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

Jeremy and I had a really fulfilling day getting out and about and meeting some of our VCSE sector colleagues across the city. Our day began at St James’ House in Pendleton where we were able to visit Pipeeh Miyalu, the CEO and one of the co-founding members of Warm Hut, a Refugee Community Organisation established in 2009 which has operated in the city ever since. Pipeeh was delighted to receive the letter of the thanks from the Mayor and was looking forward to attending one of the many events designed to celebrate Salford’s 100^th birthday.

From the hustle and bustle of Pendleton, we then travelled to some quieter corners of Salford, stopping at Roe Green, Beesley Green, OId Warke Dam, Worsley Woods and the Roe Green. On what was a beautiful, bright spring day, these visits reminded us both that peace and tranquillity can be found just minutes away from some of Salford’s busiest areas.

Travelling onwards to Swinton, it was great to take part in the 100^th birthday celebrations outside Civic Hall before finishing our tour back in Pendleton at Salford Loaves and Fishes, a long-established Salford charity that supports individuals and families from across the city who may be homeless, isolated or vulnerable. There we met with colleagues who shared insight into the range of support the organisation provides and the dedication of the team in responding to the needs of the people they support.

The day was a powerful reminder of the breadth and strength of Salford’s VCSE sector and the places and people that sustain it. From meaningful conversations with long‑standing community leaders to moments of calm in the city’s green spaces, we came away feeling genuinely uplifted and inspired. It was an enjoyable and affirming day that captured both the diversity of Salford and the shared commitment of those working to support its people as the city celebrates its centenary year.

Joe Kendal and Jeremy Engineer 

Development Worker and Research and Insight Worker

Grace and I spent the day visiting a number of community organisations across Little Hulton, meeting the people who bring them to life and seeing first-hand the impact of their work. Throughout our visits, we experienced genuine warmth, openness and a strong sense of community, with every conversation reinforcing how important these spaces are for the people who use them.

As part of our visits, we shared a letter and sign with each organisation we visited. This small gesture felt important — a way to pause, acknowledge the work being done, and openly say thank you. Handing these over created space for reflection and connection, and each one was received with genuine warmth and appreciation.

It felt especially meaningful to recognise the dedication of staff and volunteers who consistently show up for their communities. The conversations that followed reminded us that taking time to acknowledge people’s efforts, even in simple ways, can be just as important as the services and activities themselves.

Little Hulton Skills Centre: Language, Confidence and Community

Our first visit of the day was to the Little Hulton Skills Centre, where we were warmly welcomed by Entela Isufi from The Broughton Trust. Entela is a Learning Development Worker for the Trust and also a trustee for CommUNITY Little Hulton, and despite a class being in progress, she generously invited us in to have a chat.

Entela spoke openly about her own personal journey and her passion for supporting others, particularly through ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) provision. She explained how learning English is about far more than language alone — for many people, it is a gateway to independence, confidence and feeling part of the community. ESOL classes and Talk English cafés, delivered in partnership between Broughton Trust and the Skills Centre, provide safe and welcoming spaces where people can learn, practice and connect with others.

Listening to Entela was incredibly insightful. Her warmth and openness made it easy to understand why this work matters so deeply, and her commitment to the community was evident in everything she shared. Seeing learners engaged in class brought these conversations to life and reinforced the importance of accessible, inclusive learning opportunities.

We also talked about volunteering and the value of helping people understand the different ways they can get involved within their communities. As a result of this conversation, it was agreed that the Volunteer Centre will be invited to visit a Talk English class in May, to have an informal chat about volunteering opportunities. This felt like a positive and practical next step, and a great example of how conversations during visits can lead to meaningful collaboration and future engagement.

The Mustard Tree: Support That Creates Opportunity

We then visited The Mustard Tree, where we again received a very warm welcome. During our time there, we met George, who has been involved with the organisation for nine years. George shared his inspiring story with us, explaining how the Mustard Tree supported him during a difficult period in his life.

Over time, that support helped George rebuild confidence and develop skills, eventually leading him to volunteer in the shop. Today, he works there as part of the team — a journey that perfectly illustrates how compassionate, long-term support can create genuine opportunities. George spoke with pride about his role and his connection to the organisation, and it was clear how valued he is.

Being able to hear George’s story directly made the impact of the Mustard Tree’s work feel very real and personal. The atmosphere throughout the organisation was welcoming and respectful, reflecting a strong ethos of dignity, encouragement and belonging. 

Community Little Hulton: Welcome, Volunteering and Creativity

Our final visit of the day was to CommUNITY Little Hulton, where we were warmly greeted by Lynn, one of the organisation’s volunteers. From the moment we arrived, Lynn’s friendly and welcoming manner made us feel completely at ease.

We had a great conversation with Lynn about her extensive volunteering journey. She has been volunteering in Salford for over ten years, supporting organisations including the Salvation Army in Swinton, Mencap Walkden, the Mustard Tree in Little Hulton, and now CommUNITY Little Hulton. She spoke about the importance of making people feel welcome — particularly for those who want to drop in somewhere they feel safe, supported and accepted.

Lynn currently volunteers three days a week at CommUNITY Little Hulton, but she also gives her time each Thursday at St Paul’s Church Community Centre, where she helps serve meals to the community. She shared that around 45 people are regularly served, and for some, this may be their only meal of the day. Many attendees are socially isolated, and the opportunity to sit with others and have a conversation can be just as important as the food itself. Lynn also shared, with humour, that her husband volunteers alongside her, taking on the vital role of pot washing!

We talked more broadly about volunteering, and Lynn warmly welcomed the idea of Grace visiting one Thursday to chat with attendees about volunteering opportunities, showing once again how community connections grow through openness and shared enthusiasm.

During our visit, we also spoke with Stewart Knights, Live Well Development Worker, who shared his enthusiasm for the 100‑year celebrations taking place across Little Hulton and Walkden. Stewart explained the programme of 100 days of free activities, events and opportunities, designed to bring people together, encourage participation and celebrate the local community.

He proudly showed us the poster featured in the Salford Post newspaper and shared that he had been handing them out to anyone he could find. Stewart was clearly passionate about the 100‑year celebrations and visibly excited about what the 100 days could offer.

Stewart was also leading the “Sculpt Your Town” session while we were there. The activity invited a mix of service users and volunteers to express their connection to the area using clay, papier‑mâché or drawing. Watching people take part — chatting, laughing and creating together — was a powerful reminder of how creativity can foster connection and a shared sense of place. Stewart’s enthusiasm and kindness were evident, and it was clear why people respond so positively to him.

Final Reflections

Across all three visits, what stayed with us most was the people. The passion, kindness and commitment shown by staff, volunteers and service users highlighted how much these organisations mean to the communities they serve. Whether through learning, support, volunteering or creativity, each space offered far more than a service — it offered belonging, opportunity and human connection.

Grace Kennedy

Volunteer Centre Development Worker