Life In Salford issue 44

Vote in three elections on Thursday 2 May See pg.5 for details.

Salford City Mayor Greater Manchester

Salford Community Stadium pg.7

Stay Connected with Salford City Council!

Hey Salford residents! We’ve heard you loud and clear - you want to be in the loop about what’s happening in your city. Last year, over 3,000 of you shared your thoughts in our survey, and we’ve been working hard to make sure you get the information you crave.

What’s the buzz around the city? Curious about events, park upgrades, or road improvements? We’ve got the scoop! But guess what - many of you didn’t know about our social media accounts. Let’s change that!

Head to www.salford.gov.uk/oursocialmedia to discover the full list of our accounts. It’s the real deal, so you won’t mistake us for a random person or group pretending to be the council. Plus, we’ve got some social media 'rules' to keep the conversation friendly and enjoyable.

For the latest news and emergency updates, follow us on X at @salfordcouncil. Need help with a service? Hit up @SalfordCCHelp during office hours for top-notch assistance from our customer service champs.

Facebook fans, we’ve got you covered too! Dive into a treasure trove of service info and get your questions answered by our amazing customer service team. Prefer a private chat? Slide into our messenger!

Instagram lovers, we are on here too sharing news, events, activities and of course beautiful photos of the city we love.

NextDoor pals, rejoice! We’re now sharing neighbourhood news on your favourite platform. Stay in the loop about what’s happening in your community.

Job hunters, we see you! Connect with us on LinkedInSalford City Council. We’ve got the inside scoop on exciting job opportunities that might just be the career move you’ve been waiting for.

Let’s stay connected, Salford! Together, we’ll make sure you’re always in the know about the fantastic things happening in our city.

A bright future in our city for everyone

It is an exciting time for Salford as we begin a new era for rugby in our great city. The acquisition of the remaining 50% of Salford’s Community Stadium will enable the council to refresh the initial vision of a stadium for the city and its people and the deal will protect the future of Salford Red Devils at the community stadium; a club with a 150-year history.

The economic benefits of the surrounding land represent fantastic value for the council when the area is regenerated. The future will be linked to new sports and leisure and rugby strategies, with connections to activity, culture, health and wellbeing, fair access and opportunities. The city’s heritage and rugby history will be safe for future generations.

The decision regarding the stadium is a key part of our cultural, heritage, sporting and leisure assets building on decisions the council has previously taken to attract the Royal Horticultural Society’s fifth national garden (RHS Bridgewater) and the BBC’s Philharmonic Orchestra, and invest in our much loved Lowry Theatre & Art Gallery which cares for the city’s L.S.Lowry collection.

Children and young people

A recent Ofsted inspection provided excellent news, with services to children and young people recognised as ‘Good’ overall, and ‘Outstanding’ in two areas including the experiences and progress of our care leavers. This is a fantastic achievement for the council and

A message from the City Mayor of Salford, Paul Dennett

the city, a real testament to the commitment of everyone involved. This rating positioned Salford as the best graded council in the north west under the new Ofsted rating system, and I am pleased to say that this followed ‘Good’ inspections across all the council’s children’s homes in the last two years.

We are committed to ensuring that children and young people are safe and supported with the best start in life. Our next mission is to become a Child Friendly City, engaging, empowering and listening to children and young people, while working collectively in their best interests in all that we do.

Funding challenges

We have experienced 14 years of austerity, a global pandemic and the current cost-of-living crisis. This has had an enormous impact on residents, families, businesses and organisations.

It is the sixth consecutive year in which Salford has received a oneyear settlement from government, hindering our ability to adequately plan for the future. There is no sign of the promised Fair Funding Review, and the government is intent on hiking regressive taxation (council tax and precepts) to deal with challenges fuelled by inflation, interest rates and cost-of-living.

I am extremely disappointed by the government’s inadequate response to calls from local authorities of all political colours, and the Local Government Association, to urgently address the £4 billion funding gap facing councils across England.

The current financial model is simply not sufficient to address escalating demands on critical services, as demand continues to outstrip our ability to meet need.

An emergency motion at our Full Council meeting on 17 January appealed for government to respond positively to the financial challenges we face. We will continue to campaign on these issues, especially the proposed £5.4 million cut to the Household Support Fund and £2.4 million Services Grant cut.

The government has made the decision not to deal with the real budget challenges around children’s, adult social care, housing and homelessness, as well as other services that residents rely on as they continue to struggle to make ends meet.

However, my priority continues to be to use the council’s budget to support residents, families, businesses and our vibrant community, voluntary and social enterprise sector in the city. We will continue to support those that need the council's help and support the most.

We have a bright and bold future ahead of us as we all work together in creating a city which we are proud of, a city for everyone!

City Mayor Paul Dennett

£10million ‘green’ transformation for tower blocks

A pair of ageing Salford tower blocks are going ‘green’ as part of a multi-million pound ecotransformation.

Housing association Salix Homes has started investment work at neighbouring blocks Grey Friar Court and White Friar Court in Greengate.

The 14-storey high rise buildings are undergoing a £10million refurbishment, making them greener and more energy efficient.

The improvement work includes external wall and roof insulation to improve the thermal efficiency of the buildings, new windows and ventilation, and the façade and balconies will be completely rendered and transformed.

An eco-friendly ground source heating system is also being installed which works by harnessing the natural heat from the ground, rather than burning fuel to generate heat.

Liam Turner, Executive Director of Assets, Growth and Sustainability at Salix Homes, said: “Salix Homes is committed to creating cleaner, greener homes and communities, and this significant investment project will give a new lease of life to these ageing 1960s tower blocks, transforming the properties into desirable, modern homes which are more comfortable and economical to run, while helping to meet our carbon neutral ambitions.

“This marks another step forwards towards achieving our sustainability goals and improving the energy efficiency of all our housing stock, which will benefit both our customers and the planet.”

Salix Homes, which owns 8,000 homes across Salford, has secured £4million from the government’s Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF) to help fund the project, following a successful bid from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) on behalf of social housing providers across Greater Manchester.

Salix Homes is committed to improving the energy efficiency of all its homes and buildings, which will benefit residents and the environment. The landlord is carrying out energy efficiency improvements to many of its properties across Salford, which includes measures like external wall and loft insulation, new doors and windows, solar panels and heat pumps.

The government has set a target that all social housing should have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) of a ‘C’ rating by 2030, as part of the net zero programme to reduce the UK’s carbon emissions, while Salix Homes has committed to becoming a carbon neutral organisation by 2038.

An artist’s impression of how Grey Friar Court and White Friar Court will look.

The pair of high rise blocks as they are now.

Elections 2024: Your chance to shape Salford’s future

On Thursday 2 May 2024, Salford residents can choose who represents them and their community by voting in three different elections:

Salford City Mayor

Greater Manchester Combined Authority Mayor

Councillors for Salford City Council

It only takes five minutes to register to vote!

To vote, you must register by Tuesday 16 April. Visit www.gov.uk/register-to-vote with your National Insurance number. If you’re not sure whether you’re already registered, call our contact centre on 0161 793 2500 to check.

Casting your vote

Whether you vote by post or in person this May you’ll have three ballot papers listing all candidates. When choosing one candidate in each election (Salford City Mayor, Greater Manchester Combined Authority Mayor and Councillors for Salford City Council) mark the box carefully with an X so it’s clear who you’re voting for.

This year, a third of councillors will be up for election – 20 seats – one from each of Salford’s 20 wards. Candidates for both mayoral elections will be announced late March and in April, every voter will receive a booklet, providing information to help you decide how to cast your vote. Find out more at www.salford.gov.uk/mayelections

Voter ID

You must now show an acceptable form of photo ID to vote in a polling station. If you don’t have one, apply online by Wednesday 24 April for a free Voter Authority Certificate (VAC) and if you need help, pop into your local Gateway centre. Visit www.salford.gov.uk/voter-id for all the details.

Want to vote by post, or have someone you trust vote on your behalf?

You can now apply for a postal or proxy vote online if you can upload an image of your handwritten signature. But, if you prefer, you can still download a form from our website to complete or request one by emailing elections@Salford.gov.uk or calling 0161 793 2500. You must apply by Wednesday 17 April for a postal vote or Wednesday 24 April for a proxy vote. Find out more at www.salford.gov.uk/postalvote and www.salford.gov.uk/proxyvote

A parliamentary general election will also happen this year (date to be confirmed) so make sure you’re registered to vote and have your say.

SUPPORTING LOCAL ARTISTS FOR A DECADE:

SKETCHING OUT A BRIGHT FUTURE WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF SALFORD

In 2023 the University of Salford Art Collection led a touring exhibition across the Northwest which showcased the work of Sony World Photographer of the Year and Salford alumnus Craig Easton. Funded through the National Lottery Heritage Fund, this also included an engagement programme for young people called Our Time, Our Place. In Salford, photographer Gwen Riley Jones worked with Salford Youth Service and a group of eight incredible young people from Little Hulton, empowering them to discuss current issues, delve into their heritage and present their own perspectives on their local community at the University’s New Adelphi Building, alongside the Craig Easton exhibition.

This is just one way in which the University Art Collection works with artists across the city. 2024 marks the tenth anniversary of a pioneering collaboration with Castlefield Gallery. The Salford Scholars programme offers a small number of graduating artists a yearlong programme of professional development including coaching, mentoring, training and visits, as well as a £1,000 bursary. Some scholars also benefit from studio space in Salford with Islington Mill, Paradise Works or Hot Bed Press. The scholars come from a wide range of courses, from Fine Art and Photography through to Graphic Design and Creative Music Technology. The programme aims to give the new graduates the skills, networks and experience to continue practicing, whilst also contributing to the artist ecology of Salford.

In addition, the University Art Collection is currently hosting two artists in residence with Energy House 2.0, a Salford-based research facility accelerating the progress towards low carbon and net zero housing design. Mishka Henner will be showcasing new work at Open Eye Gallery, Liverpool until 31 March and presenting a performance at Salford’s Sounds From The Other City festival in May. Emily Speed is at an earlier stage of her residency but in 2025 both artists will highlight the issues facing scientists at Castlefield Gallery.

On the theme of climate change, from Saturday 23 March the Art Collection team will bring Hybrid Futures to Salford Museum and Art Gallery. The multi-partner project, supported by Arts Council England, the Art Fund and the Henry Moore Foundation, includes an exhibition of newly commissioned work by four artists (Shezad Dawood, RA Walden, Parham Ghalamdar and Jessica El Mal) focusing on the changing global environment.

Mishka Henner, Executive Decision (detail), 2023. Courtesy the Artist

Young people from Little Hulton take part in the Our Time, Our Place project at the Craig Easton: Is Anybody Listening? exhibition launch 2023.

Credit: Jason Lawton.

Regeneration and Rugby

The council will take full ownership and control of the stadium and assets (Salford City Council owned 50%), including car parking areas and training pitches, along with the development land around the site. This is a decision that the council believes paves the way for a bright future for a key regeneration area in our city, which is recognised through Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s (GMCA’s) economic growth and devolution work, known as the Western Gateway.

The stadium, which is currently home to Salford Red Devils RLFC and Sale Sharks RUFC, officially opened in 2012 and hosted the Rugby League World Cup in 2013 and importantly will be a venue for the forthcoming Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2025.

Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said: “After being a joint owner, the council is set to take the reins and full control of the stadium and surrounding site.

“We’ll be able to recommit to deliver the initial vision of a community stadium for the city and its people. The future will be informed by new co-produced sports and leisure and rugby strategies for our city, with links to events and activities, culture, heritage, work and skills, education, health and wellbeing, fair access and opportunities. Ultimately, the full acquisition of our community stadium and the forthcoming strategies will build all the great sports and leisure and rugby activities (both professional and amateur) we already have in our city.

“Similarly, the full acquisition of our community stadium and ongoing regeneration of this part of our city will allow us to realise benefits

that go far beyond activities on the pitch, with full development of the site creating an anticipated 790 new jobs, delivering £28 million worth of social value, attracting £65 million of private sector investment and importantly helping us protect jobs and services at the council by delivering £1.2 million in business rates each year.

“Our city’s phenomenal heritage and rugby history will be safe for future Salfordians, acknowledging that last year Salford Red Devils celebrated its 150th Anniversary, we are the only city in the UK to have two top-flight teams in both codes playing out of the city's community stadium and our city is the birthplace of William Webb Ellis, who has been credited with inventing rugby football in 1823 while at Rugby School. We’re proud that the stadium is home to Salford Red Devils RLFC and Sale Sharks RUFC. We have celebrated the historical and cultural contribution made by Salford Red Devils RLFC and the Salford Red Devils Foundation and championed Sale Sharks RUFC and the contributions the club has made locally since their move to the city back in 2012.

“We are now looking to the next historical milestone and how this decision can be a catalyst for improving rugby development (both professional and amateur) and the interconnected benefits residents, families, children and young people in the city can gain through rugby and sports. Both codes of

rugby are thriving at a grassroots level within our city, through the fantastic work of our rugby league clubs, such as, Folly Lane, Salford City Roosters, Langworthy Reds and Cadishead Rhinos as well as our other professional rugby league club Swinton Lions RLFC. The union game is also well represented within our city by local clubs at De La Salle, Eccles and Broughton, which when combined and further developed strategically, represent huge untapped potential for rugby in Salford.

“We also have exciting plans to engage fans, community groups and grassroots rugby clubs, schools, education providers and residents, families, children and young people and our communities, alongside Sport England, Rugby Football League (RFL), Rugby Football Union (RFU) and Government who are currently undertaking work around the future of rugby nationally, building on their financial support (both grant and loans) for rugby league and union to date.

"The city’s heritage and rugby history will be safe for future generations."

In Pendleton sits a charity that helps some of the most vulnerable and isolated people on the city. A committed team work tirelessly at Salford Loaves and Fishes to help those going through challenging times. Services offered include free hot meals and drinks, housing advice, skills training and specialised support to gain employment.

Salford Loaves and Fishes

Salford Loaves and Fishes is an absolute lifeline for homeless people, or those struggling, in Salford. The charity was set up in 2006 and a team of 15 dedicated employees work there.

The warm drop-in centre is open each weekday from 9am until 2pm (appointments after this) and sees more than 23,500 visits each year, approximately between 90 and 140 people each day. The afternoon is when activities take place. It is a vibrant community space where visitors get a warm place to meet with free hot food, drinks, laundry and shower facilities.

Crucial to the service is the specialist advice and support available which includes housing, health, accommodation, and benefits as well as skills training, digital inclusion drop-in, a job club, yoga and Happy Mondays arts and crafts.

Jennifer-Anne Smith, Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are so proud to be able to help those in this great city who need it most.

“Many of our visitors have gone through traumatic events, don’t have a place to call home and have complex needs. We treat each person as an individual and do all we can for them.

“Other services and partner agencies drop into the centre to provide expert help and support. For example, the Homeless Drug and Alcohol team, Salford City Council and Citizen Advice.”

The centre has seen an influx of visitors since the cost-ofliving crisis which has even pushed working families into poverty.

Asylum seekers being given the right to remain in the country means they are evicted from Home Office accommodation. Very often they have nowhere to go, so Salford Loaves and Fishes help them establish their new lives.

The centre provides workshops to help people speak English and within the centre people from vastly different backgrounds help each other, to navigate through a complicated world of forms and processes.

The incredible centre is funded purely by grants and relies on a wonderful team of volunteers. So if you can help by fundraising or giving your time, please email info@salfordloavesandfishes.org.uk

Council budget agreed for 2024/25

On Tuesday 5 March, the council’s budget for 2024/25 was agreed at a meeting of Council.

Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said: “Budget pressures reported are linked to year-on-year real core funding decreases from government and increases in the costs of goods and services, as we continue to grapple with the impacts of the cost-of-living crisis after 14 years of austerity. This is also further compounded by increasing demands on services and specific budget pressures in homelessness, children’s services and social care, housing benefit subsidy loss and the Services Grant being cut by £2.4 million. Also the Household Support Fund is likely to be cut by £5.4 million, all of which have again made balancing this year’s budget exceptionally difficult.”

For example, there is a reported overspend of £1.6 million on temporary housing provided to accommodate increasing numbers of homeless families and individuals who the council has a duty to rehome. Section 21 no fault evictions continue to rise, with no certainty over when the Renter’s Reform Bill will become law and Local Housing Allowances uplifts not happening until April.

Salford City Mayor continued: “The cumulative budget cuts since 2010 have now reached £245 million and it is reported nationally that even councils in wealthy areas are struggling to meet their legal duties, with a number of councils declaring bankruptcy and being forced to increase council tax at inflation busting levels of between 10% to 15%.

“Our priority, as always, remains to protect the core council services residents and families rely on,

including maintenance of our parks and public realm, our roads, streetlights and support for our vulnerable children and adults. At the same time the council continues its commitment to bringing new jobs and opportunities to our city, while also continuing to provide truly affordable homes working with partners and through our whollyowned housing company, with Dérive delivering the majority of social and affordable rented homes in Salford in 2022-23.

“This year, government funding

to councils assumes that councils will increase council tax by 2.99% and the government-introduced adult social care precept would also increase by 2% or we would need to make yet further cuts in services to our residents and families.

“This will be a blow to many residents and families – but ultimately the council faced a choice between accepting the increase, or cutting yet more services and jobs and failing to adequately provide services on which our residents and families rely.”

How does it feel to be in the loop?

Have you ever wondered what happens to the glass you put in your brown bin? Or your copy of Life in Salford after you put it in your blue bin? Where does this stuff go? Does it actually get recycled?

The answer is yes! All the items you put in your recycling bins are part of a big loop, and they can be recycled again and again. Recycling is a vital part of the circular economy which is about reducing waste by reusing, repairing, and recycling things for as long as possible.

The best thing about the circular economy is that most people in Salford are already part of it. Just by recycling an aluminium can you’re helping to use 95% less energy than if they had to make one from scratch. The most amazing thing is aluminium can be recycled infinitely, so this process can happen over and over again saving tonnes of emissions and unnecessary waste.

Being in the loop isn’t just about recycling. In fact, it’s even better to reduce the amount of stuff you buy and reuse and repair things before you recycle them. If you donate things to charity, buy second hand or try to fix something before throwing it away, you’re already in the loop. Next time you go to chuck something in the bin, think about the materials and effort that went into making it and getting it to you. Is there a better place for it than the bin? And is it going in the right bin?

Let’s work together to keep the items we use in the loop and part of the circular economy for as long as possible. Want to learn why it’s so important to recycle right? Visit www.recycleforgreatermanchester.com

Empowering Salford’s Communities: Crowdfunder Makes Dreams a Reality

Since January 2021, Salford City Council has pledged over £250,000, supporting residents, groups, and organisations to turn their ideas into reality.

Each project sets a fundraising target, with the City Mayor offering to match half the original goal up to £10,000 once 25% is raised through Crowdfunder. This provides a significant incentive for further crowdfunding efforts to reach the final 25% and unlock the City Mayor’s donation.

Over the past three years, Salford has witnessed remarkable engagement with the Crowdfund platform, with over 85 individuals and groups successfully funding diverse projects. From established organisations like Foundation 92 to grassroots community initiatives, projects have

ranged from charitable activities to facility improvements and health and wellbeing initiatives.

A standout success story is the Cycle for Salford initiative which was led by the charity Access Sport and used Crowdfunder to teach 150 disabled young people bike-riding skills. Partnering with Access Sport, they brought specialist coaching and equipment to a new bike track in Salford. Tom Dixon, Fundraising and Communications Director at Access Sport, reflects on the impact: “Access Sport and local partners wanted to create change in the local Salford community by creating a safe space for children and young people to take part in an exciting and rewarding sport. By building an all-wheel BMX pump track at Little Hulton, we developed an area of

£13.9 million of funding for 600 homes in Salford

Salford is set to benefit from £13.9 million of brownfield funding.

The funding decision was approved by Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) at a meeting in January.

Brownfield funding is used to support and transform unviable sites to bring forward much needed housing across Greater Manchester. This brownfield funding will enable the delivery help to provide more than 600 homes across eight sites.

Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said: “This funding boost is fantastic news for our city, the money is vitally important to help bring the building of housing forwards. It unlocks land that can then be built on, making use of brownfield sites for new communities.” And works have started on 35 affordable homes which are being built on brownfield land by the council’s own housing company, Dérive.

discussed land together to create an incredible open-access facility that is enduring for the community. We used Crowdfunder to help boost the local funding efforts and raise awareness of the project across the area.”

Crowdfund Salford continues to be a catalyst for positive change in Salford, empowering residents to shape their communities and turn aspirations into realities.

Find out more at:

www.crowdfunder.co.uk/funds/salford

The Eccles New Road and Tootal sites have also attracted additional Homes England grant funding of £3 million through the Rough Sleepers Accommodation programme and 2021-26 Affordable Housing Programme.

The two sites will provide 35 affordable homes, including 16 move on homes for people at risk of rough sleeping.

There’s no place like home

If you, or a loved one, needs hospital treatment, research shows that going home as soon as it is safe to do so helps people get better much faster.

It is recommended people prepare themselves for going home by staying as active as possible while on a hospital ward.

Here are some tips to keep you fighting fit in hospital!

• Get up and get dressed – ask for help if needed

• Ask family, a carer or friend to bring you your personal belongings which you might find useful. For example, shoes, slippers, clothes, glasses or a walking stick

• Independently complete exercises shown to you on the ward

• Carry on with activities you were able to do at home where possible while in hospital, like walking to the bathroom.

Victoria Dickens, chief allied health professional at Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Salford Royal, said: “If you stay in a hospital bed too long, you may lose your strength and lose your confidence. “Also, if you do end up in hospital, speak to the nurses straight away about when you could be going home and tell them what support you might need.”

SAFE HOMES PORTAL

We’re always looking for opportunities to improve, and as part of our commitment to providing safe well-maintained homes, we’ve created a ‘safe homes portal’ so you can access the safety information about your home almost instantly. If you live in a high rise or low rise block, you can also see the safety information for your shared spaces too.

Requesting your home safety information is quick and easy using the portal on our website – scan the QR code or visit www.forhousing.co.uk/safe-homes-portal/

Put the Spring back in your health.

Spring is the season of hope and new beginnings, it’s a time when nature finally wakes up from its winter snooze. Whether it’s getting outdoors, getting a health check or screening, or making sure your immunisations are up to date, here are a few ways to put a ‘spring’ back in your health and step!

“The biggest difference is how much more time and energy I can give to my kids. I can see how good it is, not only for my health but for theirs as well.”

If you’ve struggled to quit smoking, it isn’t easy and can take some people up to 30 attempts to succeed. But there’s lots of local help available and many reasons to keep trying.

Did you know, changing up your routine or going for a walk is a great way to break smoking cravings? Getting outside will help reduce stress and improve your overall wellbeing.

Stretch your legs in our award-winning parks or join the Greater Manchester Walking Festival in May to explore our many walking and cycling trails. For more ideas, visit: www.salford.gov.uk/movemore

To get free access to the latest quitting aids, one-to-one advice and local support, call the Health Improvement Service on 0800 952 1000 (option 2) or to refer yourself, visit www.salford.gov.uk/stopsmoking

Get up-to-date with your vaccinations.

Vaccines are the most effective way to prevent many infectious diseases. They help protect you and your child from ill health and prevent millions of deaths worldwide every year.

It’s never too late to catch up on the recommended vaccinations. If you or your child has missed a vaccine, your GP, health visitor, and school health nurse (if your child is of school age) can check and update your vaccines.

Most GP practices offer evening and weekend clinics to fit around work or family life.

If you are pregnant, your midwife, GP practice or pharmacist can advise you about vaccinations during pregnancy.

New to the UK?

Many countries’ immunisation schedules are different from the UK’s. So, if you are a parent and recently moved to the UK, please register with your nearest GP as soon as possible.

In England, most vaccinations are offered free on the NHS and usually given by practice nurses at your local GP surgery or medical centre.

To find and register with a Salford GP visit: www.gmintegratedcare.org.uk/find-a-service

Stop. Look. Listen… can you spot the five signs of upper GI cancer?

Detecting cancers at an early stage can help prevent cancers from developing and support diagnosis and treatment. Salford and Greater Manchester health, wellbeing and Cancer organisations are working together to raise awareness about the importance of finding upper gastrointestinal (GI) cancer early.

If you notice the following symptoms continuing for more than three weeks, get it checked out by your GP practice:

• Difficulty swallowing

• On-going indigestion or heartburn

• Unexplained weight loss and loss of appetite

• Bringing up food after eating

• Constant pain in your upper tummy, chest or back It’s probably nothing serious, but it could be a sign of cancer. Early diagnosis and treatment of cancer can save lives. To find out more scan the QR Code below or visit www.salford.gov.uk/cancer-awareness.

Stop! Look! Listen... to your body

Supporting Salford’s local communities affected by cancer

The ‘Answer Cancer and Wellbeing Matters – Working Together in Salford Project’ has been funded by the Salford Innovation & Improvement Fund and is led by Salford CVS. This 12-month project started in January and aims to fill some of the current gaps in voluntary, community, and social enterprise support for people and carers impacted by cancer.

The project’s goal is to help local groups develop high quality support for those affected by cancer in Salford, across our neighbourhoods and diverse communities, and piloting initially in Swinton.

A Cancer Support grants scheme will be offered to local community groups to increase the range of social and emotional support for people living with cancer, their families and carers. Groups will help promote local cancer screening services and increase awareness of signs and symptoms.

The project will be connecting with GP practices to further support working together with health and voluntary services around cancer.

Cancer will affect one in two people in our lifetimes and is responsible for 40% of deaths of people under 75 in Salford. However, better cancer treatments and services have been improving survival rates, with now over 70% of Salford patients alive a year after their diagnosis. This project aims to improve this even further, giving Salfordians the best chance of living well for longer.

Manage your health the easy way with the NHS App.

Did you know you can manage repeat prescriptions, view your health records and much more with the NHS App using your smartphone or tablet?

You can easily choose where your prescriptions are sent. So, if you know you’ll be away from home or are moving home, you can change your nominated pharmacy from within the app.

You can also order your prescription at a time that suits you. There’s no need to wait to join a telephone queue or wait until the GP surgery opens.

The NHS App doesn’t replace any existing services and you can still contact your GP practice in the usual ways.

By using the NHS App, you can also:

Access NHS 111 online

Find NHS services

Access health records

Book appointments

The date from when you’ll be able to manage prescriptions though the app will vary between GP practices. Your practice will tell you at least 12 weeks in advance, so look out for a text, email or letter with further details.

To use the NHS App, you must be aged 13 or over and registered with a GP practice in England. Find out more at: www.nhs.uk/nhsapp. Alternatively, set up an NHS account and log in at www.nhs.uk/nhs-app/account

Open the door to safer homes

Housing association Salix Homes is urging our customers to 'Open the Door' to safer homes and let us in to carry out regular safety checks or repairs.

Every year, Salix Homes spends more than £100,000 pursuing legal action to obtain a warrant to access people's homes who have refused to allow us to carry out gas and electrical safety checks - money that could be better spent on improving homes and communities.

We carry out regular checks, safety inspections, surveys and repairs in all our properties, and it's really important that people understand the significance of these inspections and allow us access into your homes when required.

Gas and electrical safety checks are not just a legal requirement, but vital in keeping you and your home safe

While the majority of our customers take home safety checks seriously, for the minority that ignore or delay these essential checks, it could mean potential hazards may go unnoticed.

We carry out gas safety inspections in all our properties with a gas boiler, fire or cooker every year, while electrical checks are required every five years - these are a legal requirement.

All Salix Homes customers will receive a letter when your safety check is due to arrange an appointment. Scan the QR code to find out more or visit: www.salixhomes.co.uk/home-safety-guide

Let us in, let us keep you safe

Complaints

Delivering a great experience so tenants can feel happy and safe in their home is important to us.

We know that sometimes we may not get things quite right, so if that happens, we’ll always work together with tenants when they tell us they’re unhappy. We’ll listen, learn and take action to fix it as quickly as possible and we’ll always treat tenants with respect.

When it comes to making a complaint there are lots of ways to do this:

On our website by completing an online form

Through an in-person appointment. This may be at their home or in one of our offices

Over the phone, contact us on 0300 123 5522

By letter addressed to ForHousing, 52 Regent Street, Eccles, M30 0BP

On the tenant MyAccount+ app

Tenants can make a complaint on our website www.forhousing.co.uk/ complaints-and-feedback-2/