Life in Salford magazine issue 36

INSIDE Have your say in May pg.7

Fair reward for the fourth emergency service pg.9

Jab and jet away pg.19

Win tickets to Sounds from the Other City pg.30

COVID-19 is still with us

COVID restrictions have been removed, but rates are still high so it is important we all help to reduce the risk of catching and passing on COVID. Please show the Spirit of Salford, follow safer behaviours and protect others, especially the vulnerable.

In this issue...

Our recommended guidance: Testing as guided, the latest will be on www.salford.gov.uk Wear face coverings in crowded public spaces Wash your hands regularly Meet outside rather than inside where possible Ventilate your home and shared spaces Stay at home if unwell Clean surfaces and areas that are regularly touched Get your COVID vaccination and follow up boosters when called Check the arrangements at work and in the places, you visit as they may have specific infection control arrangements

What matters to you about Salford pg.4-5 New homes offer fresh start pg.10

Life in Salford is online Enjoy Life in Salford online at issuu.com/salfordcouncil/docs from Monday 21 March.

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: Care workers Stephen Chorlton and Sarah Bambrick with City Mayor Paul Dennett celebrating their real Living Wage pay increase.

LIFE is administered and designed by Salford City Council’s Communications Team. This edition will be distributed week commencing 21 March 2022. Printing: Cliffe Enterprise. 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

Stay safe and dry at Salford Quays pg.6

ON THE COVER 7 9

19 30

Have your say in May Fair reward for the fourth emergency service Jab and jet away Win tickets to Sounds from the Other City

REGULARS 3

12 17 22 29

City Mayor Paul Dennett University of Salford Fostering Salford College Salford in Short

IN THIS ISSUE 11 14 16 20 21 23 24 25 26

New BBC Blue Peter garden is coming School meals go green Spring into composting New domestic abuse service Mental health and wellbeing Losing your hearing Free adult education courses start mid April Helping homeless people stay well Poets development complete

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 36 • March 2022 3

Investing for a fairer and better future As I write, the invasion of Ukraine continues to shock the nation and the world as we find ourselves in the midst of an international crisis. My thoughts and prayers continue to be with the Ukrainian people, both in Ukraine and abroad, who are suffering greatly at this time.

I want residents to know that we strongly condemn the hostile actions and join others around the world in urging President Putin to end the invasion now and commit to finding a peaceful way forward to resolving the conflict.

Our city council’s budget for 2022/23 has recently been approved and is a budget with a clear focus on protecting local services and making crucial investments for the future.

I am proud to announce that this year’s budget includes a guaranteed real living wage of £9.90 an hour for all of our care workers in the city, which will mean up to £768 a year extra in the pockets of some of our city’s carers. Our care workers have done a phenomenal job over the past two years as some of our heroes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The budget also commits the city council to investing an annual £1.5 million by 2023/24 for skills and work, supporting Salfordians with the skills and experience required to obtain the well-paid, secure and skilled jobs.

The budget also includes a £30 million investment package into new council housing.

The budget includes some difficult choices. Once again, the government has assumed that council tax must be raised by 1.99 per cent and the adult social care precept by two per cent in order to achieve their spending commitments for local government. In Salford this amounts to an extra 87p a week for band A households.

This council does not agree with hiking council tax and the adult social care precept to pay for local services and to tackle the social care crisis but, short of substantial government investment, it is necessary to accept the increase to balance our books without further cuts to essential services and jobs.

Through the council service Salford Assist, financial support is available for residents struggling to pay bills such as council tax. Also, we will be looking to distribute the £150 payment towards increasing energy costs to all residents living in band A-D homes, available from April as soon as possible.

We continue to strive towards a better and fairer future for our city and the residents who live here.

City Mayor Paul Dennett

Life in Salford 36 • March 2022 4

What matters to you about

Salford In 2016, 2018 and 2021, Salford City Council asked questions about your priorities as part of developing budget proposals.

As we continue to make plans for future years to balance our budget, we need to understand what services and priorities are most important to you. With the help of Inspiring Communities Together, we asked a number of questions about what matters to you in September 2021 and over 320 people took part.

Most of the people who took part spoke to Inspiring Communities Together but others filled in our website form and others replied on a postcard at our Gateway buildings.

What did you say?

This time more people talked about the value of our changing and evolving city and the benefits and the opportunities it was providing for different types of jobs, volunteering and new ways to spend leisure time.

So whether it’s Salford Quays, the Chapel Street area or the new RHS garden, you told us that you are looking forward to seeing how the city is moving with the times.

By far the most important aspect of living in Salford, and therefore the biggest priority to maintain to a high standard, is the city’s green and open spaces, including parks. Many of you felt more connected during the

pandemic to your local green space or you found the time to discover a favourite waterside spot during lockdown.

You were very clear that public spaces are ruined by people dumping rubbish and litter which are blighting local neighbourhoods. The council was challenged to do more to address this and a plea was made for people to act responsibly.

You also talked about the importance of local services and facilities: community centres, health clinics and local shops and tackling derelict buildings. You also feel more things for young people to do are needed.

What do you love?

What services do you value most?

How can you help your community?

Your local neighbourhood Maintaining the environment Caring for our communities Local services and facilities

Doing your bit Looking in on a neighbour Volunteering Being caring to others

Your city Areas like The Quays Local people The green spaces and waterways The diversity of its people, their blunt northern willingness to talk straight and the great sense of identity Salfordians have

Giving me the opportunity to follow my dreams

Be a friendly and caring person

Life in Salford 36 • March 2022 5

The budget for this year What happens next?

Your views continue to feed into decisions we make about the budget and priorities. We’re hoping we can work closely with communities to tackle litter and discarded rubbish as an area of great concern.

At the same time we are looking at your priorities and the commitments made by the City Mayor in the Great Eight: www.salford.gov.uk/greateight Look out for works starting on Buile Hill mansion towards the end of this calendar year and keep an eye out for surveys on the future of different town centres.

If you are interested in helping keep our open spaces and parks maintained there are a number of friends groups you can join or one off planting or clean up activities that you can take part in.

What stops Salford being better?

Litter and rubbish Anti-social behaviour Empty buildings Not knowing what’s available locally to do, groups to join etc Old derelict buildings that are empty and doing nothing need revamping to open up opportunities for local people

The budget for 2022/23 was agreed at the February council meeting. This increased council tax by 3.99 per cent to balance the budget.

The government has assumed that council tax must be raised by 1.99 per cent and the adult social care precept by two per cent to achieve their spending commitments for local government.

The agreed plans were set with a clear focus on protecting local services and making crucial investments for the future.

Priorities included skills and work and a focus on training and jobs in the city, aiming to ensure we deliver a better future for many of our residents and young people through better access to new opportunities and jobs with decent wages.

Residents have told us that they value local services and specifically want to see services for young people protected as well as providing new social housing.

We’re protecting the former and focusing our capital programme investment on the latter.

There is welcome news in the capital programme to extend the commitment to expand the Dérive programme which will provide new homes at truly affordable rents for Salford residents. Plans are also supported to address the historic Buile Hill Mansion.

Unfortunately, the central government financial settlement did not adequately address the budget pressures we face - the rising costs of goods and services, the increasing demand on our services, and cumulative £232 million of budget cuts since 2010.

The government’s settlements to local authorities, including Salford, are calculated on each council increasing council tax levels or finding the equivalent savings or cuts. Given the need for investment and the reduction in core funding since 2010, the council reluctantly agreed to a council tax increase for this year.

A £150 rebate from Government is being distributed from April onwards.

If you pay council tax by direct debit then you will receive automatically. If you don't then we will contact you for bank details. Please don't ignore this communication. Help will be available at local gateway buildings if you need it.

Life in Salford 36 • March 2022 6

Crowdfunder raises over £128,000 From restoring a sensory garden to providing specialist support, opening a new rugby clubhouse and giving disabled children cycling lessons, Crowdfund Salford has worked.

The scheme which helps local groups get funding to turn ideas into reality has helped them raise more than £128,000 in its first year.

Launched by City Mayor Paul Dennett, Crowdfund Salford is open to individuals, groups, businesses and organisations in Salford with an idea or project which will benefit the city and which meets at least one of the City Mayor’s Great Eight priorities.

If the organisers of a project can raise 25 per cent of the total funding required to show community backing, Crowdfunder Salford will consider match funding the target. That could mean up to £10,000 – provided the project organisers can crowdfund any remaining money needed to release the grant.

The Great Eight priorities are • Tackling poverty and inequality • Tackling health inequalities and providing the best possible care • Affordable housing and reducing homelessness • Promoting transport and digital connectivity • Skills and education (A Learning City) • Creating an economy for all • Tackling the climate emergency • Creating vibrant places and spaces For more information on Crowdfund Salford please visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/funds/salford

Get your project going

Stay safe and dry at Salford Quays Salford Quays is great place to visit but please keep out of the water unless taking part in an organised swim with lifeguards.

The water in The Quays is very cold even on the hottest days. Jumping in from any height will shock your body and automatically make you gasp. If you get water in your lungs as a result you could drown. Anyone jumping from a bridge puts themselves in greater danger.

The cold water may also make it harder for you to stay afloat and if you get into difficulties you’re relying on family, friends or members of the public to notice and try to rescue you.

That’s why it’s dangerous and against the law to jump from bridges and/or swim in the water except during organised swimming sessions.

Regular joint council and police patrols warn of the dangers and CCTV cameras monitor the bridges. Anyone identified jumping from any bridge will receive a police visit and warning letter. Last year 17 under 18s received a home visit and one adult received a fixed penalty notice.

Many people live at Salford Quays and anti-social behaviour and littering is just as upsetting for them as for people in other areas of our city. Please be kind, tidy and enjoy your visit safely.

Life in Salford 36 • March 2022 7

Have your say in May On Thursday 5 May 2022, Salford residents will go to the polls to choose who represents them and their community. One councillor position from each of Salford’s 20 wards will be up for election.

How can I vote in the May 2022 elections?

There are three ways to have your say - you can vote in a polling station, by post, or by appointing someone you trust to vote on your behalf, known as a proxy vote.

To vote in the elections, you must first be registered to vote, which can be done online in just five minutes. If you have already registered at your address you do not need to re-register but if you haven’t you can register at: www.gov.uk/register-to-vote The deadline for registering to vote in this election is Thursday 14 April 2022.

How do I apply to vote by post?

How do I apply for a proxy vote?

To apply to vote by post you need to download a postal vote application form from www.salford.gov.uk/postalvote Once printed, completed and signed, please send it either by post to Freepost RSGE-LEUB-CLSS, Electoral Services, Salford Civic Centre, Chorley Road, Swinton, Salford, M27 5DA, or email a scanned image or clear photograph of it to elections@salford.gov.uk.

If you require a paper copy of a postal vote application form, please email elections@salford.gov.uk with your request, name and address and one will be posted to you.

The deadline for setting up a postal vote is Tuesday 19 April 2022.

If you are unable to cast your vote in person, you can ask someone you trust to cast your vote for you. This is a proxy vote and the person casting your vote is referred to as your proxy. The person voting on your behalf can either go to your polling station to cast your vote or can apply to vote for you by post.

You can apply for a proxy vote by visiting www.salford.gov.uk/proxyvote and following the same methods as for a postal vote.

The deadline for setting up a proxy vote is Tuesday 26 April 2022.

How do I find my polling station?

Before the election you will receive a poll card which shows the location of your polling station. You can also search for your address at www.salford.gov.uk/pollingstation to see which venue you need to attend.

Please follow any Covid-19 requirements in place on polling day.

Life in Salford 36 • March 2022 8

New homes for Salford

New affordable homes will bring three former school sites back to life.

How new homes in Eccles New Road, Weaste could look

Forty five apartments and 132 homes will be built on the former school site off Longshaw Drive, more than half of which will be available as affordable housing.

Three quarters of the homes will be let at affordable or market rent by Dérive, Salford City Council’s housing provider which is planning to deliver 3,000 homes over the next decade. The rest will be available to buy.

Another 32 homes and 36 apartments, 75 per cent of which will be affordable, will be built on the former St Luke’s primary school in Eccles New Road, Weaste.

Forty four will become part of Dérive’s portfolio while local charity Inspiring Communities Together intends to acquire the rest.

In Charlestown, 45 homes for social and affordable rent will be built on the former Cromwell secondary school off Blandford Road. The development will also include Alan Boyson’s Grade II-listed Tree of Knowledge mural and is a partnership between Salford City Council and charity The Broughton Trust, which aims to become a communityled housing association.

The schemes are part of the largest council-led housing scheme in Salford for 50 years with 129 homes being constructed and 43 already owned by Dérive.

Four new homes, four new chances A former family centre in Wingate Road, Little Hulton is being converted into new apartments to help Salford residents at risk of homelessness.

The four one-bedroom apartments will help people take the next step from emergency accommodation into having their own home and will provide them with intensive, on-site support to help them permanently move away from homelessness.

Salford City Council is currently housing over 300 people who have slept rough or are at risk of returning to the streets and the four apartments are the first of 28 which will be provided across the city this year.

Deputy City Mayor Councillor Tracy Kelly, Lead Member for Housing, Property and Regeneration, said: “We continue to face a critical shortage of affordable housing in Salford and we have very few move-on options available. These apartments will provide a real lifeline.”

The refurbishment of the disused centre, which is due to finish in May, will make sure the homes meet good, green standards and the two ground floor apartments will be wheelchair accessible.

The £190,000 project is being funded from a successful bid to the government’s Rough Sleepers Accommodation Programme.

Life in Salford 36 • March 2022 9

Fair reward for the fourth ‘emergency service’ Four thousand social care workers in Salford will receive the Real Living Wage of £9.90 per hour from April.

Salford City Council and Salford NHS Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) have announced that they will raise wages through the city’s joint funding arrangements.

City Mayor Paul Dennett said it was a decision both the council and CCG had been working towards for some time.

“I am delighted to announce that all our care workers, our heroes of lockdown will receive the Real Living Wage. Our care workers have been our fourth emergency service throughout the pandemic and they deserve every extra penny,” he said.

“After two years when they protected and cared for our most vulnerable residents, it is only morally right and fair that we recognise their hard work and dedication. The Real Living Wage will give them an extra £768 per year, making a definite difference to people’s lives.

“This is one of many ways we are tackling poverty in the city as social care staff are amongst the lowest paid workers. With the cost of living escalating and the Care Quality Commission reporting that vacancies in social care have doubled since April 2021, we need to value and keep committed, caring people in these critical roles, looking after our loved ones.”

Dr Tom Tasker, GP and chair of NHS Salford Clinical Commissioning Group said: “I want to personally thank all care staff for their valuable contribution to the health and care system in Salford.

“Care workers play a critical role in looking after some of the most vulnerable people in Salford, ensuring they receive the best possible care.

“We recognise that all care workers have a challenging and demanding job which has been especially difficult throughout the coronavirus pandemic. We value the commitment they put into their challenging role.”

The pay rise will increase the hourly rate to £9.90 per hour.

Eighty six percent of social care workers are women, most of whom work part-time and the pay rise is also expected to help keep workers in the sector.

The Real Living Wage is based on research into the true cost of living and is updated annually by the Living Wage Foundation. It is higher than the government’s national living wage.

In 2019 Salford set out to become England’s first Living Wage city and encourage more businesses to become accredited Living Wage employers. There are now 68 accredited businesses, up from 32 in 2019.

Life in Salford 36 • March 2022 10

Kelly Scapens, Supported Housing Manager, and Sara Dunnett, Housing Support Officer for ForHousing

New homes offer a fresh start Fifteen people from Salford will benefit from a partnership helping patients receiving treatment for mental health conditions. They will be able to move out of hospital or temporary mental health supported accommodation and make a new start in a permanent home.

Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust has partnered with ForHousing to make sure people can be discharged from hospital or temporary mental health supported accommodation and return to the community.

A lack of suitable properties can lead to long delays in patients being discharged from hospital, with NHS data suggesting that over 40 per cent of patients currently receiving care in mental health hospitals do not actually need to be there.

ForHousing has offered the Trust direct access to 15 of its homes, with one of the landlord’s dedicated housing support officers providing intensive support for tenants.

“This project recognises the importance of housing in supporting an individual’s recovery and enabling them to live well in their own home,” said Karen Fitzsimon, Community and Supported Housing Lead for ForHousing.

“We’re already seeing the difference this can make to people’s lives. We want to help people find the right home for them, in a supportive and diverse community.”

The promise of a permanent home is a huge step for patients, with mental ill health frequently cited as one of the main reasons for tenancy breakdown and homelessness.

“I think the project is a brilliant idea. The transition of individuals leaving hospital and securing their own accommodation is always a long and difficult process,” said Kevin Corcoran, the care coordinator for one of the people identified for the project.

“It will have a significant impact on the individuals leaving acute support and also mental health services trying to secure accommodation for their patients.”

"Good quality housing is known to have a positive impact on mental health and we are pleased to be part of an encouraging initiative with ForHousing."

Deborah Partington, Director of Operations at Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We know many people with a mental health issue can live independently in their own home, after an inpatient stay in hospital and as a mental health trust, we are here to provide options and support to maintain this.

“Good quality housing is known to have a positive impact on mental health and we are pleased to be part of an encouraging initiative with ForHousing.”

Life in Salford 36 • March 2022 11

Helping Salford women Medical student Hannah Chow is one of hundreds of Salford women who have benefited from a Salford GP’s legacy.

Dr Feryal Rajah, who passed away in 1995, was passionate about supporting the people of Salford and encouraging women to take up medical careers. The Feryal Rajah Educational Trust was set up by her husband, Councillor John Merry, then Leader of Salford City Council to continue her dedicated support. Since then, over £10,000 has been granted to women who live in Salford and want to pursue a career in nursing, medicine or allied professions such as physiotherapy, podiatry or dietetics but are experiencing financial difficulties.

Hannah Chow

"The support from the Feryal Rajah Trust has been a blessing."

Hannah, a final year medical student at Queen’s University, Belfast, said: “The funding has helped to alleviate some of the financial pressures of being a student. I have really enjoyed meeting patients, being on placements and rotating between different specialties.

“My favourite placement was with the paediatric department which I would love to pursue as a speciality.

I would also love to take what I have learnt abroad to provide medical care to third world countries.”

To find out more visit www.salford.gov.uk/feryalrajah Call 0161 778 0138 or email CSDBusinessSupport@salford.gov.uk for an application form.

To donate to the Trust please visit app.investmycommunity.com/fundraise/feryal-rajah-educational-trust-2988 or scan the QR code.

New CBBC Blue Peter garden is coming A second Blue Peter garden is coming to Salford to help the BBC celebrate 100 years of broadcasting.

The first Blue Peter garden was created in 1974 and was moved from London to MediaCity in 2012. It features regularly on the show which began in October 1958.

Blue Peter presenter Mwaksy Mudenda helping children enjoy gardening

The new, brightly planted garden will be launched at the RHS Chelsea Flower show in May before making its way north to RHS Garden Bridgewater and opening this autumn. It will focus on how soil supports life and locks in carbon and the benefits of turning food waste into compost. Salford schoolchildren’s’ ‘creepy crawlie’ artwork will be included at RHS Chelsea alongside other artworks by professional artists and a sound recording of healthy soil.

Meanwhile visitors can take a trip down memory lane at the Memories of Middlewood Scout Camp exhibition which runs until Friday 20 May. It celebrates more than 70 years of glorious summers and muddy winters with stories kindly shared by people who visited the camp over the decades.

Salford residents’ free entry to RHS Garden Bridgewater on Tuesdays has been extended until May 2023. Prebooking is essential.

Please visit: www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/bridgewater for details or call 0161 503 6100.

Life in Salford 36 • March 2022 12

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Life in Salford 36 • March 2022 13

Going for bronze, silver and gold Over 1,100 young people have successfully completed their Duke of Edinburgh (DOE) awards in Salford in the last few years.

Salford City Council’s youth service runs an open access DOE centre on the first and third Wednesdays of every month at Deans Youth Centre, Deans Road, Swinton from 6pm to 8pm and several local schools also run the scheme.

The awards involve learning a new skill, volunteering, a physical challenge and an expedition which for 15-yearold Joshua Bannon, who is doing his silver, could even shape his career.

Joshua, from Irlam, volunteered with the youth service and proved a natural leader. He is now training as an angling coach and his skill challenge, converting a washing machine drum into a safe firepit for Deans Youth Centre and training on the high ropes and climbing wall, could also lead to more qualifications.

“I’d tell anyone to do Duke of Edinburgh. I’ve got loads out of doing it and more skills for my CV which might help me to get a job,” said Joshua.

The Duke of Edinburgh scheme is for 14 to 25 year olds. Salford youth service is running an open evening on Wednesday 6 April, 6pm to 9pm, at Deans Youth Centre. Drop in or call 0161 778 0743.

Salford agrees new Accord with the VCSE sector Salford Council has endorsed a new agreement with the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector.

The Greater Manchester (GM) VCSE Accord is an agreement between local government, health and the VCSE sector. The accord sets out how organisations will work together to tackle poverty and inequality and further develop partnership working to improve the lives of local residents for a healthier, fairer and greener cityregion.

City Mayor Paul Dennett said: “The VCSE sector in Salford is one of the strongest in Greater Manchester and we have a proud history of partnership working. Endorsing the accord aims to strengthen that. There are 1,665 VCSE organisations in our city and 68,000 volunteers who work tirelessly to help people who need it most.”

Alison Page, Chief Executive of Salford CVS, said: “We are pleased that Salford City Council has agreed to endorse the GM VCSE Accord. Salford already has its own VCSE Strategy in place, running 2018-2023 and signed up to by the council, NHS Clinical Commissioning Group and VCSE sector, and we see the accord building upon this. We look forward to continuing to work in partnership with our local authority and health colleagues for the benefit of the people of Salford.”

Life in Salford 36 • March 2022 14

Keeping Salford safe Make sure you keep your homes and possessions safe.

Don’t leave open doors and windows unattended if at home and if going out check they’re all locked, even if you live in a flat as burglars will climb to balconies. Use light timers and a burglar alarm. Anti-snap locks and devices to prevent patio doors being lifted out of their frames are a good investment.

Always lock bikes securely using a good quality lock and remind your children to do the same every time they leave their bike.

Record the bike frame number and any distinguishing features, take photos and get the bikes security marked.

Register them and other valuables at www.bikeregister.com/register or www.immobilise.com to deter thieves or help recover items if they are stolen.

Check your car doors, windows and sun roof are locked, use a steering wheel, gear or clutch pedal lock and never leave items on show. Keep car keys well away from letterboxes so thieves can’t fish for them and pop keyless car fobs into a signal blocking pouch (a Faraday bag) so they can’t use relay devices to unlock and start your car.

Visit www.gmp.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention for more tips.

Salford Community Safety Partnership – working to keep Salford safe.

Life in Salford 36 • March 2022 15

Staying safe on social media Four Salford schools’ learning about staying safe online could protect youngsters right across Greater Manchester.

Salford City Academy, Irlam and Cadishead Academy, The Albion Academy and, Buile Hill Academy piloted The Social Switch project which was funded by Greater Manchester’s Violence Reduction Unit (VRU).

Teachers, 14 to 16 year old ‘champions’ and year seven pupils and their parents all took part to learn more about what platforms are available, how they are used and how to identify risks and stay safe online and praised the course. Year 10 students created a set of social media guidelines which will be tested and then shared with other schools.

The Social Switch programme uses social media as a starting point for tackling broader issues surrounding identity and belonging, relationships, behavioural risks and future opportunities in young peoples’ lives.

Launched in 2019, the Violence Reduction Unit brings together Greater Manchester Police, National Probation Service, health and education professionals, youth justice and local authorities to address the underlying causes of violent crime and work together with communities to prevent it. To find out more about the VRU, visit https://gmvru.co.uk

Watch the video about Social Switch on www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvwU8xOHP3A

Life in Salford 36 • March 2022 16

Help is available Cost of living rises are affecting everyone in Salford but there is help available.

The Household Support Fund can help people who are struggling to buy food and essentials, pay bills and heat their homes. It’s open to everyone, including people not receiving benefits, but proof of eligibility is required. Applications close on Friday 30 September 2022. Apply at: www.salford.gov.uk/hsf If you need support with your application call 0800 011 3998 or visit your local gateway centre or Broughton Hub.

General help If you’re not sure where to start please call the Spirit of Salford helpline free on 0800 952 1000 Monday to Friday 8.30am to 6pm and Saturday 9am to 1pm or complete the form on www.salford.gov.uk/spiritofsalford The helpline can direct you to a wide range of council and other local services covering money, health, mental health, COVID-19 and housing advice or you can contact them directly (please see below for details.)

You can also drop in and ask for help at Eccles Gateway, Barton Lane, Pendleton Gateway, Broadwalk, Swinton Gateway, Chorley Road or Walkden Gateway, Smith Street or Broughton Hub, Rigby Street. The buildings are open Monday to Thursday 8am to 10pm, Friday 8am to 6.30pm and Saturday 9am to 1pm or visit www.salford.gov.uk/gateways

Salford City Council’s Better Off website lets you check your entitlement and apply for benefits, look for jobs and has a wealth of information on budgeting, debt and childcare.

You can also get help at a BetterOff coffee and chat session in the Gateways/Broughton Hub or book a video call.

Please visit www.salford.gov.uk/betteroff to find out more about online and face to face support.

Salford Citizens Advice can help with consumer, employment, housing (including problems for private tenants), immigration, legal and family advice, rights to health, social and community care services and support around bereavement. Please visit www.salfordcab.org.uk or call 0808 27 87 802.

Citizens Advice Greater Manchester has an out of hours helpline from 6pm to 9pm, seven days a week. Please call 0161 850 5053.

Life in Salford 36 • March 2022 17

In an emergency Salford Assist provides discretionary emergency help with food and fuel vouchers, baby items, white goods, school uniform, household items and will consider any reasonable requests for essential items to keep people warm and healthy as well as signposting to other services to help avoid any future crisis. Proof of eligibility will be requested.

Please visit www.salford.gov.uk/salfordassist or call 0800 694 3695 Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm

On the money Thousands of pounds of benefits go unclaimed each year so check you are not missing out on money you are entitled to.

For specialist advice about benefit entitlement, to challenge decisions and for appeal tribunal representation contact Salford City Council’s welfare rights team. Call 0800 345 7375 Monday to Friday 10am to 12 noon apart from Bank Holidays or visit www.salford.gov.uk/welfarerights Salford Credit Union provides affordable loans with no set up or early repayment costs. The credit union encourages regular saving by its members. Visit www.salfordcreditunion.com for more information, call 0161 686 5880 10am to 12 noon Monday to Friday or email info@salfordcreditunion.com

Worried about debts?

There’s no need to pay for debt advice and it’s never too late to take action. Acting quickly may stop things from getting worse.

If you have problem debts or are facing repossession of your home or eviction, please contact Salford City Council’s debt advice service for free, specialist support.

Visit www.salford.gov.uk/debtadvice or call 0800 345 7323 Mondays and Wednesdays 1pm to 4pm and Fridays 9.30am to 12.30pm.

Salford Citizen’s Advice can also provide help and for free self-help resources visit National Debtline, Step Change or Money Helper www.nationaldebtline.org or www.stepchange.org or www.moneyhelper.org.uk If you’ve taken out a cash loan with no paperwork, if you’re being threatened and your debt keeps increasing despite payments, the Stop Loan Sharks government agency can help you get free and prosecute illegal money lenders. You won’t be in trouble, they are there to help you. Visit www.stoploansharks.co.uk or call 0300 555 222.

Paying the bills If you’re struggling with council tax payments visit www.salford.gov.uk/backontrack for lots of options for help including checking if you are entitled to any discounts or reductions in your council tax bill.

Salford Employ is a free job finding service and also has a link to the latest vacancies. Please visit www.salford.gov.uk/salfordemploy

Life in Salford 36 • March 2022 18

Fuel costs If you own your home or rent privately and the property has no gas central heating Connected for Warmth is a government backed scheme to provide a free heating and hot water system, including a gas main connection if needed, to those who qualify.

Private tenants need their landlord’s permission to apply and the landlord would need to contribute to the costs.

Visit www.connectedforwarmth.org.uk or call free on 0800 029 4547.

Visit Warm Salford www.salford.gov.uk/warmsalford for more help with fuel costs. This includes help with arrears, switching from costly pre-payment meters to credit meters, energy efficiency tips and details of grant schemes for better home insulation or replacing old boilers.

Food costs In emergency, please contact Salford Assist which can provide food vouchers or Citizens Advice Salford for a referral to a food bank.

Salford’s food charities have formed the Salford Foodshare Network and set up 12 food clubs across the city.

Each food club sets its own rules on membership, but they are generally open to people in low paid work or receiving certain benefits. Members can buy around £15 worth of food for up to £3 once a week. Some also offer help with school uniforms, access to Salford Credit Union and health promotion.

Contact Salford Citizen’s Advice on 07494498703 or 07494498678 (they can call you back) or email: healthyholidays@citizensadvicesalford.org.uk for food club information.

Check if your child is entitled to free school meals by visiting www.salford.gov.uk/freeschoolmeals or see how much your family could save by avoiding food waste with www.lovefoodhatewaste.com It could be up to £60 a month for a family of four.

Pregnant women and people with children under four can get help to buy milk, infant formula, fruit, vegetables and pulses and free vitamins (subject to eligibility). Please ask your midwife or health visitor or call the Healthy Start helpline on 0345 607 6823 or visit www.healthystart.nhs.uk Help with applications is also available from Citizens Advice Salford.

New applicants will receive pre-paid cards which are replacing paper vouchers. People already receiving paper vouchers will be contacted about re-applying for the new, digital scheme.

Other help Free internet access is available at all Salford Gateway buildings and libraries. If you need help getting online and boosting your digital skills please ask at the Gateways/Broughton Hub or libraries or visit digitalinclusion.salford.gov.uk Salford City Council offers a fixed price, fair funeral service for Salford residents without any compromise on the quality of service provided. Please visit www.salford.gov.uk/funeral For help with school uniforms, children’s toys, books, bedding, baby equipment and toiletries ask a professional (teacher, social worker, health visitor, midwife or support worker) or Salford Citizen’s Advice to refer you to Wood Street Mission, Salford Baby Bank or Visit from the Stork.

Age UK Salford’s hospital aftercare team offers free help and support to over 55s coming out of hospital who do not have a formal care package and who live alone without close family nearby. Criteria apply and all staff are police checked. Contact them on 0161 206 4607 or email: Salford.aftercare@srft.nhs.uk

Housing advice Salford City Council has a range of housing advice from finding a home to claiming housing benefit. There are also discretionary housing payments which you may be able to claim to help with rent arrears and affordable services to help you carry out minor repairs or to better insulate your property. Please visit www.salford.gov.uk/housing

Life in Salford 36 • March 2022 19

Make your money go further

Free fun Salford has 60 parks and green spaces and 16 outdoor gyms with free events all year round and you can join a friends’ group to help keep them looking great and make new friends. Visit www.salford.gov.uk/parks to find out more.

You can walk or cycle for miles along Salford’s former railway lines. Visit www.salford.gov.uk/looplines or visit the Bridgewater Canal. Take a picnic and some food for the ducks, geese and swans.

Transport for Manchester has walking and cycling maps for Salford and Greater Manchester, tips on road safety and information on cycling courses and minor repairs workshops. Visit https://beeactive.tfgm.com Join your local library to borrow books in person or online, read magazines online and enjoy a range of events. Babies aged four to 12 months get a free Bookstart pack. Ask your health visitor or any Salford library.

Salford Museum and Art Gallery and Ordsall Hall are both free to visit and have a range of events (charges may apply for events) Salford residents can visit RHS Garden Bridgewater in Worsley free on Tuesdays. Booking and proof of residency is required. www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/ bridgewater/articles/visiting-the-garden Visit The Lowry at Salford Quays for free to see L.S. Lowry paintings and regularly changing exhibitions.

Easter fun If your child is aged four to 16 and receives free school meals, they can sign up for the free Easter holidays activities programme from Monday 4 April to Thursday 7 April. All activities include lunch and range from baking and cooking to arts and crafts, sports, music and more.

Sessions are available throughout the city. Visit www.salford.gov.uk/easterfun for details.

Salford Community Leisure has a range of membership packages and pay and play for non-members salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk/ If you’re a Salford resident, you can get discounted tickets for The Lowry theatre through the Our Lowry scheme and some are just £10. Offers are sent by email or text (for last minute bookings).

To sign up email our@thelowry.com with your name, address, postcode and mobile phone number or call them on 0333 208 6000 or visit thelowry.com/support-us/memberships/our-lowry

Life in Salford 36 • March 2022 20

Climate change School meals going green

School cooks are going back to the classroom to learn new ways to serve up fruit and vegetables as part of reducing their service’s carbon footprint.

The service has seen an 11 per cent rise in pupils choosing plant-based meals since November last year because of climate change awareness and 10 per cent of Salford schools now have one meat free day a week. Salford City Council’s Citywide school catering service is aiming to keep its customers happy and well fed while being as ‘green’ as possible.

During the pandemic the service kept its kitchens open for children of key workers as well as supplying healthy food boxes to hundreds of children learning at home. It now produces more than 9,100 school meals a day as well as providing bread, pasta, salad and fruit. For some youngsters, it’s their most important meal of the day.

“We take care to make sure all our food, from free range eggs to sustainable seafood, is ethically produced and locally sourced wherever possible to reduce food miles. Some of our schools have their own vegetable gardens which the children help to maintain so they can eat what they grow.”

“Whether they prefer plant-based lunches or traditional recipes or a mix of the two during the week, we encourage pupils to eat lots of fruit and vegetables and try new dishes," said Councillor David Lancaster, lead member for environment, neighbourhoods and community safety.

Our staff are very creative, offering tastings, sometimes letting children help cook meals and linking dishes to the curriculum and environmental themes to make it fun and help the children learn."

Citywide has also introduced an online pre-ordering and payment service, which parents and pupils can use from any device to order by the day, week or whole term and see information about recipes and nutrition. Preordering also helps the service cook to order, reducing food waste, although any suitable surplus food is donated to the local community.

The service is also working to save energy, reduce and recycle packaging and has re-routed deliveries direct to locations instead of collecting them centrally and then redistributing them to reduce food miles.

Life in Salford 36 • March 2022 21

work continues Sun and air power Meanwhile a £5 million scheme to make Salford’s public buildings more energy efficient is underway to lift hundreds of tonnes of carbon from the city’s carbon footprint.

Air source heat pumps have already been installed at buildings at Cleavley athletics track and Clifton Country Park, saving a combined 33 tonnes of CO² a year. Salford City Council plans to fit pumps to another 10 buildings, which is expected to save 295 tonnes of CO² each year.

Solar power and air source heat pumps are helping Salford tackle climate change and move towards being carbon neutral by 2038.

Salford’s new, state-of-the-art solar farm should be in action by the end of 2022.

The £2 million farm will have 5,094 solar panels and will be built on 3.79 hectares – almost 10 football pitches - of grassland to the west of Kenyon Way, Little Hulton.

It is expected to generate enough clean electricity to power 438 homes per year (around 1.6 million kilowatt hours) and will reduce the city’s carbon output by 566 tonnes each year.

The pumps use warmth from the air to heat a liquid which is then used for heating the building and providing hot water. They are a green alternative to oil and gas.

Salford City Council was awarded £5 millon from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority which secured a £78 million decarbonisation grant from the government.

The solar farm scheme has been made possible through funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). It is part of the Unlocking Green Energy in Greater Manchester project which is receiving more than £8.6 million from the England European Regional Development Fund as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020.

Donate to boost Salford parks Six of Salford’s most popular parks are trying a unique initiative to tackle climate change.

Donation facilities have been installed at Clifton Country Park, Parr Fold Park, Dukes Drive, Princes Park, Lightoaks Park and Chimney Pot Park. Contributions will go to ‘friends of’ groups for new wildflower meadows, measures to soak up rainfall and reduce localised flooding and climate resilient planting.

The idea came from the Greater Manchester-wide IGNITION survey. It found that 61 per cent of respondents were visiting parks and greenspaces more than before the pandemic and 85 per cent said they would donate money to make improvements.

If successful, the scheme will be extended across Greater Manchester. To find out more or to donate visit: www.gmenvfund.org/parks-donations

Life in Salford 36 • March 2022 22

What’s on Enjoy a range of events in Salford

For more what’s on information go to www.visitsalford.info All events and details were correct at the time of publication, but please confirm with the venue or organisers before setting off.

Follow us on social media @visitsalford

Be creative

Celebrate spring

The Lowry Theatre, Pier 8, Salford Quays, M50 3AZ. Free but advance booking essential www.thelowry.com

RHS Garden Bridgewater, Occupation Road, off Leigh Road, Salford M28 2LJ.

Babies Playtime Wednesdays 10am for babies up to one year old; 11am for one- to two-year-olds. Have fun, sing, dance and make new friends.

Little Creatives Fridays 10am and 11am for toddlers and adults. Music making, storytelling, dance and creative play.

Crafty Families Saturdays (see website as times vary) an art class for families and under 11s.

Painting sessions Salford Museum and Art Gallery, Peel Park, The Crescent M5 4WU Painting Black Portraits Sunday 27 March 1.30pm to 3pm.

Free but booking essential Life Drawing Lates, Wednesdays 20 April, 18 May and 15 June, 6pm to 7.45pm, £8, booking essential salfordmuseum.com

Spring plant fair Saturday 2 April and Sunday 3 April with stalls from ten specialist nurseries, demonstrations and talks. Family mini trail with prize.

Giant Egg Hunt Runs from Saturday 2 April to Monday 18 April, 10am to 6pm. Members free, non-members must book to enter the garden. www.rhs.org.uk/Gardens/RHS-Garden-Bridgewater

Music Sylvette re-imagined Thursday 31 March, 8pm to 10pm.

Sacred Trinity church, Chapel Street, Salford. From £11, booking essential.

Visit www.seetickets.com and search for Sylvette. Songs from their first three albums with a string quartet.

Salford Choral Society: Our Wonderful World Saturday 23 April, 7.30pm to 9.30pm.

Royal Northern College of Music, 124 Oxford Road, Manchester.

Tickets from £16, booking essential.

Visit https://tickets.rncm.ac.uk and search for Salford Choral Society: Our Wonderful World

Family fun Storytime Salford libraries as below. School-term time only. Booking essential as below. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Stories for children up to four years old.

Boothstown Library - Tuesdays, 10.30am. Call 0161 799 6549 or email boothstown.library@scll.co.uk Broughton Library - Tuesdays, 2pm. Call 0161 686 5405 or email broughton.library@scll.co.uk Eccles Library - Thursdays, 10am. Call 0161 607 8237 or email eccles.library@scll.co.uk Pendleton Library - Wednesdays, 10.30am. Call 0161 686 5421 or email pendleton.library@scll.co.uk Swinton Library - Wednesdays, 10.30am. Call 0161 793 3736 or email swinton.library@scll.co.uk Walkden Library - Wednesdays, 10.30am. Call 0161 607 6639 or email walkden.library@scll.co.uk Winton Library - Tuesdays, 10.30am. Call 0161 921 2180 or email winton.library@scll.co.uk

Life in Salford 36 • March 2022 23

Something different Stand-up comedy graduation show Sunday 3 April, 8pm. The Kings Arms, 11 Bloom St, Salford.

Free entry.

Students from the latest two day comedy course show off their new skills www.kingsarmssalford.com/whats-on Paint The Great Wave Thursday 7 April, 7.30pm to 10pm.

Seven Bro7hers Beerhouse Middlewood Locks, Lockside Lane, Salford, M5 4YP. Booking essential, £34.99 per person.

Paint your own canvas inspired by Hokusai’s Great Wave of Kanagawa. All art supplies and guidance from an artist included, drinks to purchase. Visit www.eventbrite.co.uk and search for Paint The Great Wave Salford.

Go stargazing Wednesday 20 April, 7.30pm to 9.30pm. Salford Observatory, Chaseley Road, Chasely Fields, M6 7DZ. Email salfordastrosoc@gmail.com to book.

Salford Astronomical Society observatory opens its doors to scan the skies. Presentations instead if the skies are cloudy. gostargazing.co.uk/events/locations/salford-observatory The Salford Ghost Walk Friday 22 April and Friday 20 May, 7pm to 9pm, Greengate area.

Booking essential, adults only, from £15.14.

Discover Salford’s medieval heart and the ghosts that haunt the River Irwell. Visit www.eventbrite.co.uk and search for Flecky Bennett.

Makers Market Last weekend of every month. The Lowry Plaza, Salford, M50 3AZ. Free entry.

Local makers, bakers and artisans with festive food, drink, art, vintage and modern crafts. www.quaysidemediacityuk.co.uk

Armed Forces Day Raising the Armed Forces Day flag Monday 20 June 10.30am to 11am. Salford Civic Centre, Chorley Road, Swinton, M27 5DA. Free entry.

Armed Forces Day parade and family fun day Saturday 25 June, 10.30am to 4pm. Dukes Drive, Parrin Lane, Monton to Winton Park, Dover Street, Eccles.

Free entry.

Watch the parade then join in the family fun in the park.

Small children’s rides, face painting, climbing wall and magician.

Festival fun Sounds From The Other City Sunday 1 May. Various venues along Chapel Street, Chapel Street, Salford, M5. Booking essential, from £35.45 Discover new artists and sounds from our amazing city. soundsfromtheothercity.com Irlam Live 2022 Thursday 2 June to Sunday 5 June.

Prince's Park, Liverpool Road, Irlam, M44 6BJ. Booking essential, from £10 Bananarama, The Feeling, Heather Small, N-Trance, Hue & Cry, Nadine Coyle, plus family friendly activities, street acts, funfair, food and drink. https://irlamlive.co.uk The Pink Picnic Saturday 25 June. Peel Park, The Crescent, M5 4WU. Ticketed entry – see website for details.

Salford’s annual lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and non-binary, plus Pride celebration. Live music, food, drink, stalls and displays. Bring a picnic. Dogs welcome. www.pinkpicnic.org.uk

Join in Salford Angels WI Last Wednesday of the month, 7pm.

St Luke's RC Church Hall on Swinton Park Road, Salford. Membership fees apply.

Visit www.salfordangelswi.co.uk or email hello@salfordangelswi.co.uk or call 07791 5888 75.

Life in Salford 36 • March 2022 24

Spring into composting Have you noticed that the evenings are getting lighter, and that spring is on its way?

Are you starting to think about tidying up after winter?

Home composting is a great way to help do this.

Don’t be put off if you don’t have a large garden. You can still get into home composting if you have a small garden, a back yard or a balcony. Even if you have no outdoor space, you can still compost using a Bokashi bin which creates what some call ‘Bokashi tea’ which can be used to feed your house plants.

Salford City Council is working with Recycle for Greater Manchester to get more residents making their own compost.

Home composting gives you free compost, and is great for the environment. Here are a few reasons why: • Home compost gives you a low carbon alternative to the compost you might buy at a supermarket or in a garden centre as there’s less energy used to produce it.

• Bought compost often contains peat, so by choosing to make home compost you are also helping to protect our precious peat bogs.

• By composting at home, you’re reducing the amount of waste you put in your bins at home, reducing the amount of fuel used to collect and transport your waste and therefore reducing your carbon footprint.

• Homemade compost has similar nutrients to those found in bought fertilisers, but they’re stored in organic material and release more slowly, making home compost one of the most environmentally friendly ways to feed your plants.

To help you get started with home composting, Recycle for Greater Manchester (R4GM) is offering £10 off three different sizes of compost bins for Salford residents.

• 220 litre outdoor bin • 330 litre outdoor bin • Indoor Bokashi bin.

This offer also includes free package and postage. You can buy your bin at www.getcomposting.com

If you want to find out more about composting, including hints and tips on how to get started, visit recycleforgreatermanchester.com/lets-compost-now

Life in Salford 36 • March 2022 25

Photo posed by models pre-pandemic.

Brothers, sisters and teens need your help More than half of children who need foster care in Salford are aged 10 or older – and many of those are brothers and sisters desperate to stay together.

Many people think babies and younger children will fit more easily into their family but foster carers who look after older children say they are missing out.

“No nappies and no sleepless nights – that’s a real bonus,” said Alice who has fostered teenagers for several years.

“Older children are more independent and like to pursue their own interests, as well as enjoying family activities.

If we take in brothers and sisters they also like to spend time with each other. We have a great mix of spending time with them, doing things as a family and time to ourselves as adults.

“Over the years we’ve been introduced to a huge range of new interests, from art, acting and sports to wildlife, designing gadgets and creating videos. We enjoy days out, shopping and cinema trips or just staying home watching the latest films. It keeps us young.

“Young people come into care for many different reasons. Sometimes it’s short term because of family illness; sometimes they stay with me until they are adults

themselves. We’re based in Salford so they don’t have to change schools and lose contact with friends. It’s so rewarding to help them, see them grow in confidence and know you made a difference in their lives.

“The support we get from Salford City Council and a range of professionals working with us and the children is superb. There’s help 24/7 if we need it, lots of different support groups where we can chat to other foster carers, children’s events for our own children and our foster children, training courses and a generous allowance to cover both day-to-day costs and extras such as holidays, birthdays, Christmas and activities.”

Salford City Council foster carers come from a wide range of backgrounds and relationship situations. You must be 21 or over, have a spare room for the child, have the time and energy to look after them and be willing to work with a range of professionals. Full training and ongoing support is provided.

Anyone interested in finding out more about fostering can call 0161 799 1268 email salfordfoster@salford.gov.uk or visit www.salford.gov.uk/fostering

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New Care opens wonderful care facility in Worsley New Care, one of the UK’s fastest growing care home developers, has opened the doors to a stunning ‘new generation’ care home in Worsley. The care home is called Bridgewater Manor due to its location on Walkden Road, close to the Bridgewater Canal.

It features 71 fully furnished bedrooms, each with a private en suite wet room, as well as several stylish communal lounges and elegant dining rooms. There are quiet reading rooms, a nail bar, hairdresser and spa-assisted bathrooms, plus beautifully landscaped gardens and outdoor terraces to the first floor.

Combining its stunning design and award-winning care facilities, Bridgewater Manor will provide the highest standards of care in a comfortable home-from-home environment, offering outstanding residential, nursing, dementia and respite care services. The home also features a number of advanced care services, such as acoustic monitoring and silent call bells, which will further enhance the level of care provided.

The care home will create 100 jobs in multiple disciplines, with the first members of the team already hand-picked by New Care, including Lisa Astley who has been appointed as registered manager.

For further information or to book an appointment to view the care home, please contact the team on 0161 518 7190 or enquiries@newcarehomes.com www.newcarehomes.com

Life in Salford 36 • March 2022 27

Jab and jet away If you’re planning to travel abroad this summer make sure you have time to get fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before you set off.

Each country has its own specific entry requirements on vaccinations and isolation for those not fully vaccinated which travellers must check before departure. For most visitors wanting to prove they have been vaccinated they will need to show that they have had at least two doses of the vaccine at least 14 days before arrival. Some also expect vaccinations to have been completed within set timescales.

You need to have an eight-week gap between your first and second dose and a 13-week gap for the booster which completes the course and helps to keep you, your family and friends protected.

If you’re not fully vaccinated you may be required to isolate for a number of days at your own expense.

Rules can change with very little notice but if you’ve not yet had any or all of your COVID-19 jabs and want to go abroad this summer, it’s best to act now.

Anyone who gets COVID-19 can become seriously ill or suffer long-term effects; the vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and your family. Research has shown that the COVID-19 vaccine can help reduce the risk of catching or spreading COVID-19 and will protect against COVID-19 variants.

The booster vaccination gives you longer-term protection against getting seriously ill from COVID-19.

Getting a vaccination is quick, safe and effective and gives you the best protection against COVID-19.

Book online via the National Booking System at www.nhs.uk/covidvaccination or find a local walk-in clinic via the CCG website at www.salfordccg.nhs.uk/covid-19-vaccine-clinics or scan the QR code below.

Before you travel abroad, check any requirements on testing and vaccinations via the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) website www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice as entry restrictions and requirements may change with little warning.

Three out of four people in Salford have been vaccinated against COVID-19.

Don’t get caught out, get vaccinated.

Life in Salford 36 • March 2022 28

“He came seventh overall in the national Bambino Kart Championship (BKC) for five- to 13-year-olds, racing against children aged six to eight and reaching speeds of 45 miles per hour. Former BKC winners now race professionally.”

- Thomas, Max's dad

Full speed ahead Max Salford’s Max Joy is aiming to be the fastest five-year-old in town.

Max, who only started school at St. Joseph’s Primary in Ordsall last September, is aiming to finish first in three major kart racing championships this year.

Proud dad Thomas said it all started from watching Formula 1 racing on tv.

“Max enjoyed the races and quickly decided Max Verstappen was his favourite as they share the same name,” said Thomas.

“Max asked how F1 drivers get so fast, and I explained that many started at four or five in go-kart racing. We watched videos of Lewis Hamilton at a young age and Max said he wanted to try karting. He test drove a kart, got hooked and started racing aged four.

“He came seventh overall in the national Bambino Kart Championship (BKC) for five- to 13-year-olds, racing against children aged six to eight and reaching speeds of 45 miles per hour. Former BKC winners now race professionally.”

Max, who races under number 33 which is also Max Verstappen’s race number, will compete in The BKC, the Hooton Park IndiKart Championship and the UK Independent Kart Series which will take him all over England this year.

Life in Salford 36 • March 2022 29

Salford in short Celebrations for Ordsall Hall Celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee If you’re organising an event or street party to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s 70 year reign Salford City Council has a guide to all you need to know and links to national celebrations. The deadline for applications for Platinum Jubilee events in Salford is Friday 29 April 2022.

Find out more at www.salford.gov.uk/jubilee

It’s 50 years since Salford City Council acquired Ordsall Hall so look out for events and activities inside the house and gardens to celebrate.

The current Great Hall was built in 1572 and over the years the building has been a working men’s club, a training school for the clergy and a listening station during World War One. For more information visit: www.ordsallhall.com

City of Sanctuary Salford City Council is seeking official recognition

by City of Sanctuary, a national charity building a network of support and welcome for refugees and others needing help.

Councillor Wilson Nkurunziza who proposed the idea said: “It is important that people who are fleeing their homes are met with support, care and respect.”

Help tackle hate crime Salford City Council’s hate crime team wants to interview people about their experience of reporting hate crime and how it was followed up.

All information will be kept completely confidential, and no-one will be identified. The research will help services improve their response to violence or abuse because of people’s ethnicity, religion, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, disability or how they look (such as Goths and other alternative cultures.)

To take part anytime between Friday 22 April and Monday 23 May, please email Jo Rutter at Salford City Council on josephine.rutter@salford.gov.uk or phone via the contact centre on 0161 793 2500.

Please visit www.salford.gov.uk/hatecrime for details of how and where to report hate crime.

Take 10 minutes to protect your home Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service has launched a free home fire safety check at www.manchesterfire.gov.uk/your-safety/hfsa Free computers and internet access is available in all Salford libraries, Gateway centres and Broughton Hub. If you can’t get online please call 0800 555 815.

Have your say on neighbourhood policing Greater Manchester Police are asking people to help shape their plans for neighbourhood policing.

Meet Assistant Chief Constable Chris Sykes on Tuesday 5 April at the University of Salford’s Mary Seacole building, Statham Street, Salford M6 6PU from 7pm to 9pm.

Free car parking is available and the venue is close to Salford Crescent train station or a variety of buses.

There’s also an online questionnaire Have Your Say where you can give your views.

Visit www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/X6W6SGS

Supporting local businesses Salford actress Catherine Tyldesley, best known for playing Eva Price in Coronation Street, has a new role.

Catherine stars in Salford City Council’s Home is On Your High Street film to encourage people to support local businesses.

Read more by visiting www.visitsalford.info/highstreet

Watch the video on youtu.be/gbEXjGcxUUs

Life in Salford 36 • March 2022 30

Safe in Salford Salford’s new domestic abuse service Safe in Salford will offer more extensive help to survivors to try and break the cycle of control and violence.

Despite budget constraints, Salford City Council, which is one of the main funders alongside Salford NHS Clinical Commissioning Group and Greater Manchester Police, is investing an extra £333,000 per year in the service.

Salford Foundation will lead the service along with The Pankhurst Trust, TLC: Talk, Listen Change and Trafford Domestic Abuse Services (TDAS) which together have decades of experience in supporting survivors.

Safe in Salford goes live in April and existing domestic abuse workers will be able to transfer to the new service which will provide a seamless changeover to protect jobs and expertise, as well as providing continuity of support.

All services after April will continue to be based in Salford.

Safe in Salford will continue to support people already receiving help as well as encouraging more adult and child survivors to come forward. They will only tell their story once to receive a personalised package of support.

Entirely separate services will also work with perpetrators on behaviour change to break the cycle of abuse.

Don’t worry – get help If you’re worried about bills and your money, there are lots of ways Salford City Council can help.

Salford City Council’s BetterOff coffee and chat sessions are back in the Gateways and Broughton Hub. Drop in anytime between 10am and 2pm (see days to the right) to talk to a friendly council advisor.

BetterOff can help with Universal Credit, money management and emergencies, advise on getting online – all of which can save you money. Citizen’s Advice and housing association reps may also be available.

Mondays - Swinton Gateway Tuesdays - Walkden Gateway Wednesdays - Broughton Hub Thursdays - Eccles Gateway Fridays - Pendleton Gateway The BetterOff benefit and employment website is available 24/7 to check if you’re entitled to benefits to boost your income and apply for them online. It also has information on debt and money management, jobs and childcare to help you work.

Visit www.salford.gov.uk/betteroff or call our Spirit of Salford helpline 0800 952 1000 If you already owe money on council tax and are worried about future bills, please get in touch quickly to stop things getting worse. You may be able to change or extend your payment plan and advisors will also see if you’re entitled to any discounts, exemptions or benefits. Visit www.salford.gov.uk/backontrack or ask for help at your local Gateway or Broughton Hub.

Life in Salford 36 • March 2022 31

Waiting for hospital treatment?

Get support, advice and answers to your questions or concerns whilst you wait.

The COVID-19 pandemic has meant some operations and procedures have been postponed, leading to understandable concerns from patients who may be waiting.

The NHS is working hard to get people seen as quickly as possible.

If you, or someone you care for, is waiting for delayed medical care, you are likely to have concerns and questions such as how long the wait will be, what to do if your condition deteriorates and how to keep yourself as fit and healthy as possible.

For information, advice and resources to help manage your physical and mental wellbeing while waiting please visit www.whileyouwait.org.uk There's also lots of support in the community.

If your condition starts to worsen, please let your GP or consultant know.

Mental health and wellbeing We’ve all felt the stresses and strains of the last two years but Salford has a wide range of community support to help. Visit www.salfordccg.nhs.uk/getting-advice for information.

Whether you’re looking to get fitter, lose weight, stop smoking, sleep better or meet new friends though social activities Salford City Council’s health improvement connect service can help. Call free on 0800 952 1000 or visit www.salford.gov.uk/his START is a Salford based mental health charity that uses creativity and gardening to bring people together and help improve their lives. Find out more at www.startinspiringminds.org.uk or call 0161 351 6000.

Six Degrees Social Enterprise can help people aged 16 and over with common mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. Visit www.six-degrees.org.uk or call 0161 983 0900.

Garden Needs is a garden centre designed to help people make friends, learn new skills and use gardening to help their mental health and wellbeing. It is a partnership project between Mind in Salford and Social Adventures. Call 0161 710 1075 or visit www.gardenneeds.org.uk to discover more.

Shout is a 24/7, confidential, free text message support service for adults and young people struggling to cope.

Just text SHOUT to 85258 or visit giveusashout.org

Help for young people Young Minds is the UK’s leading charity for children and young people's mental health. Whether you need a reassuring conversation or specialist mental health support, Young Minds can help. Find out more at www.youngminds.org.uk Kooth is a free, safe and anonymous digital support community to help 11- to 18-year-olds with their mental wellbeing. Visit www.kooth.com

Life in Salford 36 • March 2022 32

Meet the new domestic abuse service

Safe in Salford Listening, understanding, practical help and support to break the cycle of domestic abuse. Those are the commitments at the heart of the new Safe in Salford service.

Services will be based in Salford and, while the ‘single front door’ approach makes it easy to get support, safety is paramount and services for survivors and perpetrators will be kept entirely separate.

From weekly surgeries and drop-ins to groups and one-to-one help, Safe in Salford aims to provide all the support you need to stabilise your situation and break free of domestic abuse.

Advice and support sessions, often delivered by people who have lived with domestic abuse, will cover safety planning, practical, emotional, health, housing, welfare, debt and legal issues.

Independent domestic violence advocates (IDVAs) will help people get to safety and rebuild their lives with a package of support from services and organisations.

Training for all GPs in Salford will continue to help them recognise domestic abuse, and quickly refer patients to specialist support.

Support for children and young people will help them form positive, healthy relationships.

And group or one-to-one sessions with perpetrators will challenge them to address and change their behaviour.

Meet the team Salford Foundation leads the partnership. It runs the National Lottery funded Indigo Project, services for young men and women and offers long-term, one to one, group and peer support and advice.

The Pankhurst trust supports 2,500 survivors every year and provides training to more than 3,000 professionals, organisations and people every year. It specialises in prevention, early intervention, community and accommodation-based services for adults and children.

TDAS has been working in Salford since April 2020, supporting families and training professionals. Its Harbour service works with children aged five to 18 who have experienced domestic abuse and TDAS supports children and families after separation from their abuser.

TLC: Talk, Listen Change delivers successful perpetrator behaviour change programmes in Salford and across Greater Manchester as well as counselling and support for partners of abusers and children.

Life in Salford 36 • March 2022 33

Some of the people helped by Salford Foundation and TDAS. It’s never too late to reach out for help.

All names have been changed

Tanika’s back in control

Lily has a new life

Tanika’s life looked perfect. She and her husband both had good jobs, they had a nice home and two lovely children. But Tanika had suffered domestic abuse for most of her married life and was worried her sons would copy their abusive father.

Her culture, which discouraged women from disclosing problems, made it hard for her to speak up but she talked to a health professional who referred her to Salford Foundation’s Indigo Project.

A year later and Tanika and her sons are happy and thriving in their new home. The Project helped her with accommodation, financial and legal support and gave her the inner strength to break free of past manipulation.

“I felt empowered, that I could take back control of my life and this would never happen to me again,” she said.

Seventeen-year-old Lily sought help from Harbour after an arson attack by her ex-partner’s gang left her and her mother homeless.

While Lily wanted to move away from the harassment and another abusive boyfriend, she was worried about her mum’s safety.

Independent domestic violence advisor Sarah worked with Lily to change her life. Sarah helped Lily and her mum find emergency accommodation, manage risks in her life and develop ways to cope with the stresses and strains.

She supported Lily with the prosecution of her exboyfriend, helped her complete the GCSEs she had missed at school and go on to an apprenticeship.

“I am really lucky I had you. You change lives,” Lily told Sarah.

Elliot is no longer afraid Nine-year-old Elliot no longer felt safe at home because of his mother’s abusive partner who timed her every move, took her bank card and isolated her from everyone, including her neighbours.

He bullied and threatened Elliot too so when Elliott told his teachers, staff from the Harbour project began working with him to help him understand how to stay safe and cope with the situation.

Elliot’s mum has now left the relationship and they have no contact with the abuser. Elliot now says he feels safe in his own home.

Get the help you need If you need help urgently or are in any danger, please call 999.

Safe in Salford staff are available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm on 0161 793 3232 or email

info@safeinsalford.org.uk

They aim to respond to phone messages within 24 hours and emails within 72 hours.

You can call the national domestic abuse helpline free at any time on 0800 2000 247 or visit

www.salford.gov.uk/domesticabuse for details of a wide range of support.

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Do Your Own Thing is a programme that helps you make more out of what you love doing, by turning your ideas into income. The programme helps fuel potential, explore possibilities and develop ideas before taking the steps into self-employment.

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Life in Salford 36 • March 2022 35

Losing your hearing Around 17,000 Salford people are known to have some degree of hearing loss but the actual number will be far higher.

If you have any concerns about your hearing, local pharmacies and opticians offer tests or speak to your GP about being referred for a free NHS check.

There are several community groups in Salford which support people with hearing loss including the Manchester Deaf Centre, which sits at the heart of Greater Manchester’s deaf community. The centre also offers British Sign Language courses.

To find out more or feedback on health and care services please email SALCCG.involve@nhs.net or see www.salford.gov.uk/deaf-information

Beating cancer Thousands of people beat cancer every year and there are simple ways you can protect your health.

Cancer screening services, which can prevent or pick up early signs of the disease are operating as usual so if you’re invited for a breast, bowel or cervical check, please take it up.

If you have any symptoms you’re worried about such as lumps on your body, changes in moles, sores that don’t heal, mouth ulcers, coughs or a croaky voice that lasts more than three weeks, persistent indigestion or difficulty swallowing, changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss or aches and pains or breathlessness or coughing up blood, please see your GP immediately.

It may not be cancer but, if it is the earlier treatment can start the better. Visit www.nhs.uk/cancer Smoking and being overweight are two of the biggest causes of cancer in the UK and Salford City Council’s health improvement service can help you quit, lose weight and begin to exercise more with everything from easy walks for all the family and bike rides to chair exercises and couch to 5k. They can also signpost you to lung health checks.

Vincent, who had smoked for more than 40 years, kicked his 60 a day habit with their support and says he’s living proof it can be done.

“Food now tastes better, my clothes don’t smell and I am amazed at the huge difference it has made to my life. I just wish I’d stopped sooner,” he said.

The service provides one-to-one stop smoking support, tailored to your lifestyle, online or by phone as well as free nicotine replacement therapy. Or you can sign up for free, five week Weigh Ahead courses to help change the way you eat. Call the Spirit of Salford Helpline on 0800 952 1000 or visit www.salford.gov.uk/health-improvement-service

Life in Salford 36 • March 2022 36

Donate your old device to change someone’s life

*name changed

Did you know that your old smartphone or tablet could change someone’s life?

It did for Dan*.

Dan, a former volunteer at Salford Loaves and Fishes, was living in a hostel when Salford City Council gave him a smartphone through its Community Calling scheme which recycles donated devices to people in need.

Dan used the phone to apply for jobs and make housing bids online and within a month he had both a new job and a new home.

Salford City Council’s digital inclusion team has donated more than 800 devices to residents in need through various schemes but many more people are still without access to all the benefits of being online, from keeping in touch with family and friends to essential applications and saving money.

If you can donate a smartphone or tablet, please remove any memory cards, wipe your personal data by resetting it to factory settings and drop it off at Eccles, Pendlebury, Swinton or Walkden Gateways or Broughton Hub. It will be data-wiped again before being gifted along with any training or support needed and a data plan.

Your donation could change someone’s life. Visit www.salford.gov.uk/donatephone to find out more.

Free adult education courses start mid April 2022 Want to learn new skills, meet new people and make friends?

All courses are free to Salford residents aged 19 plus (terms and conditions apply) and last eight weeks unless otherwise stated.

First Steps courses for beginners IT – search, shop and email safely MSOffice for employment – Word, Excel and Powerpoint Spreadsheets and databases Office work and admin Teaching adults Youth work Confidence building English – from basics to being able to help the kids with their homework Planting seeds, saving bees, learning IT (four weeks) Smart device photography – phone/ tablet or digital camera required Maths courses (not certified) – learn the basics right through to being able to help the kids with their homework.

Next Steps – to develop your skills further IT – online banking and saving, desktop publishing, photography and more MSOffice for employment – learn more skills and how to use Access Working in Photoshop (some IT skills required) – learn or refresh your skills.

Book your place now. Call Janet on 07482 606808 or Paul on 07727 600298, email info@corinth-training.com or visit www.corinth-training.com Corinth Business and Community Training C.I.C. is a not-for-profit community interest company, putting the learner at the heart of what we do.

Find Corinth on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Life in Salford 36 • March 2022 37

Helping homeless people stay well Helping people experiencing homelessness stay well is a key priority for Salford Primary Care Together, the service which unites all Salford GP practices.

The Inclusion Service currently has 475 people registered and works to move them into mainstream services once they have been treated, freeing up space for others. Homelessness includes people who are in insecure or emergency accommodation, sofa surfers and rough sleepers.

Working with Salford Royal, the service offers all new patients a health check which has successfully identified issues and supported patients to manage their physical health before reaching a crisis.

The service is also offering temporary accommodation for people who test positive for COVID and vaccinations for people who would struggle to attend mainstream vaccination sites. Booster jabs are being given at Salford Loaves and Fishes.

Becki Smee from The Inclusion Service said: “The NHS is here to serve everyone and people experiencing homelessness are more vulnerable to illness. We have changed our ways of working to meet and support their needs. We’re pleased this project is going well and helping so many get the health care they need.”

To contact the service and arrange remote consulting by phone or video, please call 07595 411581 or 0161 983 0650.

Greater Manchester's major trauma hospital reaches for the skies It’s now over a year since building work started on the six storey trauma hospital on Salford Royal’s site.

Once complete, it will be where patients from across Greater Manchester who have sustained a major trauma such as in a traffic accident are treated and where patients from Salford, Wigan and Bolton have high risk emergency general surgery.

On top of the building will be a helipad, to allow patients to be flown in.

Consultant in Emergency Medicine Dr Scott Beattie said: “With some of the most injured or unwell patients, it really is about getting them to us as quickly as possible so we can speedily understand their injuries and get their care and treatment underway. This can ultimately help save their life or ensure their injuries are not as life-changing.”

Salford Royal is part of the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust. Chief Medical Officer Dr Chris Brookes said: “Our staff and construction partners have not let a pandemic stand in the way of creating this incredibly important new building for the people of Greater Manchester. We look forward to welcoming the first patients in the summer of 2023.”

For more information go to www.northerncarealliance.nhs.uk

Life in Salford 36 • March 2022 38

Poets redevelopment complete

The new Poets homes in Swinton

A multi-million-pound housing development and regeneration scheme that has transformed an historic part of Salford is now complete.

The £22 million Poets redevelopment project in Swinton is now finished and fully occupied – bringing 160 brandnew homes and breathing new life into the area, which is also known as Beechfarm.

Poets has been a major redevelopment scheme from housing association Salix Homes and has seen 146 defective properties demolished that were affected by structural issues.

In their place, Salix Homes has built 120 new social housing properties, plus a further 40 homes for outright sale, available through the government’s Help to Buy scheme.

Sue Sutton, Chief Executive at Salix Homes, said: “Construction at the Poets began five years ago, but we’ve been developing proposals with the community for many years before that alongside Salford City Council.

“This area has always been known for its real strength of community, and we have endeavoured to preserve that community spirit throughout the development, so it’s fantastic to see residents, both new and old, settled and making memories in their new homes.”

Poets marks the first new-build scheme for Salix Homes and its first properties available for sale as part of its affordable home-ownership brand Willo Homes.

New homeowner Robin Capon was one of the last residents to move in and the 30-year-old accountant has finally seen his ambition to get on the property ladder become a reality.

He said: “I’d been renting for many years, so it was such a relief to finally get the keys and move in. I didn’t really think it would feel much different to renting, but it does.

It’s the first house I’ve lived in that’s actually mine and I’ve become really house proud. I love it here.”

Existing residents were involved in the redevelopment process from start to finish, and those affected by the demolition proposals were given priority for moving back into the new-build properties.

Salix Homes is now working on other new-build, affordable housing developments across Salford, which includes Neighbourhood, a 157-home development in Seedley and Greenhaus an eco-friendly apartment block on Chapel Street.

Robin Capon is now a new homeowner at Poets

Life in Salford 36 • March 2022 39

CGI image of the new Greenhaus development

Work begins on sustainable Greenhaus development Construction is underway on a highly sustainable, affordable housing development in Salford, which will be one of the first, and largest Passivhaus-certified apartment schemes ever delivered in the UK to date.

The Greenhaus development will be the sixth phase of homes on Chapel Street which will bring 96 affordable and highly energy-efficient homes to Salford.

The flagship apartment block is being built opposite Salford Cathedral and will be constructed to Passivhaus standards, which is a method of low-energy construction to build thermally efficient, ‘green’ homes with minimal energy required to provide heating and hot water.

Greenhaus is being delivered by ECF – a strategic joint venture between leading urban regenerators Muse Developments, Legal & General and Homes England - as part of the wider, £1 billion 50-acre Salford Central masterplan.

Salix Homes is the housing association partner for Greenhaus, which will comprise one and two-bedroom apartments and will take the overall percentage of affordable homes delivered by ECF to 25 per cent across the Chapel Street area of the masterplan.

Sue Sutton, Chief Executive of Salix Homes, said: “We have a strong track-record in delivering the right type of housing in the right places. With our foundations firmly rooted in Salford, we’re perfectly placed to deliver this ambitious and sustainable new development in partnership with ECF, which marks the next step in the regeneration of this historic part of the city.

“Greenhaus represents a new era of new-build, affordable and eco-friendly homes that will be fit-for-the-future and contribute towards the battle against climate change.

Adopting Passivhaus standards, which is the gold standard for energy efficient buildings, will future-proof the 96-homes at Greenhaus, helping to alleviate fuel poverty and protect residents from rising fuel costs.”

Salix Homes has secured grants from Homes England and Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) to help fund the multi-million-pound scheme. Banking partner NatWest is also providing financial backing for the project.

Properties that are built to Passivhaus standards enjoy reduced energy consumption of around 90 per cent compared to building regulations. Homes at Greenhaus will benefit from triple-glazed windows and the latest in insulation technology, using minimal energy for heating and cooling.

The development also includes new public electric vehicle parking spaces, a public square and greatly enhanced landscaping in the area.

Construction is expected to take around two years.

Life in Salford 36 • March 2022 40

Making Salford 10% Better More recycling, less household waste, more people in jobs, training and apprenticeships and more volunteers in Salford.

Those are just some of the goals organisations across Salford are pledging to achieve in the next phase of the social value-led campaign to make Salford 10% Better.

The campaign was first launched in 2017 by the Salford Social Value Alliance which brings together Salford CVS, the NHS, Salford City Council, the University of Salford and a range of other private, public and voluntary organisations, community groups and social enterprises (VCSE).

Alison Page, chair of the Social Value Alliance said: “Social value means every business, public sector organisation and the VCSE sector in Salford aiming for the most benefit for local people, local prosperity and the planet when making decisions.

“It might be requiring contractors to offer opportunities to Salford people through local recruitment, work experience or careers advice to schools or organisations encouraging staff volunteering. It’s about buying local products and services to support Salford’s economy and reduce miles travelled and choosing green travel and energy.

“In 2017 we set a series of targets to achieve 10 per cent more or 10 per cent less on a number of measures. Over 100 organisations pledged to take action towards meeting these goals.

“Two years in a pandemic during a four year campaign has affected the results. We saw a 36 per increase in use of green spaces but a slight decrease in people saying they were satisfied with life. However, every improvement is still a win and we’re looking forward to the next phase of the campaign and harnessing the Spirit of Salford to make our city even better.”

Two of the biggest successes of the campaign were the increase in the number of accredited employers in Salford paying the real Living Wage and 10,000 more volunteers coming forward, particularly during the pandemic.

Salford City Council also pledged to recruit 10% more young people aged 16 to 24 into apprenticeships with the council and increased that by over 1,000 per cent.

The targets for the next phase are to support 10% more: • People volunteering • People in employment, education and training • People saying they have good wellbeing • Recycling • Digital inclusion • Companies/organisations paying the real Living Wage • Purchasing from Salford-based suppliers • Use and care of green and blue (water) spaces • Reduction in carbon emissions • And 10 per cent less household waste

For more information, please visit www.salfordsocialvalue.org.uk or www.salford.gov.uk/socialvalue

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Win tickets to Sounds from the Other City We have a pair of tickets to give away for Sounds from the Other City, Salford's annual celebration of new music and performance on Sunday 1 May. The festival, which takes over Chapel St from 3pm until late has hosted early career performances from acts as diverse as the Ting Tings, Sampha, Alt-J and IAMDDB. To see the programme of venues, artists and activities visit soundsfromtheothercity.com.

To enter email lettersinlife@salford.gov.uk with your name, address and mobile phone number and SFTOC giveaway in the subject line. One entry per household only.

Life in Salford 36 • March 2022 42

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Life in Salford 36 • March 2022 44

Can you help young people?

Do you have a spare room?

Can you help a young person learn to live independently?

Then Next Step, Salford City Council’s care leavers service, would like to hear from you.

The service wants to recruit more people willing to offer supported lodgings – providing a room and friendly support to 16- to 21-year-olds who are moving on from care.

It might mean helping them learn to cook or manage their money, sharing hobbies and interests to build their confidence, offering advice on education, jobs or training or just being there to listen if they want to talk about problems or worries.

Anyone taking part must be willing to be police checked and must work alongside professionals to help them and the young person in their home. They will be expected to take part in training and will be paid for their support.

No qualifications are needed but people must have a reasonable sized spare room, be willing to provide and share meals with the young person and have time to support them.

To find out more please visit www.salford.gov.uk/nextstep or contact Liberty Kormoss, supported lodgings co-ordinator, by emailing l.kormoss@salford.gov.uk or calling 0161 607 1888 or 07540 672 079.

Life in Salford 36 • March 2022 45

Child employment – what you need to know Working part-time can be hugely beneficial for young people. It gives them the chance to earn some money and gain valuable experience to build skills for future jobs.

Children can take paid jobs from the age of 13 and can work in a variety of places from delivering newspapers to working in shops and cafes. There are restrictions on the type of work they can do, when they can do it and how much time they can work to make sure their health and education are not affected. These vary by the nature of the work and age of the child.

Employers must apply for a free child employment permit before young people start work. Employing a child without a permit is illegal and means they will not be covered by the employer’s insurance. If your child has a Saturday or part-time job please make sure their employer has a licence for them.

For more information visit www.salford.gov.uk/child-employment

Please contact Salford City Council’s child employment team by emailing childemployment@salford.gov.uk or calling 0161 603 4350 to check if children are properly licenced or report any concerns.

Made in Salford owned by Salfordians Salford Credit Union has been helping people become better off for over 30 years.

Over 4,000 members from Irlam, Eccles, Little Hulton, Ordsall and all points in between are saving regularly for holidays, Christmas or rainy days, knowing their savings are fully protected.

If members need extra cash Salford Credit Union can offer a range of affordable loans, tailored to their needs.

It’s safer than doorstep lenders, can be cheaper than some credit cards and part of the repayments go into your savings pot.

Find out how you can save and borrow safely at www.salfordcreditunion.com or email info@salfordcreditunion.com

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