning sculpture. It’s a beautiful addition to historic Bexley Square and Chapel Street."

See a gallery of photos including Monty, one of the models for the sculpture, meeting his likeness for the first time issuu.com/salfordcouncil/docs click issue 34.

Life in Salford 34 • August 2021 19

Life in Salford 34 • August 2021 20

Investing in young people From help in finding jobs and training to having fun and keeping fit – we’re investing in children and young people in Salford.

The Den is Open!

There’s table football, air hockey, places to sit and chill and even an indoor sports court.

A former supermarket unit at The Ellesmere Shopping Centre , Bolton Road, Walkden has been transformed into a new youth centre called The Den alongside a new boxing gym run by Maverick Stars and local boxer Jamie Moore.

“It’s a fantastic facility for young people to meet up, make new friends and learn new skills as we will be putting on courses and workshops,” said Councillor Jim Cammell, lead member for children’s and young people’s services.

“Jamie and Maverick Stars are offering use of the gym space when there’s no boxing on so we can put on dance or fitness sessions there. The council’s youth service and Salford Community Leisure used to run sessions from a local church hall so to upgrade to a new centre is fabulous.”

Email youth.services@salford.gov.uk for more information.

On your bikes Salford’s £250,000 brand-new community bike park is open Young people in Little Hulton and Walkden put the idea top of their wish list for local investment and now their dream has come true.

The 200 metre long track in Peel Park was designed by the company behind the 2019 UCI Pump Track World Championships. It can be used by bikes, roller skates and skateboards and is suitable for beginners through to experienced riders.

Salford City Council’s investment in the track was boosted

by Places to Ride (Sport England), Little Hulton Big Local and the London Marathon Trust and sport inclusion charity Access Sport. See how Access to Sport successfully used Crowdfund Salford issuu.com/salfordcouncil/ docs/life_in_salford_33/s/13019085 Access Sport is running a community bike club, offering specialist coaching and extra support for disabled young people and working with local schools and groups to encourage cycling. For more information please contact mike.power@accesssport.co.uk

Life in Salford 34 • August 2021 21

Fun in the park More than £281,000 has been invested in four Salford parks – and there’s more to come.

Salford City Council aims to revamp children’s playgrounds across the city, working with community groups.

The children’s play areas at St Mary’s Park, Walkden, Cadishead Recreation Ground (Lordy Park), Green Grosvenor Park, Riverbank Park, Eccles Recreation Ground and Albert Park are all being refurbished.

Helping young people find their future Finding the right career or training can be confusing but there’s plenty of options to help young Salford people.

Salford’s fast-growing economy means apprenticeships are still available in a range of industries, including the city’s booming construction sector. There’s a variety of trades within construction or there are opportunities in everything from child care to chemistry, digital marketing to engineering, construction and business administration.

Apprenticeships are a great way to learn as you earn and the qualifications they include can go all the way up to degree level if required.

Kickstart placements offers six months paid work experience with training for young people aged 16 to 24 who are claiming Universal Credit, putting them in a good position for future jobs or training.

Salford City Council is managing the government funded programme and has opportunities in local schools, companies and with the council itself. It has already seen a number of young people move on to permanent jobs and apprenticeships thanks to their Kickstart experience.

Young people with special needs or disabilities have also been helped to find jobs they love through supported internships and there’s extra help for anyone who needs more training to be ready to face the world of work.

Full details are available at www.salford.gov.uk/jobs or you can email Salford City Council’s Skills and Work helpline on SAWhelpline@salford.gov.uk

Four land dream jobs after Kickstarting their careers Four young women have landed their dream jobs thanks to Kickstart.

Rebecca Jones, 22, Kadie Ryan 25, Rachel McGuire 22 and Ariale Luviluka 19 secured jobs and apprenticeships at Salford City Council’s nurseries after their Kickstart placements.

They will spend the next two years working towards an NVQ Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification while working with children aged up to five years old.

Rebecca said: “Kickstart gave me an opportunity. I can’t describe how happy it makes me to know I can get my qualification and continue my career.”

Kadie burst into tears when she heard the news, and said: “I’m telling everyone I know who is eligible for Kickstart to go for it.”

Rachel who lost her job due to the pandemic said: “I had no experience of working with young children but the team supported me and made me very welcome.

I love the job and Kickstart was perfect for me.”

Ariale said: “I wanted an opportunity to start a career and came to Kickstart to get some experience.” .

To find the latest Kickstart vacancies speak to your work coach or visit www.salford.gov.uk/kickstart or email KickStart@salford.gov.uk

Life in Salford 34 • August 2021 22

Helping you be Better Off If you’re struggling with council tax, business rates, money problems or just don’t know where to turn Salford City Council has several ways to help.

Check if you’re entitled to benefits and apply online through the BetterOff website which also has information on debt, money management, jobs and childcare. Visit www.salford.gov.uk/betteroff Book a 30 minute phone, text type or video session with BetterOff advisors by visiting www.salford.gov.uk/cloudchat They can help on a wide range of issues including universal credit, benefits, debt, housing, health and wellbeing.

Update your council tax information or get help with arrears via www.salford.gov.uk/backontrack

Life in Salford 34 • August 2021 23

Places for Everyone Places for Everyone is a new joint plan covering most of Greater Manchester (Salford, Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Tameside, Trafford and Wigan).

It takes forward strategies from the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework after Stockport withdrew from that process, and will: • Set out how the area should develop up to 2037 • Identify the amount of new development that will come forward in terms of housing, offices, and industry and warehousing, and the main areas in which this will be focused • Identify important environmental assets which will be protected and enhanced • Allocate sites for employment and housing where evidence shows these are needed outside the urban area • Support the delivery of key infrastructure, such as transport and utilities.

• Define a new Green Belt boundary for the nine boroughs

The plan focuses strongly on directing development towards brownfield sites in the existing urban areas. In Salford the vast majority of new offices will be located in the city centre and at least 85 per cent of all new housing built between 2021 and 2037 will be on brownfield land.

However, there is not enough land in the urban area to fully meet housing and employment needs, which means there is an exceptional case for limited release of Green Belt land. This will be kept to a minimum and targeted in areas that will help to meet the plan’s vision for growth that helps everyone, and the environment.

In Salford, there are four sites currently in the Green Belt that are proposed to be allocated for development: • Port Salford Extension: 320,000sqm of employment floorspace, primarily for logistics and port related activity, with potential for advanced manufacturing • East of Boothstown: 300 homes • Hazelhurst Farm: 400 homes • North of Irlam Station: 800 homes Including affordable housing and with a focus on family homes, these extra properties will help Salford residents stay in their communities and widen the range of properties available in the city.

Port Salford will use road, rail and water (tri-modal) to move freight. Extending it will significantly boost Greater Manchester’s competitiveness.

This is a formal stage of consultation and comments are currently being invited on Places for Everyone. After this, the plan will be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate in early 2022 for examination. To find out more, and for details of the closing date for making comments, please visit www.gmconsult.org or telephone 0161 793 3782.

Life in Salford 34 • August 2021 24

Helping homeless people The Inclusion Service is a GP service which supports people experiencing homelessness.

The definition of being homeless is far wider than most people think and includes people who live in insecure or emergency accommodation and sofa surfers, as well as rough sleepers.

The patient’s journey begins by registering with the service and the offer is an intensive package of support. It focuses on partnership, working with other professionals to address housing, hostels, and drop-in centres to ensure wrap around care. The aim is that when patients are ready, the service supports them in transitioning back to mainstream practices.

The Inclusion Service team offers medical appointments in one of the fixed or outreach sites, takes part in monthly street walks with Salford City Council’s rough sleepers team, and there is a patient mobile number to message or phone to avoid queues.

The service has been installed at Salford Royal Hospital, working closely with A&E colleagues. It will identify people who frequently attend A&E, and those who need assistance whilst at hospital and through the discharge process, to support them back into their lives.

Helping young stay safe Youth workers are now working at Salford Royal hospital’s Accident and Emergency department to keep young people safe from violence.

GM Navigator is a Greater Manchester wide project bringing together youth workers and NHS staff to support vulnerable young people aged 10 to 25 who go to hospital with a violence-related injury.

The Navigators will work with the young person for up to six weeks, helping them to access local support networks and prevent further violence.

The project has been commissioned by the Greater Manchester Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) and is being delivered by the Oasis charity.

Nina Mensah

Shaun Tomlinson

Nathan Griffiths, Consultant Nurse in Paediatric Emergency Medicine at Salford Royal, said: “When a young person comes to our emergency department with an injury they’ve suffered due to violence, the youth workers will be assigned to appropriate patients to understand more about the reasons they were involved in violence with a view to preventing that happening again.”

Between April 2018 and March 2020 there were nearly 1,000 attendances at Greater Manchester A&E departments by under 18s as a result of assault, nearly 90 of which were due to assault with a knife.

Christopher Hughes

Hannah Barton

Angela Maher

Life in Salford 34 • August 2021 25

Mental health help is available It’s normal to feel stressed, anxious and even depressed in times of change and the pandemic has been challenging.

Eating healthily and being more physically active does help and Salford has over 60 parks and green spaces to explore. Salford Community Leisure has gyms, swimming pools and exercise classes. You can find details of parks at www.salford.gov.uk/parks and activities by visiting https://salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk Meeting friends and family and spending time doing things you enjoy are also great mood boosters but if you need more help call Greater Manchester Mental Health on 0800 953 0285 for free at any time or visit https://hub.gmhsc.org.uk/mental-health/in-your-area/salford/ for support in Salford or www.partnersinsalford.org/emotionalhealthservices For support with bereavement call the Greater Manchester Bereavement service on 0161 983 0902 during office hours or visit https://greater-manchester-bereavement-service.org.uk Kooth is an online, free service, offering emotional and mental health support for children and young people aged 11 to 24. It is available up to 10pm every day. Visit www.kooth.com to find out more.

Stay well this autumn Coughs, colds, chest and lung infections (known as respiratory infections) fell last year as people stayed home but public health officials have warned that they are on the rise as life returns to normal.

Help stop the spread by continuing to wash or sanitise your hands regularly, covering your mouth if you cough or sneeze, and binning used tissues straight away.

Babies and young children are more at risk from these infections so it’s best to avoid friends or relatives with coughs and colds until they are better. The British Lung Foundation has useful advice on looking after your child at home and the danger signs to watch out for. www.blf.org.uk/support-for-you/signs-of-breathing-problems-in-children or watch this real life story about baby Luna. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sb4R3tsLhrE Keep your lungs healthy by cutting down or stopping smoking and never smoke around children or babies. There’s plenty of support to help you quit at www.salford.gov.uk/stopsmoking As we head towards winter, don’t let flu knock you back. It’s highly infectious and can leave you poorly for up to a month. Complications such as bronchitis and pneumonia can put you in hospital and can even kill.

GPs will offer free flu vaccinations from September onwards to all over 50s, under 50s with serious health conditions, carers, close contacts of people with compromised immune systems, front-line health and social care staff, pregnant women and children aged two to 15 (nasal spray.) Parents please watch out for the consent form.

The vaccine is safe and effective and does not give you flu.

Life in Salford 34 • August 2021 26

Grab a Jab Walk-in Covid-19 Vaccination Clinics open across Salford All over 18s can attend —no appointment needed!

- First and second doses (must be 8 week gap between) F - 16 and 17 year olds also eligible if they have a long-term health condition or are a carer (paid or unpaid) - Vaccinations will be on a first come, first served basis - Clinics may close early if all supply has gone Go to www.salfordccg.nhs.uk/live-well/covid-19-vaccine/ covid-19-vaccine-walk-clinics or scan QR code for details

Life in Salford 34 • August 2021 27

Your Covid-19 vaccine questions answered Is the Covid-19 vaccine safe? How has the vaccine has Before any vaccine can be used, it must pass strict quality, been developed so quickly? safety and effectiveness tests and be granted approval by the independent Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). The Covid-19 vaccine is no different and has been approved by the MHRA.

How does the Covid-19 vaccine work?

Across the world, research and funding has been poured into developing the Covid-19 vaccines. Each of the vaccines has been tested on tens of thousands of people across the world.

Vaccines are tested on both men and women, on people from different ethnic backgrounds, representative of the UK population and of all ages between 18 and 84.

Millions of people are now fully vaccinated in the UK.

Like any vaccine, the Covid-19 vaccine works by teaching your immune system how to create antibodies that protect you from disease. It’s safer for your immune system to learn this through vaccination than by catching the virus.

Does the vaccine stop me getting Covid-19?

I’m young and low risk so why bother?

If we’ve learned anything from this last year, it’s that nobody is really safe. Anyone can get Covid-19, including young people, and anyone can spread it.

The average age of people in intensive care is 60, but people much younger have been seriously ill and died too. Thousands more are still suffering the effects of Long Covid after what might have been a mild case to start with.

Getting vaccinated is one of the best things you can do to protect yourself and others around you from the virus.

Vaccines reduce infections, hospitalisations and deaths from Covid-19.

Research has shown the vaccines help: • reduce your risk of getting seriously ill or dying from COVID-19 • reduce your risk of catching or spreading COVID-19 • protect against COVID-19 variants The first dose should give you some protection from three or four weeks after you've had it but you need two doses for stronger and longer-lasting protection.

What about side effects?

Like all vaccines, the Covid-19 vaccine can cause some side effects, but not everyone gets them. Any side effects should not last longer than a week. They are usually mild such as: • a sore arm from the injection • feeling tired • a headache • feeling achy • feeling or being sick More serious side effects, such as allergic reactions or blood clotting, are very rare.

FIND YOUR IDEAL COURSE IN CLEARING AND START IN SEPTEMBER APPLY NOW 0300 555 5030

SALFORD.AC.UK/CLEARING

Life in Salford 34 • August 2021 29

Renew shops now open to the public If you are looking for a second-hand bike, furniture or thinking of sprucing up your outdoor space with some garden furniture why not visit Recycle for Greater Manchester’s Renew shops?

Renew shops are open to the public selling pre-loved household items at an affordable price.

The Renew shops can found at: • Boysnope Wharf Recycling Centre, Liverpool Road, Eccles, M30 7RH • Woodhouse Lane Recycling Centre, Altrincham, WA14 5TB • Arkwright Street, Oldham, OL9 9LZ

Renew shop opening times: • 10am to 4pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday • 10am to 6pm Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday

Giving back to communities Three shops are now open in Salford, Trafford and Oldham, selling pre-loved household items donated by residents at their local household waste recycling centre, diverting waste for reuse and supporting Greater Manchester’s carbon neutral target.

Every year the money raised in the three shops goes towards two good causes: £100,000 to the Greater Manchester Mayor's charity and a minimum of £220,000 to the new Recycle for Greater Manchester Community fund. This year 21 community projects will receive funding for projects focused on reducing household waste.

When you buy from Renew you are not only helping to reduce waste but helping local communities as well.

Donation containers are now located at 15 household waste recycling centres with items currently accepted including furniture, toys, bric-a-brac, hand tools, collectables, sports equipment and garden equipment.

More information can be found by visiting https://recycleforgreatermanchester.com/renew

Life in Salford 34 • August 2021 30

Vote for your Springboard Heroes The finalists for the annual Springboard Heroes Awards have been announced.

For the past year, housing association Salix Homes has been awarding grants to groups and projects across Salford that are making a difference in communities.

The landlord has donated more than £33,000 to dozens of local groups and initiatives across Salford as part of its Springboard community grant programme.

From gardening groups to grassroots football teams, Springboard has provided much-needed cash injections to local projects that boost community spirit, promote health and wellbeing, reduce isolation and improve the environment.

Vote

Now, Salix Homes has picked four fantastic projects from across its neighbourhoods as the Springboard Heroes finalists and it’s over to the public to vote for their favourite, with the winning project receiving a £1,000 cash boost.

Anne-Marie Bancroft, customer engagement manager at Salix Homes, said: “We’re incredibly proud of our Springboard grant programme, which has provided a lifeline, particularly during the challenges of the pandemic, for many fantastic groups and projects, which are really making a difference in our communities.

“The Springboard Heroes is our way of honouring some of the fantastic work that people in Salford are doing day in, day out; and it’s projects like these that make our communities so special.

“We’d urge you to cast your vote for your favourite and help them win the £1,000 prize, which we hope will enable them to continue the wonderful work they do.”

Salford Litter Heroes This inspiring group of volunteers make it their mission to tackle littering and fly-tipping within Salford.

The team of litter-bug busters organise regular litter-picks, and since forming in 2019, have collected a staggering 6,000 bags of rubbish from across the city.

Earlier this year, Salford Litter Heroes were awarded £500 from the Springboard fund to purchase bin stickers, posters, high-vis jackets, personal protective equipment (PPE) and certificates for local children to help them in their crusade to improve the local environment.

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Bridgewater Residents Association This green-fingered group have bounced back from adversity this year after thieves raided their community garden, stealing their prized planters.

The group manage the community garden on East Philip Street in Trinity, which has proved a lifeline for many people struggling during the lockdown.

During the past year, the garden, which is maintained entirely by volunteers, has provided vital outdoor space for local residents, especially those without gardens and struggling with the lockdown restrictions.

They applied for £505 from the Springboard scheme to replace the stolen planters and enable them to host more gardening activities for the community.

Pink Picnic 2020

Buile Hill Mansion Association The Buile Hill Mansion Association is working alongside Salford City Council to restore the historic Buile Hill Park Mansion and surrounding buildings and bring it back into public use.

Salix Homes donated £900 from its Springboard fund to support the cause and enable the group to organise a number of community events, which included creating a series of films of people sharing their memories of the site.

Salford Pride – Pink Picnic Digital Salford Pride provides fundraising, awareness and educational projects for the city’s LGBT+ community and also host the city’s annual pride event - The Pink Picnic.

Salix Homes has a long-standing history with Salford Pride, sponsoring the first ever Pink Picnic in Peel Park in 2011.

In response to coronavirus restrictions, Salford Pride applied for £500 of Springboard funding to help them host Pink Picnic Digital – an eight-hour online celebration, which attracted an audience of more than 4,000 people who were able to celebrate Pride from the safety of their own homes last summer.

Pink Picnic 2020

Watch a video from each of the finalists and vote for your favourite to help ensure they win the £1,000 prize at www.salixhomes.co.uk Voting closes on Monday, September 6.

Vote NOW

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Salford News Need emergency help? Call Salford Assist Salford Assist may be able to help with emergency food, fuel, baby and essential household items and longer-term help. Please call 0800 694 3695 or see www.salford.gov.uk/salfordassist

Missed the deadline?

You can still apply The European Union Citizens Settlement Scheme (EUSS) is for EU, EEA and Swiss citizens and their families.

Not having settled status might affect your rights and access to benefits and services such as healthcare.

Full details are at www.gov.uk/eusettlementscheme and there is free help from: The EU Settlement Resolution Centre. Call 0300 123 7379 weekdays 8am to 8pm and weekends 9.30am to 4.30pm Assisted Digital can help you get online. Call 03333 445 675 weekdays 9am to 5pm or text the word “VISA” to 07537 416944.

Salford Citizen’s Advice on 0808 278 7802 Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm or email via www.salfordcab.org Europia on 0333 305 8570, email support@europia.org. uk or visit www.europia.org.uk Everyone can get free internet and help at Salford’s Gateways, Broughton Hub and libraries. Please visit www.salford.gov.uk/gateways or the Digital Everyone website https://digitalinclusion.salford.gov.uk or call the Spirit of Salford helpline on 0800 952 1000.

Keep supporting our high streets Salford City Council’s Welcome Back campaign this autumn will highlight Salford’s fantastic high street businesses and encourage people to keep shopping locally.

It builds on the council’s previous Re-opening High Streets Safely campaign.

Every £1 you spend on your high street keeps 63 pence in Salford’s economy and with less travel for you and local products it’s a greener way to shop.

Help shape Salford for young people Salford City Council wants 11 to 21-year olds to shape dedicated spaces and digital technology for young people at the city’s Gateways and Broughton Hub. The Young People’s Tech Committee will also play a key role in the council’s drive to help people get online and make the most of digital technology.

To find out more please email Martyn.shaw@salford.gov. uk or visit www.salford.gov.uk/syptc

Lasting tribute A lasting tribute to the UK’s armed forces past and present has been unveiled in Winton Park thanks to the Friends of Winton Park and Winton Festival Committee, supported by local councillors.

Recycle your batteries Please don’t put batteries in your bin – they can catch fire.

Lithium-ion batteries found in small electrical items, mobiles and laptops are particularly dangerous. Look out for battery recycling bins in supermarkets or visit https://recycleforgreatermanchester.com/

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Salford News

Award winning Salford Salford City Council

Magnificent seven

Salford City Council has been shortlisted for Council of the Year and Team of the Year for its parks and streetscene team.

Salford’s success in tackling poverty, homelessness, delivering innovative services despite a decade of funding cuts, attracting investment, creating new jobs and boosting the economy were recognised by the judges of the Local Government Chronicle Awards.

The parks and streetscene team which covers waste collection and recycling, street cleansing, parks and green spaces, was praised for its pandemic response.

Salford was the only Greater Manchester council to maintain normal waste and recycling collections coping with increased demand, a 450 per cent increase in use of parks and extra work delivering food parcels and protective personal equipment.

The winners of the LGC Awards will be announced in November. The council was one of six finalists in both Local Authority of the Year and Most Improved Council of the Year at the Municipal Journals (MJ) Achievement Awards 2017.

Seven Salford projects, all backed by Salford City Council, are finalists in the Insider North West Property Awards to be announced in October.

They are the RHS Garden Bridgewater, new offices and homes at New Bailey, the unique Box on the Docks dining experience at MediaCityUK, offices at 100 Embankment and the £2.5 billion scheme to create a new city district with homes, business, industrial, research and high technology units around the University of Salford and The Crescent.

Armed forces support gets gold Salford City Council has achieved Gold in the Armed Forces Employer Recognition Scheme for being a forces friendly employer and supporting the wider armed forces community across the city.

Since signing the Armed Forces Covenant in 2013, the council has prioritised support, celebrated Armed Forces Day and appointed a full time housing and welfare officer to support people’s transition into civilian life.

The Greater Manchester Combined Authority has also been awarded gold which is testament to the importance of the armed forces community in Greater Manchester.

Living Wage Salford’s ambition to become England’s first Living Wage City has won three awards: • The Salford City Living Wage Action Group for increasing the number of accredited employers despite the pandemic • Salford CVS for work with voluntary and community organisations and • Worsley-based Anchor Removals was recognised as the only real Living Wage, no zero hours removals company in the UK.

Remember them all A procession of remembrance and vigil for lives lost and those left behind will be held on World Suicide Prevention Day, Thursday 10 September.

The procession begins at 6pm in Broad Street and the vigil is at Salford Museum and Art Gallery Lawn at 7pm.

To join in or add a loved one’s name to the Roll of Remembrance please contact dennisb@startinspirinmings.org.uk

Life in Salford 34 • August 2021 34

Salford News

Facelift for 130 year old canopies Victorian platform canopies at Walkden and Swinton stations have been repaired and repainted by Network Rail.

The work is part of a £750,000 Great North Rail Project investment. Plans to add a lift at Walkden station to provide step free access to the platform are on track to be completed by 2024.

Passes Go Salford Loaves and Fishes has become the first local charity to feature on the brand new Monopoly board for the city.

Members of the public were asked which Salford landmarks should replace iconic squares such as Mayfair and Old Kent Road and which local organisations should be featured.

Over 30 have been selected, along with other charities, which will be revealed when the game goes on sale in shops and online on Wednesday 13 October.

Jonathan Billings, Chief Executive Officer of Salford Loaves and Fishes, said they were delighted to be chosen.

“Thank you to everyone who nominated our charity for this brilliant opportunity. We are very proud to be one of the many brilliant Salford charities that do such positive work across the city,” he said.

Salford Loaves and Fishes is a resource centre for homeless and vulnerable people. It helps people to get off the streets as well as prevent them becoming homeless and has a range of services, including in-house NHS staff who can help with mental and physical health needs.

It was set up in 2006 and is based at Paddington Close, Pendleton. Please visit their website www.salfordloavesandfishes.org.uk for more information.

New lockers to cut carbon Salford City Council has teamed up with InPost to install 65 shopping lockers in libraries, leisure centres, car parks and community centres.

The lockers, which are funded by the company are available 24/7 for collecting and sending online shopping parcels, to reduce local deliveries and cut carbon emissions.

Equipment service gets thumbs up Salford residents have praised the equipment service which provides everything from bed rails to telecare for more than 16,000 local people.

Healthwatch Salford’s survey found over 90 per cent of respondents were satisfied with the equipment and service but asked for family members or carers to be more involved and for better communication around deliveries.

The equipment service is owned by Salford City Council and managed by Salford Royal Foundation Trust.

You can read the full report here: www.healthwatchsalford.co.uk/report/2021-06-07/ equipment-services-project-report

Life in Salford 34 • August 2021 35

Can you help save lives?

NHS Blood and Transplant has launched its first national campaign for people to donate plasma for medicines.

Around 800 donors are needed alone at the Manchester centre to get back on target.

Donated plasma is made into antibody medicines known as immunoglobulins, which are used to save the lives of people with immune disorders. Around 17,000 people a year nationally receive these medicines and last year 1,195 people living in Greater Manchester received them.

The NHS currently depends on imports so donations will bolster long-term NHS supplies.

There are 11 donation centres nationally and the closest ones to Salford are Plymouth Grove Donor Centre, Manchester, M13 9LL and Bolton Donor Centre, 120 Bark Street, Bolton, BL1 2AX. Please visit www.blood.co.uk/plasma or call 0300 123 23 23 for more information.

All breaks are based on bed, breakfast and evening meal Short breaks from £115 Turkey and Tinsel seven nights £320 per person any week starting from Monday 29 November Christmas and New Year nine night special £635 per person includes dinner, bed and breakfast, live entertainment, fireworks and bubbly.

Wet room Wheelchair access Door to door transport available for Salford residents All types of functions catered for Group bookings welcome Door to door transport is now available on Mondays and Fridays  0161 925 1233 (office hours)  01704 538810 (out of hours)  thesalfordianhotel@outlook.com or salfordian@btconnect.com  www.salford.gov.uk/salfordian Reg. No. 3438263. Registered as a charity. Reg. No 1071111

Life in Salford 34 • August 2021 36

The new Artifex apartments. Pictured from left, Chris Forrester, property sales and marketing manager at Willo Homes, Terry McBride, director of development services at Salix Homes, Jim Battle, chair of the Salix Homes Board and Sue Sutton, chief executive at Salix Homes.

The tribute to Canon Peter Green in the lobby

The new Artifex apartment block in Trinity is now open

Mike Nyoni and his partner Megan

Artifex affordable apartments A new apartment block named in honour of one of Salford’s most famous sons is now open – bringing more than 100 affordable homes to the city available under the Rent to Buy scheme.

The first residents have moved in at Artifex in Trinity - the flagship development from housing association Salix Homes named in tribute to the late Canon Peter Green, a local rector, published writer and pacifist who was passionate about fighting social injustice.

During the First World War and until the 1950s, Canon Peter Green wrote a weekly column in The Manchester Guardian - which was later to become The Guardian - under the pen name ‘Artifex’. His legacy has now been immortalised with a tribute to him in the lobby area.

The 11-storey residential building forms part of the £22.5 million Canon Green Campus development, which has also seen neighbouring 1960s tower block Canon Green Court transformed and modernised for its existing residents, along with the adjacent apartment block Westminster House.

NOW OPEN

The first residents to move in were Mike Nyoni with his partner Megan and their two young children.

Mike explained: “We just feel so lucky to have found Artifex – it’s in a brilliant location, it’s so convenient and it’s absolutely beautiful. We’re really happy here and it already feels like home.

“The Rent to Buy scheme is perfect for people like us. We’ve been renting for years, but you just feel like you’re paying for someone else’s house. Now we’re working towards buying the place we are living in.”

Sue Sutton, Chief Executive at Salix Homes, added: “We are very proud to open this fantastic new development – bringing our vision to deliver more high quality, affordable housing to life.

“Artifex is bringing 108 desperately-needed affordable homes to an area of Salford, which has seen little to no new affordable housing for decades, so it’s great to see the first residents moving in as they take the next steps towards homeownership.”

The Artifex apartment block has been partially funded thanks to a £3.8million grant from Homes England.

Rent to Buy is a government scheme designed to ease the transition from renting to buying a home by providing a subsidised rent at around 20 per cent below the market rate.

People can rent the properties for five years at the reduced rate leaving room to save towards a deposit and then have the option to buy their home after the five-year period.

To find out if you’re eligible, contact Willo Homes – the affordable homeownership brand of Salix Homes – on hello@willhomes.co.uk or visit www.willohomes.co.uk

Available on Rent to Buy Artifex is an ambitious and inspiring development you can be proud to call home. The site is made up of 108 one and two-bedroom apartments in an attractive building on Blackfriars Road. Located in the Trinity area of Salford, Greater Manchester. Prime location, spacious homes and the chance to one day own makes Artifex popular for many, particularly first time buyers.

This is city living as you always felt it should be. Artifex offers a unique opportunity to enjoy city living while saving for a deposit.

One and two bedroom homes are available, each benefitting from thoughtful layouts, premium fixtures and fittings and high-end finishes.

Artifex residents also enjoy access to shared landscaped garden areas, rarely found in city living.

From layout to lighting, each apartment and townhouse has been thoughtfully designed with tenants’ needs and lifestyles in mind. Fixtures, fittings and finishes are contemporary and best-in-class throughout, while sunlight levels have been ingeniously maximised in every home.

1 bed apartments from £680 2 bed apartments from £800 Per month

Take a virtual tour of our stunning show apartment

Contact a member of the friendly Willo Homes team to find our more about Rent to Buy and reserve your new home at Artifex

0161 537 3123 willohomes.co.uk @willo_homes

beautiful - affordable - sustainable

Blackfriars Road, just a short walk into Manchester City Centre.

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