Life in Salford magazine issue 45

Have your say

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Armed Forces

Week 2024

Salford will mark the start of Armed Forces Week with a ag raising ceremony on Monday 24 June from 10.30am outside the Civic Centre, Chorley Road, Swinton. Salford will celebrate Armed Forces Day on Saturday 29 June with a parade starting from Duke’s Drive, Monton at 10.30am and nishing at Winton Park in Dover Street followed by a family fun day in the park with exciting activities and entertainment for the whole family.

Visit www.salford.gov.uk/armedforcesday for more information

Cover image: Image of people in a crowd, smiling and dancing at Salford's We Invented the Weekend Festival in June 2023.

LIFE is administered and designed by Salford City Council’s Communications Team. This edition will be distributed week commencing Monday 3 June 2024. 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.

This magazine is funded and produced by:

A message from the City Mayor of Salford, Paul Dennett

I am honoured that the people of Salford have put their trust in me as City Mayor of Salford for a third term. Being elected Mayor of this great city is the most rewarding experience of my life, representing every resident in Salford is a privilege, one that I will never take for granted.

I would like to welcome new councillors from across the political spectrum who were fortunate enough to be elected in May, and congratulate those returning to office.

I have always passionately believed in the importance of local government. Local councillors play a vital role in championing their communities and ensuring residents’ voices are heard and put right at the heart of the council’s decision making. This proximity to our communities acts as an anchor on our politics, ensuring it is practical and focused on getting things done. And in our case getting things done The Salford Way.

When I was first elected in 2016, we were in the midst of huge cuts to local authority funding that has not let up, and since 2010 we have had £245 million cut from our budget. Under this austerity, I knew we needed a clear plan for Salford to deliver for the people of our city.

I am incredibly proud of all that we have achieved working together, and particularly where we have led the way in building hundreds of high quality sustainable council homes through our very own independent housing company Dérive.

Through our investments in Salford Quays, MediaCity, New Bailey and Greengate, we’re rebuilding a modern industrial base within our city, creating jobs and opportunities for Salfordians. These include our recent acquisition of Eccles precinct, the community rugby stadium, the joint masterplan working with the University of Salford, and our aspirations for Port Salford. All of these represent further opportunities for the future of our great city.

We will continue to work with Unison to make sure care workers have the best possible terms and conditions to provide the best possible care for our residents, communities and loved ones.

Our continued investment in our green spaces and green infrastructure has contributed towards the Centre for Thriving Places recognising Salford as the most sustainable council in England.

Building on our many collective achievements over the past eight years is the platform I’ve stood on in these elections as well as for a greener, healthier, more prosperous Salford.

In the next Mayoral term, we will continue to get things done The Salford Way. Building 600 more council houses, making Salford a Child Friendly City, delivering a Rugby Strategy for Salford, taking back control of social care, continuing to work to deliver an inclusive economy by leveraging our growth and being firmly interventionist, planting 8,000 new trees and continuing all our great work on tackling the climate crisis.

These ambitious proposals are in no way exhaustive, and I am looking forward to working with members and officers from across the council, our VCSE sector, the trade unions and committed partners to fulfil them. Finally, I would like to reiterate my thanks to every single resident who has given me a clear mandate, which I will honour and work tirelessly to deliver for our great city.

City Mayor Paul Dennett

Key to affordable homes in Salford

Keys have been handed over to new affordable homes in Langworthy.

Residents are now moving into 25 brand new homes at Kara Street. The development is made up of 17 onebedroom apartments, four two-bedroom houses and four three-bedroom houses.

All the homes have been rented out through Dérive RP (Registered Provider), an independent social housing company, with investment from Salford City Council. Dérive RP forms part of the Derive Group, which was set up in 2017 by Salford City Council to provide more affordable homes in the city.

Robin Lawler, Chair of Dérive, said: “Handing over the keys marks another significant milestone in our efforts to provide affordable homes for local people. Seeing happy families move into these lovely new homes is very heartwarming and the result of a lot of hard work.

“Each of the properties are built to an incredibly high standard and they are also energy efficient, meaning residents will pay less for their bills.

“We now press on with providing more affordable homes for those who desperately need them.”

Councillor Tracy Kelly, Lead Member for Housing, Property and Regeneration and Director of Dérive said:

“Providing high quality, sustainable, social housing has been a key priority of our administration over the last eight years, and I’m really pleased to see Langworthy residents benefitting from these new homes.

“The homes we provide through Dérive not only help support tenants during a cost of living crisis with affordable rents and lower bills, but by reducing energy consumption, help contribute to our climate change commitments.”

Zipping into the Future: Salford's E-Scooter Adventure

Are you ready to cruise around Salford with a fresh breeze in your hair? Get those helmets ready because the Department for Transport (DfT) E-scooter trial, in collaboration with Lime, is here to stay.

Salford City Council is thrilled to announce the extension of this electric escapade, making it not just fun, but also incredibly convenient to zip around town until 2026.

Initially sparked by the COVID-19 pandemic, the e-scooter trials have become a hit in Salford, thanks to Lime's exceptional fleet. With over one million trips under its belt, Lime has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to safety and efficiency, ensuring your ride is not only smooth but also secure and reliable.

The DfT has extended the e-scooter trial until 2026, giving us more time to enjoy the benefits of this innovative mode of transport. Salford City Council is also spicing things up by considering new operators, ensuring the service remains fresh and exciting. But wait, there's more. This initiative is not just about fun rides - it's a significant stride towards a greener, more sustainable future. By choosing to ride an e-scooter instead of taking short car trips, you're actively contributing to Salford's climate change goals.

So, get ready to roll into the future; whether you're a seasoned scooter pro or a newbie looking for a new adventure, there's never been a better time to join the e-scooter craze. Let's scoot into a brighter, more exciting future together.

Buile Hill Mansion restoration work picks up pace

Exciting plans to transform Buile Hill Mansion into a stunning wedding venue are well under way.

The Grade II listed building, at the centre of Buile Hill Park, will have a ceremony room and a function room for up to 80 people, and will be the new home of Salford Register Office. There will also be a café where you can get fresh soup and a sandwich, and a community room for hire.

Workers are currently restoring the mansion’s original Georgian features, including a grand staircase, intricate coving and ceiling details, ornate windows, and original wrought iron radiators.

The mansion was built between 1825 and 1827 for Thomas Potter, a textile merchant who became Manchester’s first mayor. In later years it became a National History Museum and then a Mining Museum before it closed its doors in 2000.

Taking

In the last ten years, the number of water related incidents Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service attended has doubled, and sadly 65 of those incidents have been fatal.

Jumping into open water can be fatal. Cold water shock kills and you don’t know what’s beneath the surface. At Salford Quays, we’ve got regular council and police patrols to warn people of the dangers of jumping into the water and we’re working with the local high school on a campaign aimed at young people. A training event for those who work around the basins was held in May to show them what to do with the available equipment and what information is needed when a 999 call is made.

If you see someone in difficulty in the water remember ‘call, tell, throw’:

• Call 999 and ask for the fire service

• Tell the struggling person to try to float on their back

• Throw them something that floats

Building Salford's Future: Groundbreaking Ceremony Marks The Start of New Salford Youth Zone (SYZ)

In a landmark event that marks a significant step forward for our community, the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Salford Youth Zone took place earlier this month. Set to open in summer 2025, SYZ promises a new era for the city's youths, offering a variety of educational, recreational, and developmental opportunities in a safe inclusive environment, empowering young people to thrive whilst adding to the overall growth of the city.

The ceremony was well attended by local leaders, supporters and representatives of Empower Youth Zones, amongst which were Councillor Teresa Pepper, Deputy Lord Lieutenant Mrs. Susan Lomas OBE DL and City Mayor Paul Dennett. Empower Youth Zones is the youth charity responsible for overseeing the operations of both HideOut Youth Zone in Gorton and Salford Youth Zone.

Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said: "This new Salford Youth Zone (SYZ) will make a huge difference to the lives of young people in our city. They will learn new skills, make new friends and it will help to keep them healthy, both mentally and physically. A huge thanks to Fred Done for his significant donation that has made this all possible. “It was fantastic to be on site for a special ceremony to mark the start of works with the first spade in the ground and meet some of the young people and our partners who are going to make SYZ a huge success.”

Situated on Belvedere Road, this state-of-the-art facility comes with a fully equipped film and recording studio, 3G sports pitch, fitness suite, enterprise and employability suite amongst many other modern structures required to deliver over 20 activities per session, 7 days a week, 52 weeks of the year.

Beyond its direct benefits to young people, SYZ also holds promise for the wider area through mentoring schemes, jobs and volunteering opportunities creating a positive, vibrant hub of activities encouraging community cohesion. With each brick laid, the Youth Zone represents a beacon of hope and possibility for generations to come. And as the community came together to celebrate this momentous occasion, we were reminded that true progress is not achieved alone, but through the collective efforts of a united community.

Reflecting on the event, CEO of Empower Youth Zones, Adam Farricker shared: “This is passionate, properly funded youth provision. A unique partnership between young people, their community, local authorities, private business leadership and a growing movement of supporters. Today’s turnout fills us with immense joy and reconfirms the significance of this facility – I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone in attendance and those supporting us from a distance.”

A summer of fun in Salford!

Get ready for an unforgettable summer in Salford, packed with exciting events for the whole family to enjoy.

Kicking things off is the UK Chinese Dragon Boat Festival, taking place on Saturday 8 June and Sunday 9 June at Salford Quays. Experience thrilling dragon boat races and immerse yourself in cultural displays. It's a vibrant celebration of community and culture that you won't want to miss.

Mark your calendars for Salford’s free festival We Invented the Weekend, returning to MediaCity, Salford Quays on Saturday 15 June and Sunday 16 June. The festival celebrates Salford's pivotal role in creating the modern weekend. Join us for a weekend of entertainment and activities against the stunning backdrop of Salford's waterfront. It's the perfect opportunity to spend quality time with friends and family while soaking up the vibrant atmosphere.

And don't forget to save the date for The Pink Picnic on Saturday 22 June in Peel Park. Presented by Salford Pride, this event promises live performances and family-friendly activities. With something for everyone, it's a celebration of diversity, love, and acceptance in our vibrant city.

But the fun doesn't end with these headline events as there's still plenty to explore in Salford this summer. Take a leisurely stroll through our picturesque parks, enjoy waterfront dining, or delve into our rich heritage at local museums.

Whether you're a resident or a visitor, there's something for everyone to enjoy in Salford.

For more information and event details, visit: www.visitsalford.info/events or scan the QR code.

Citywide school meals:

Nutritious and convenient

One of the primary benefits of school meals is their nutritional balance. Designed to meet specific dietary guidelines, these meals ensure children receive the essential nutrients they need to thrive. From fresh fruits and vegetables to lean proteins and whole grains, each dish is crafted with care to promote healthy development.

Citywide school meals offer a delightful variety through themed days, igniting excitement and curiosity in young minds. Whether it's Taco Tuesday, Pizza Party Friday, or International Cuisine Day, these themed meals add a fun twist to the dining experience, making lunchtime an adventure in itself.

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, ensuring our children receive proper nutrition can often feel like a daunting task. However, the solution might be simpler than you think. Contrary to outdated perceptions, school meals have evolved into nutritious, delicious options that not only nourish growing bodies and minds but also ease the burden on busy families.

Opting for school meals takes away the hassle of daily lunch preparation. No more frantic mornings spent packing lunches or worrying about forgotten items. Embrace the convenience and nutritional benefits of school meals, ensuring our children thrive both inside and outside the classroom. So why not make the switch today and savour the benefits of stress-free, nutritionally balanced lunches for your child.

Have a look at the weekly menus and read more about the benefits of school meals at: www.citywideservices.co.uk/school-meals/ or scan the QR code.

Citywide Services is part of Salford City Council, a Living Wage employer providing reliable jobs for the local community.

Strategy aims to help Salford children not to Miss School and Miss Out

Our aim is for all children to attend, enjoy and achieve at school every day. Education leads to lifelong opportunities and choices, developing social skills, access to cultural and sport activities.

That’s why we’ve created a school attendance strategy. It builds on our partnerships, and how we can work together from the earliest opportunities to help parents and carers support their children to get the most from their education, reassured their child is understood and well supported. When there are problems with attendance, the council and schools will work closely to support families and children.

Together with schools, we aim to help children and their families with attending school through family help practitioners in schools, supporting schools with advice, early help support for the whole family, financial support with uniforms, helping children make their way to school, and a marketing campaign. We have lots of information on the council website about help and support for a range of issues such as children and young people who have anxieties about being in school: www.salford.gov.uk/miss-school-miss-out

SCAN ME

#BeBatteryAware

Batteries don’t go in any of your bins at home.

Old batteries may seem ‘dead’ but they can still cause fires if you don’t dispose of them properly. It’s not just standard batteries that can’t be put in your bin at home, lots of the items we use every day have hidden batteries which can also be a fire risk. Disposable vapes, electric toothbrushes, mobile phones and toys are just some of the items where you’ll find hidden batteries. When these items get damaged during the collection and sorting process, dangerous fires can break out which put staff at waste facilities and firefighters at risk. Research shows that 45% of residents surveyed are still putting batteries in their bins at home. Fires caused by batteries are happening more often and are easily avoidable. To keep staff safe and avoid fires, please dispose of your used batteries and items with hidden batteries properly. Most supermarkets now have battery collection points and you can also dispose of them at your local recycling centre. Thanks for doing your part to protect the people who collect your bins. If you’d like to find out more scan the QR code below.

New Sexual Health Service for Salford

Salford’s Sexual Health service is now part of The Northern Sexual Health, managed by Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust. The Northern Contraception, Sexual Health Service provides free and confidential care across Salford, Manchester and Trafford.

The service’s hub is still based at the Lance Burn Medical Centre in Pendleton, with plans this year to create five additional clinics across Salford. You can book an appointment online by creating a Personal Health Record, calling 0161 388 4982, or sending an email to salford.sexualhealth@mft.nhs.uk

Detecting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) quickly is important to avoid spreading them and to get treated as soon as possible. You can get free and convenient STI home testing kits by visiting The Northern Sexual Health on thenorthernsexualhealth.co.uk/home-testing-kits even if you do not have any symptoms. The kits use discreet packaging and can be sent back in a pre-paid envelope. Results are usually returned in less than two weeks. Free condoms can be picked up from the Beacon Centre (London Street, Salford M6 6QT). Emergency hormonal contraception, also known as the ‘morning after pill’, can be accessed for free at participating pharmacies in Salford. For contraception – including coils, implants, and the pill –contact your GP in the first instance.

Scan the QR code to the right to find out more information about the sexual health services available or visit thenorthernsexualhealth.co.uk

Convenient and flexible – help for common illnesses

People are being advised to dial 111 or to think Pharmacy First for mild illnesses.

Many pharmacies are open at the weekend, making it easier to get help with common illnesses such as colds, coughs and other mild infections. Pharmacists can also offer advice without you having to book an appointment with your GP practice.

You will need to pay over the counter for your medicines, but you can get them free of charge under the NHS Minor Ailment Scheme if you are exempt from paying NHS prescription charges.

To check if you are exempt from prescription charges, visit: check-for-help-paying-nhs-costs.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/

NHS Minor Ailment Scheme, do I qualify?

The NHS Minor Ailment Scheme offers a simple way to get advice and treatment for certain common illnesses without the need to see a GP.

The Minor Ailment Scheme in Salford is free of charge if you are on certain benefits, and it is free for children under 16 years, aged 16, 17 or 18 and in full-time education, or aged 60 years of age or over. Who is the service for?

The NHS Minor Ailment Scheme is for adults and children who:

• Are registered with a GP surgery who is taking part in the scheme

• Want treatment for a minor illness and are exempt from paying NHS prescription charges.

To learn more visit: gmintegratedcare.org.uk/pharmacy-first/

Pre-school vaccinations. Get your child protected.

Parents and carers of children who are due to start school this September are strongly urged to ensure children are up to date with their vaccinations. A decrease in vaccine uptake among children has led to a rise in serious childhood diseases such as whooping cough and measles.

Children are offered vaccinations starting at eight weeks old. Before starting school, they require two booster vaccines. One vaccine protects them against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, and polio. The other boosts immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella. These vaccines are given when children are about three years and four months old.

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Cleaner, greener more affordable homes

The first residents have moved in at Greenhaus – the largest Passivhaus, affordable housing scheme in the North West.

Greenhaus on Chapel Street is a 96-home apartment block, which has been built to Passivhaus Classic certified standard - the leading low-energy design standard.

Passivhaus homes offer high thermal comfort and improved air quality, providing a healthier living environment and homes that are cheaper to heat and run.

The monthly cost of heating and hot water at Greenhaus is expected to be less than half that of a similar sized newbuild home with a gas boiler.

Greenhaus has been delivered by ECF – a joint venture between Homes England, Legal & General, and Muse –alongside housing association, Salix Homes, and supported by Salford City Council.

Sue Sutton, Chief Executive at Salix Homes, said: “We are incredibly proud to welcome the first residents to Greenhaus, and see our vision for high quality, affordable and sustainable housing brought to life.

“With the rising cost of living, a shortage in the supply of affordable and social housing, and a need to address the challenges posed by the climate crisis, Greenhaus demonstrates what can be achieved through effective partnership working, and a shared desire to create cleaner, greener, and healthier homes that are fit for the future.”

Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett was at the official launch where he hailed the development as “the benchmark” for new-build, affordable, and sustainable homes.

He said: “We continue to be immensely proud of the innovation and drive to deliver forward thinking, sustainable developments in Salford – testament to the culture our city fosters and shares with our broader region. The regeneration of Salford is burgeoning and our future looking brighter and greener with each and every milestone we reach.”

Greenhaus comprises homes for social rent, affordable rent and the Rent to Buy scheme. Features include triple glazing, air source heat pumps, and the latest in insulation technology.

Meet the Greenhaus residents

Harriette Matthews is amongst the first residents to move in at Greenhaus.

The 29-year-old, who is studying to be a counsellor, had been staying on her dad’s sofa in his one-bedroom flat, following a relationship breakdown.

Harriette has autism and also suffers with scoliosis, which is a curvature of the spine, and her difficult living conditions have been affecting both her physical and mental health.

“I just can’t put into words how much of a difference having my own home will make to my life,” she said.

“I’ve had a difficult few years and I’ve been trying my best to get my life back together, but I just couldn’t catch a break with my housing situation, and I was starting to lose hope.

“When I got the call from my housing officer at Salix Homes to say I had a place at Greenhaus, I just couldn’t believe it – I feel so lucky. It feels like the final piece of the puzzle has finally slotted into place and I can start living my life now.”

The building’s eco-credentials are the icing on the cake for Harriette. She said: “I know all about Passivhaus as I’d seen it on Grand Designs, and I always said to myself that when I get my own place I want it to be Passivhaus, and now I’m living in one – it couldn’t be more perfect.”

Find out more about Greenhaus: www.salixhomes.co.uk/news/cleaner-greener-and-more-affordable-homes-delivered-in-salford/

SCAN ME

Paul Dennett, City Mayor

John Mullen 0161 707 0484

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