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