We’re always keen to hear what you think about Life in Salford or get in touch if you have any queries, including requesting a large print copy. Please email letters to lifemagazine@salford.gov.uk or write to Life in Salford, Salford City Council, Civic Centre, Chorley Road, Swinton M27 5DA. Your emails and letters will not be published.
As your City Mayor, ensuring that we provide the good quality, truly affordable housing that the city needs, has and will continue to be at the heart of my vision for delivering a fairer, greener, healthier Salford.
Housing is so important for the wellbeing of everyone. Without a stable, secure, affordable place to live everything else suffers, from health to education to employment prospects. It is due to this appreciation of the holistic benefits of good housing that we in Salford have put so much energy and resources into Dérive, our whollyowned development company. You can read more about our successes with Dérive and our plans for more affordable homes on page six.
Despite the hostile conditions for councils when it comes to providing council housing, we have managed to provide hundreds of high-quality, affordable, sustainable homes for residents in Salford. These homes are built to a much higher environmental standard than most of the private sector, and this vastly improved energy efficiency means lower energy bills for tenants, fewer health problems that come with poorly heated and maintained homes, as well as significantly lower carbon emissions.
Since the last issue of this magazine, the new government has had time to bed in, and set out its priorities, on growth, workers’ rights and on green investment among other things.
A message from the City Mayor of Salford, Paul Dennett
An absolute key priority for this government must be to tackle the housing crisis and we welcome the government’s positive reintroduction of ambitious mandatory housing targets. But the scale of this challenge should not be underestimated. Recent Bloomberg analysis shows this government will need to build the equivalent of another city the size of London to make up for five decades of below target house building. This is an extraordinary statistic, demonstrating how this crisis has been decades in the making.
We urgently need the government to reform housing legislation in this country, to finally pass the Renters Reform Bill to improve standards in the private rented sector and vitally to abolish Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions which contribute so much to homelessness and housing instability in this country. Similarly, whilst I welcome the government’s decision to review the Right to Buy scheme, I am concerned that the changes do not go far enough to stem the loss of council housing stock, the levels of which have been decimated by this scheme over the past 40 years.
Despite these significant challenges, we will continue working hard to increase the supply of quality, sustainable, truly affordable homes to meet local housing need. I am absolutely determined it will remain at the core of the city council’s mission.
I am also pleased to announce I have been recently appointed as the portfolio holder for Housing First for the Greater Manchester Combined Authority. This means I will be leading on Mayor Andy Burnham’s pledge to deliver 75,000 new homes, including 10,000 new council homes across Greater Manchester in the current Mayoral term, whilst also improving standards in the private rented sector, and providing greater support for tenants.
This will be a golden opportunity to roll out what we have been doing in Salford for the past eight years across the entire city region specifically, to build high quality, affordable, environmentally-friendly housing for the benefit of our residents.
If there’s anywhere that can lead on a housing revolution in this country, building affordable, high quality housing on a scale not seen in decades, it is in Salford and Greater Manchester. I will continue to work with partners across our city and the wider city region to do just that and hopefully improve our residents’ lives immeasurably.
City Mayor Paul Dennett
Sea Cadets Volunteers
Irlam & Cadishead and City of Salford Sea Cadets are looking for new volunteers (18+) to join their units to help support the ever-growing number of Sea Cadets aged 9-18.
Both units provide amazing nautical-themed experiences based on the traditions and customs of today’s Royal Navy.
Whether you have prior experience in the armed forces or are looking for a new challenge, Sea Cadets provides you with all the tools that you need to work with our young people.
If you would like to get in touch for more information, please contact: salfordseacadets@yahoo.co.uk
supported by Salford City Council and Greater Manchester Police.
Wednesday 11 December 2024, 7pm arrival, service start time 7.15pm
St Peter’s Parish Church Chorley Road, Swinton, Salford M27 6AZ
Tickets: salford.gov.uk/carolservice or scan the QR code
Festive fun in Salford
Exhibition: Every Line is Me – A celebration of Harold Riley; exhibition celebrating the life and talent of Salford’s famous artist.
Dates: Until Sunday 27 April 2025.
Location: Salford Museum and Art Gallery, The Crescent. Free.
Exhibition: Two Artists, One City: Peter James Houghton and Anthony McCarthy - A series of paintings by local artists brought together in one show.
Dates: Until Sunday 9 February 2025 (Weekends and school holidays).
Location: Salford Museum and Art Gallery, The Crescent. Free.
Theatre: Stick Man - Touching, funny and utterly original, Freckle Productions’ delightful adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s Stick Man is back in town!
Dates: Tuesday 10 December to Sunday 5 January 2025.
Location: Lowry, Salford Quays. See Lowry website for ticket information.
Festival: Lightwaves – Digital light festival returns to Salford Quays packed with new commissions, local and international artists.
Dates: Thursday 5 to Sunday 8 December 2024.
Location: MediaCity and Salford Quays. Free.
Festival: RHS Glow - Go on an enchanting journey around RHS Garden Bridgewater and see muchloved garden areas awash with colour against the dark sky night.
Dates: Until Monday 30 December 2024.
Location: RHS Garden Bridgewater, Worsley. See RHS Bridgewater website for tickets and information.
Find out more about what events are on in Salford at: www.visitsalford.info
Nominations are now open!
Do you know a person, group, or organisation that goes above and beyond to make Salford a better place?
Whether it’s through volunteering, supporting local initiatives, or promoting community cohesion, this is your chance to give them the recognition they deserve. Submit your nomination and help us celebrate the inspiring individuals and groups who are true champions of our city.
Nominations close on 19 December, so don’t wait –nominate your community hero today! www.spiritofsalfordawards.info
A further 436 affordable homes are in construction for Dérive Salford.
Dérive Salford was set-up in 2018 as a company wholly-owned by Salford City Council to provide more affordable homes for local people. The 436 homes when fully built will join the 356 affordable homes that Dérive already has in its portfolio. And plans for another 186 in preplanning and 428 are already in the pipeline.
Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said: “We set up Dérive as an ethical company that aims to increase the supply of well-designed, truly affordable homes to meet local housing need.
“Local people are desperate for affordable homes and we have more than 5,000 people on our housing waiting list. Of these people more than half are single households.
“It’s vital we can increase that supply and we are working hard to deliver and get them built. I stood for election on the promise we could build 600 affordable homes in this four-year period and we need our partners in the registered provider sector to help provide even more affordable homes for local people.”
The average home in Salford has more than 150 bids on it. And more than 900 properties have been advertised in 2023/24 with an average of 46 per ward in the city.
Councillor Tracy Kelly, Deputy City Mayor and Lead Member for Housing and Anti-Poverty, said: “We are pressing on hard with plans to build homes that people can afford to live in. The cost-of-living crisis is hitting our most vulnerable residents the hardest.
ForHousing
A £9 million development of 48 net-zero carbon homes pilot in Eccles is now complete.
The ForHousing development is made up of 30 apartments, 14 two and three-bedroom houses, and four bungalows that are accessible for wheelchair users and all are available for social rent.
The site is the first of ForHousing’s zero carbon approach to development schemes and will see tenants’ running costs reduced and an improved energy performance rating thanks to the use of air source heat pumps for heating hot water and individual EV car chargers for each home.
Nigel Sedman, Executive Director of Homes at ForHousing, said: “We’re thrilled to see the completion of 48 homes at Hallsworth Road. This
development marks a significant milestone in our ongoing mission to provide truly affordable social rent homes that are both sustainable and future-proof.
“By collaborating closely with Salford City Council, Salford City Roosters Rugby Club, and the local community, we’ve ensured that these eco-friendly, high-quality homes will make a lasting positive impact on the community.”
Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett and Deputy City Mayor Councillor Tracy Kelly, Lead Member for Housing and Anti-Poverty, made a visit to the site to hear about the zero carbon accessible homes from ForHousing representatives.
“Approximately 450 people visit our housing and homelessness services each month needing help and support.
“We have lost more than 10,500 homes to Right to Buy. From 2019 to 2024 more than 1,500 affordable homes were built but we need approximately 800 affordable homes built each year to cope with demand. This is something the council cannot do alone.”
More than one quarter of homes in the city are housing association or local authority owned making a total of almost 31,000.
Homes England provided £3.6million in external funding for the development and as part of the purchase of the site, a new changing room for the Salford City Roosters Rugby League Club was provided; match funded by Salford City Council and the Rugby World Cup.
Apply for pension credit. Get help with bills this winter.
Salford City Council is urging people of pension age in the city to apply for pension credit - as they could be eligible for a winter fuel payment this year.
A claim for pension credit must be made by 21 December for people entitled to be paid the winter fuel payment.
The council has sent letters to encourage people to apply who are of pension age, who its records show aren’t receiving pension credit. There could be other people who are entitled to pension credit.
As well as the winter fuel payment, any amount of pension credit may allow people to receive the warm homes discount, free TV licence if aged over 75, housing benefit and council tax reduction.
Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said: “We will continue to do everything possible to tackle poverty in Salford and as part of this work, we want to help people of pensioner age in Salford with their bills this winter. We estimate around £8.6m in pension credit goes unclaimed in Salford, and so we urge older people to act now and apply for pension credits to ensure they don’t miss out on more help.”
For help with applying visit ww.salford.gov.uk/pensioncredits or call the Welfare Rights Pension Aged Take-Up Team on 0800 345 7375 (10am to 12pm, Monday to Friday)
Pensioners in Salford who are in receipt of the Council Tax Reduction Scheme are also now able to apply for a £200 payment from Salford City Council to help with the cost of fuel this winter. Find out more at: www.salford.gov.uk/pensioncredits
Council services at Christmas
Gateway opening hours for Customer Services, the Spirit of Salford Helpline and Right Care Right Person helpline.
Christmas Eve - 8am - 4.30pm
Christmas Day, Boxing Day - Closed
Friday 27 December - 10am to 4pm
Saturday 28 December
- Gateways 9am - 1pm
- Helplines Closed
Sunday 29 December - Closed
Monday 30 December
- 10am - 4pm
New Years Eve - 10am - 4pm
New Years Day - Closed
The Spirit of Salford Helpline number is 0800 952 1000
To find your nearest gateway centre visit www.salford.gov.uk/gateways
Refuse and recycling arrangements for the Christmas period
Please note there will be changes to some collection days:
No collection will take place on Your replacement collection date is
Wednesday 25 December 2024
Thursday 26 December 2024
Wednesday 1 January 2025
Saturday 21 December 2024
Saturday 28 December 2024
Saturday 4 January 2025
Don’t forget to recycle your wrapping paper, tinfoil, bottles, cans and left-over food www.salford.gov.uk/recycling
How to recycle your Christmas tree
You can take your artificial Christmas trees to your local recycling centre. You can recycle your real Christmas tree either:
1. By taking it to your local recycling centre
2. By chopping it into pieces and putting them in your food and garden pink lidded bin. Please take off the base or wooden block if your tree has one and make sure the trunk is not thicker than your wrist. Wood thicker than your wrist is too big and can’t be put in your pink lidded food and garden bin. You can take large trunks and wooden bases to your local recycling centre.
3. By arranging for it to be collected and recycled by the Just Helping charity go to just-helping.org.uk/register-tree for details.
Warm up this season
with Citywide’s new Autumn/Winter school meals!
As the cooler months set in, the new Citywide autumn/ winter school menu is here to offer warm, hearty meals that provide comfort and nourishment to children throughout the seasons. The new dishes have been thoughtfully designed to support growing children, offering a balance of essential nutrients crucial for physical and cognitive development during their early years.
Research shows that a balanced diet is particularly vital for young children, fuelling their energy levels and aiding concentration in the classroom. The new menu features a variety of seasonal ingredients, ensuring that each meal has the
nutritional balance of vitamins, minerals, and protein. With delicious classic favourites - cheese pie made with homemade shortcrust pastry, beef bolognese pasta bake, and peach cobbler - as well as new dishes to try such as Spanish style chicken served with sweetcorn salsa, chana masala served with vegetable rice and apple and cinnamon oaty cookie - children will find plenty to enjoy while benefiting from wellrounded nutrition.
This season also brings exciting opportunities for children to engage with themed meals, including our festive lunches and other Theme Days. It’s a chance for children to explore new flavours while celebrating the joy of the season with their classmates.
School attendance boost
in Salford thanks to successful council campaign
Salford City Council and schools helped children attend school an extra 90,000 days in the last school year, and the council is building on that with another campaign.
The council is encouraging families and children who are worried about school or college, or struggling to attend, to talk to their school and find out more about the help that’s available.
This includes monthly meetings for parents and carers. To book email: eps@salford.gov.uk
The council also has family help practitioners who provide tailored support for families with complex needs.
Councillor Jim Cammell, Lead Member for Children’s and Young People’s Services, said: “We are very pleased that our campaign has enabled more children to attend school regularly. By collaborating with our school partners, we aim to ensure every child enjoys the best possible educational experiences and outcomes. Alongside schools and local organisations, we are committed to working with families and schools to provide support for daily school attendance. From the earliest stages, we offer assistance to parents, carers, and their children, ensuring they can fully benefit from their education, confident that their needs are understood and well supported.”
Signing up for school meals is easy, and the benefits are numerousfrom saving time on meal prep to knowing your child is getting a wholesome, balanced diet. Reach out to your school today to learn more about the new Citywide menu and how to get involved in the upcoming Theme Days.
Read more about Citywide’s menus: www.citywideservices.co.uk/menus
WorkWell Vanguard: supporting residents to thrive in work
Salford City Council has launched WorkWell Vanguard, a national and Greater Manchester initiative to support residents at risk of unemployment or those who have recently fallen out of work due to health conditions or disabilities.
Running until March 2026, WorkWell is funded by the Department for Work and Pensions and aims to support up to 760 Salford residents.
WorkWell offers tailored support from Work and Health Coaches who provide practical help for participants. The programme builds on existing services like the Health Improvement Service, Salford Employment Hub, Wellbeing Matters, and the Sports Injury Clinic, creating a holistic approach to
address health and employment needs.
Nigel’s experience illustrates the programme’s positive impact. Recently diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Nigel struggled with anxiety and light sensitivity at work. With specialist support, his employer made reasonable adjustments, including sourcing tinted glasses to help manage his condition. As a result, Nigel’s sleep and overall wellbeing have improved, and he is now enjoying work again, supported by his employer.
WorkWell is committed to helping residents like Nigel overcome healthrelated employment challenges by providing them with the tools, services, and practical support they need to succeed at work and improve their health and wellbeing.
To find out more or to check whether you are eligible, visit salford.gov.uk/workwell, email: workwellsalford@salford.gov.uk, or call 0800 952 1000 (Option 2).
Pictured: Nigel Ward, recipient of specialist health and work support, and Liz Kendall, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions.
Salford International Brigade Memorial
A new community campaign, led by Salford Trades Council, aims to celebrate the lives of Salford’s unsung heroes who fought against fascism during the Spanish Civil War.
Despite facing poverty and unemployment in the 1930s, around 30 men and women from our city volunteered to defend democracy in Spain against Mussolini’s fascist forces—some never returned.
These brave individuals, like nurse and suffragette Molly Murphy and local millworker and boxer Joe Norman, left the safety of home to stand up for justice over 1,000 miles away. Now, we plan to honour their courage with a memorial here in Salford.
This tribute will not only preserve their legacy but also remind future generations of the values of democracy, solidarity, and freedom that these volunteers fought for. The impact of the memorial will extend far past the statue, enriching classrooms and communities across Salford.
If you believe you have family or friends who were among the 30 volunteers, we encourage you to get in touch with Salford Trades Council at barrieeckford@btinternet.com for more information. These stories deserve to be told, and we need your help to make this memorial a reality.
Please support this important cause by donating to our Crowdfunder: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/ salford-international-brigadememorial
Every contribution helps keep Salford’s history alive!
Plans unveiled for new sustainable social housing for older people
Housing association Salix Homes, in partnership with NHS Greater Manchester, has unveiled plans for a 69-home ‘independent living scheme’ for the over 55s on disused land on Arrow Street in Broughton.
The proposed development, which also includes an on-site doctors’ surgery and health clinic, will be built to Passivhaus standards, which is the leading low-energy design standard.
Liam Turner, Executive Director of Assets, Growth and Sustainability at Salix Homes, said: “We aim to provide desirable, comfortable and sustainable social housing that better meets the needs and aspirations of older people. The Passivhaus design means these homes will be super energyefficient, helping residents save on
bills while enjoying a healthier living environment.
“The inclusion of a GP surgery on-site further underpins our commitment to working collaboratively with the health sector to support people’s wellbeing and develop future-proof homes that enable people to live independently for longer and reduce pressures on the NHS.”
apartments. Some of the apartments will be specifically designed to cater for residents with extra-mobility needs, including wheelchair access.
The proposals comprise 66 onebed apartments and three two-bed
At the time Life in Salford went to press, Salix Homes was awaiting planning permission from Salford City Council.
Campaign launched to save Salford City Radio
The much-loved community radio station has served the people of Salford for 17 years, but a question mark now hangs over its future unless new funding and support can be secured.
The not-for-profit station is run by a network of more than 65 volunteers, alongside Station Manager Jill Bowyer, and relies on grants, advertising, sponsorship and fundraising.
Station Manager Jill Bowyer said: “We are more than just a radio station; we are a community. We’ve got volunteers from all walks of life, some are disabled, others are battling cancer, some are young people starting out in their careers, and we’re here to offer them a platform to develop their skills and connect with the community.
“For many, coming to the station is the reason they get out of bed in the morning. It gives them a sense of belonging and keeps them going through tough times.”
Housing association Salix Homes is a station sponsor and has also recently awarded £1,950 through its community grant programme Springboard. It also has its own radio show ‘Let’s Talk Housing’ where the landlord answers customers’
questions and shares important news and information about housing services.
Sue Sutton, Chief Executive at Salix Homes, said: “We are proud to support Salford City Radio and call on other organisations to get behind them in their hour of need. The closure of the station would remove a vital resource that many rely on for connection and support.”
Engineer Steve Pendlebury is just one of the many remarkable volunteers. He manages the technical side of the station, as well as presenting his own show. Having suffered a stroke at the age of just 36, Steve was left disabled and with limited mobility.
He said: “This station keeps me going, it keeps me alive. Volunteering here allows me to do what I love and be part of a team that appreciates my skills. Losing the station would be a real loss for all of us who rely on it.”
If you can support Salford City Radio with sponsorship or advertising, or would like to volunteer, please contact Jill Bowyer on jill.bowyer@salfordcityradio.org. You can also donate via their Just Giving page.
To listen to previous episodes, or send in a housing question to be answered over the airwaves, scan the QR code or visit: www.salixhomes.co.uk/lets-talk-housing-with-salford-radio/
Protect and Improve your health this winter
As the colder months roll in, make sure your health and home are prepared for winter.
Protect your health
NHS GP practices across Salford offer free vaccines to those most at risk of being unwell if they catch the Flu, COVID-19 and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
To find out more about who’s eligible, visit the NHS Greater Manchester website: gmintegratedcare.org.uk/wintervaccinations/
Protect your home:
Heat your home to at least 18°C in regularly used rooms, especially if you have a health condition.
Ensure heating and cooking appliances are safe by contacting a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Keep your home fire safe with advice from the online home fire safety check website. www.manchesterfire.gov.uk/yoursafety/stay-fire-safe/
For help and support with grants, benefits, and advice for energy efficiency, heating improvements, and bill assistance, visit www.salford.gov.uk/col
Find more information on saving energy and financial support from gov.uk or call the government helpline on 0800 444 202.
Protect your community
Keep in touch with your friends, neighbours and family and ask if they need practical help or feel unwell.
If you’re worried about a relative or elderly neighbour, contact your local council or the Age UK helpline on 0800 678 1602 (8am to 7pm daily). You can contact Salford City Council at: www.salford.gov.uk/contactus
If you’re concerned the person may have hypothermia, go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111.
Improve your health
The NHS Health Check is a FREE health check-up for adults in England aged 40 to 74. It’s designed to spot early signs of stroke, kidney disease, heart disease, type 2 diabetes or dementia. Do take up the offer when invited. www.nhs.uk/ conditions/nhs-health-check/
Improve your wellbeing
From knitting and kurling to cooking and walking, connecting with others in your community is a great way to improve your mental health. Why not join one of the many indoor activities from our Health Improvement Team or local Move More partners this winter? You’ll gain a sense of belonging and share experiences as well as emotional support. www.salford.gov.uk/his www.salford.gov.uk/ movemore
My Winter Pledges
I will…
Drink less alcohol, use Salford’s Online Alcohol Service and the Alcohol Change UK quiz for support.
Use the five ways to wellbeing to plan how I can protect and improve my health and wellbeing in 2025 and beyond.
scan for more information
Try more plant-based foods, at least five portions of fruit and vegetables each day to see how small changes improve your health. Seach online for NHS Eatwell Guide and Recipes for Healthier Families.
Explore the Qwell App that offers anonymous mental health support to adults.
Be well this winter.
Check if you can get your winter vaccines and find a Greater Manchester site near you. Search: NHS GM winter vax.
SCHOOL LEAVER
EVENTS
Recycle more at home than ever before
Recycling at home has got even easier! You can now put plastic pots, tubs and trays in your brown mixed recycling bin.
What is a plastic pot, tub or tray?
Plastic pots
(e.g. yoghurt, soup, hair gel)
Plastic tubs
(e.g. margarine, laundry powder, chocolates)
Plastic trays
(e.g. raw and cooked meat trays, fruit and veg punnets)
As well as plastic pots, tubs and trays, you can still put plastic bottles in your brown recycling bin, along with glass bottles and jars, food tins and drinks cans, foil and aerosols.
Before recycling, make sure everything is clean and empty before you put it in your bin. If you need more space in your brown bin, stacking your pots, tubs, and trays is a great way to fit more in.
What to do with other plastics?
Soft plastics like film, crisp packets, and plastic bags can’t be recycled at home. They either go in your black bin at home or can be taken to most supermarkets. Hard plastics like toys and chopping boards can be put in your black bin or taken to your local recycling centre.
Salford’s Handyperson Service is here to help you
Whether it’s a leaky tap, installing a lock or a simple repair in your home, Salford’s Handyperson Service could be the answer to some of your challenging DIY questions.
Salford City Council’s Handypersons scheme is a service that offers a range of minor home repairs through our delivery partner, which is Schofield and Sons, based in Eccles.
The team of professionals offer a wide range of services that will help
to repair, restore and maintain your home. The service is open to all homeowners who may need a little extra help and repairs are provided free of charge to residents who fit the eligibility criteria:
• Are aged over 65 and in receipt of a means-tested benefit
• Are suffering an illness or disability and in receipt of a means-tested benefit
• Low-income families with a child under five years of age and in receipt of a means-tested benefit
Council pledges to plant
8,000 trees by 2028
Salford City Council has pledged to support the planting of 8,000 trees by 2028, as part of its commitment to fighting climate change.
The council will work with the Greater Manchester community forest and charity City of Trees, and community groups and organisations, to identify planting sites for street trees and new woodland areas.
The council will also work with developers in the planning process to plant trees as part of new developments.
Trees bring so many benefits including releasing chemicals which strengthen people’s immune, hormonal and nervous systems. They also take up pollutants which improves air quality and intercept water in their leaves and roots, helping to reduce flood risk.
Importantly, they absorb carbon dioxide, helping us in the fight against climate change. A single, fully-grown tree can absorb up to 22kg of carbon every year.
Responding to climate change is a key priority in ‘This is our Salford’, the council’s corporate plan, which aims to create a fairer, greener, healthier and more inclusive city for all.
To find out more visit www.greenersalford.info/news
Unfortunately, some older trees in Salford have been affected by a serious disease called ash dieback. This makes them weak, posing a safety risk if they fall. We need to remove these infected trees to stop the spread to other trees.
To find out more visit www.salford.gov.uk/ashdieback
So don’t let that drip become a disaster! Call 0161 793 3445 today
If you would like to know more about the Salford’s Handyperson Service, please visit www.salford.gov.uk/handyperson
Trees, a local resident and Cory, Groundwork Landscapes.
Photo L to R: Paul Jones, Arboricultural Manager, Salford City Council, Cllr Hamilton, Executive Support Member for Climate Change, Low Carbon and Green Agenda, Salford City Council, Grace Lee, City of
