On Tuesday 21 April, Salford turned 100! With the sun out and a real sense of celebration in the air, we spent the day out in Broughton visiting local VCSE (Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise) organisations that help make Salford such a supportive and welcoming place to live and work.
Our task for the day was to hand-deliver a thank you letter from City Mayor Paul Dennett recognising the contribution that these organisations make every day, alongside a Salford Centenary sign for them to display as part of the celebrations. We turned up in our special purple centenary tops – hopefully creating a positive and surprising welcome to the fabulous groups that make up our communities. Everyone at Salford CVS was out across the city doing the same thing, and we were allocated a pair of organisations in Broughton. It was a great opportunity for both of us to spend time in a part of Salford we don’t usually work in, meet new faces, and learn more about what is happening there. Both of the organisations we visited have different missions, however it was clear that they are both committed to creating a healthier, happier and strong Salford.
Stop 1: The Broughton Trust
First on our list was The Broughton Trust, a charity established in 1999 that supports local people through a mix of practical courses, community support and youth work. They are also a new Live Well space, part of the Greater Manchester Mayor’s vision that every person, in every neighbourhood, can easily access the support they need to live healthy, fulfilling lives.
We arrived at the same time as Dave Mayers, Chief Officer, who warmly welcomed us in. After we passed on the Mayor’s letter and centenary sign, Dave took us on a tour of the building and talked us through what the Trust has achieved over the last 20+ years, alongside their ambitions for what comes next. One of the standout parts of our conversation was how central the Live Well approach is to their future plans. They are creating a space that feels approachable, local and genuinely useful for residents, whether someone is looking for a class, advice, or simply connection.
Dave shared an example of how they have been listening closely to the community. Through consultation with local residents, they heard a clear call for Zumba and those sessions are now fully booked with a waiting list! This means new faces coming through the door and people building routines that support their wellbeing.
Alongside activities inside the centre, they are also developing their outdoor space with plans for a community garden including an impressive poly tunnel. Hearing about the ideas for growing and using that space, bringing people together & creating something shared, and making the environment feel cared for, left us feeling genuinely inspired. There was a real energy about the place: ambitious, practical, and rooted in what matters to local residents. It was lovely to meet the team who make up the Broughton Trust and keep it running every day. It was clear how passionate and dedicated they are, and they were all more than happy to pose for a photo with us in the sun.
We both agreed that we would love to return at the end of summer, when the community garden is thriving with activity and people.
Stop 2: The Hershel Weiss Community Centre
Our second visit took us to The Hershel Weiss Community Centre, and we arrived just as their Babies and Bagels session was getting underway. It was a lovely snapshot of what community support looks like in real life - a warm, busy room, parents and carers catching up, and babies being entertained. We had the chance to meet some of the women who use the centre and to hear, first-hand, how important these sessions are for connection, especially for people who might otherwise feel isolated.
Michelle Ciffer, Chief Executive, showed us around and talked us through the range of services the centre offers. We were able to see the baby class in action, as well as their sensory space, outdoor play area, and impressive library. Michelle explained how the centre supports local families and the wider community, creating safe, welcoming spaces where people can learn, socialise, and access support in a way that feels respectful and inclusive.
Michelle also spoke with us about the centre’s work in the wake of the synagogue attacks in 2025, and how they are using their platform to share their story and celebrate Jewish community life - challenging the idea that communities are only seen through the lens of either perpetrator or victim. It really affirmed to us both that community organisations don’t just deliver activities but that they also help raise voices, shape understanding, build relationships and strengthen resilience. Michelle is a great advocate and community leader.
By the end of the day, we both felt proud to be spending time with the people and organisations who quietly make a difference every day, and grateful for the warm welcome we received at each stop. We made new connections that will make us stronger in our development roles.
If Salford’s first 100 years are anything to go by, its next 100 will be shaped not only by big milestones, but by the steady, community-led work happening in places like The Broughton Trust and The Hershel Weiss Community Centre, ran by and for local people.
Hannah McAdam and Emma Eastwood
Development Worker (Movement and Physical Activity) and Development Worker, Wellbeing Matters Salford