Teams behind Salford’s COVID-19 effort…

Our aim throughout the COVID-19 pandemic has been to protect the lives and livelihoods of Salford residents.

Together with an army of staff, partners, and volunteers, we successfully rolled out COVID-19 testing in all communities and continue to deliver one of the most extensive vaccination programmes in history!

Read about the people and teams who continue to make a difference and support the delivery.

Coffee Stops creating a sense of connection

The Federation of Jewish Services (The Fed)

The pandemic put many community services on hold, but the success of the vaccine programme, together with the easing of restrictions, has happily brought the return of many vitally important social groups and communal activities.

One such group is The Fed's popular 'Coffee Stops' programme run by the charity's Volunteer Services Team, who organise the monthly gettogethers across north and south Manchester. These gatherings provide a few hours companionship and conversation - making the difference to some between total isolation and a sense of community and belonging.

The introduction to the Coffee Stops came as a lifesaver for Sonia.

"My bad legs meant I was unsteady, and I was resigned to simply being at home alone. Suddenly that changed – it was so wonderful to get involved with The Fed!"

For Lionel, The Fed was a part of his life long before he joined the Coffee Stop crowd. He said:

"I'm really quite shy and was nervous when I went, but I was made so welcome by the other guests and all the staff. It's a great thing to have in your life – that sense of human connection and interaction. At my age it's invaluable."

Fed Volunteer Coordinator, Julie Abramson, said: “The Coffee Stops are a truly special service. People are greeted with a room full of friendly faces, laughter, and warmth. We often have guest speakers and sometimes theme the afternoon around an upcoming Yom Tov (Jewish Festival).”

Vaccines remain our best line of defence

Getting vaccinated is free and only takes a few minutes. There are vaccination clinics at times to fit around your lifestyle and we also offer walk-in sites. For more information, visit www.salford.gov.uk/ vacclinics or call the national booking line on 119.

Visit www.thefed.org.uk or call 0161 772 4800 for more information.

Smiling with my eyes

Jenny Capper, Neighbourhood Volunteering Worker, Salford CVS

Jenny witnessed first-hand the massive effort to set up the COVID-19 vaccine rollout.

Working with Salford CVS opened my eyes to those who are alone, vulnerable, frightened, and those with curious questions! The queues of people, waiting patiently, nervously and those with no fear but a sense of excitement of the hope, health, and protection on offer.

You’re supporting patients with anxiety, reassuring them they are going to be ok and sharing tips on keeping calm. You end up having the most interesting and often emotional conversations with people after their jab.

Wearing a mask often made it harder to connect with people but I learnt how smiling with your eyes and a simple 'hello' lets you see where the conversation leads, and I can honestly say hand on heart that anybody I approached was very welcoming.

A mum-to-be who came for her first jab shared how people had influenced her and had put her off getting jabbed. So, it was great to see her making her own choice to get vaccinated.

I'm so grateful to support this work. I’m proud to have made a difference in the community and the power of smiling through my eyes whilst wearing my mask.

For further support and volunteer opportunities visit www.salfordcvs.co.uk

Spirit of Salford Helpline

Launched within 72 hours of lockdown beginning, the Spirit of Salford helpline has supported more than 40,000 residents affected by COVID-19 since the pandemic began. It was awarded The Pandemic Digital Innovation of the Year award in November 2021, one of the most prestigious digital leadership awards in the UK.

The helpline is still available and offers support on lots of different issues that you might be facing. You can get advice about what to do if you test positive for COVID-19, support for a family member with COVID-19, information on staying safe and when you can have a vaccine or booster and where to get one.

The Spirit of Salford Helpline 0800 952 1000 is open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 6pm and Saturday 9am to 1pm.

For more information visit Spirit of Salford Helpline at Salford City Council www.salford.gov.uk/spiritofsalford

Award winning COVID-19 vaccine delivery programme for people with learning disabilities

There was a determination in Salford that having a learning disability would not be a barrier to accessing a COVID-19 vaccination.

Teams from Salford Clinical Commissioning Group, Salford Care Organisation (part of Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust) and Salford Primary Care Together joined forces with GP practices across the city to offer every person in Salford with a learning disability a home visit from a specialist nurse who understands their needs for their vaccines.

Easy read booklets and letters were produced, a dedicated vaccination booking line and dedicated clinics were set up with longer appointment times, no waiting and relaxing music playing for those who could attend a vaccination centre. Family carers were also offered the vaccine.

As a result, over 80% of people with a learning disability in Salford have had all three vaccines, higher than the Salford, Greater Manchester and England averages.

The programme was named ‘Inclusion Champion’ at the Greater Manchester Health and Care Champion Awards 2021 and put forward as the North West’s nomination for a Parliamentary Award in the COVID-19 response category.