The finalists for the annual Springboard Heroes Awards have been announced.
For the past year, Salford housing association Salix Homes has been awarding grants to groups and projects in Salford that are making a real difference in communities.
The landlord has donated more than £49,000 to dozens of local groups and initiatives as part of its Springboard community grant programme.
From bowling teams to art clubs, Springboard has provided much-needed cash injections to local projects that boost community spirit, promote health and wellbeing, improve the environment and help to reduce isolation.
Now, Salix Homes has picked four fantastic projects as the Springboard Heroes finalists, and it’s over to the public to vote for their favourite, with the winning project receiving a £1,000 cash boost.
Sian Grant, Executive Director of Customers and Communities at Salix Homes, said: “Our Springboard grant programme provides much-needed funding for many grassroots groups and community projects that are really making a difference to people and communities across Salford.
“In the past year alone, we’ve channelled more than £49,000 into 44 different initiatives, many of which provide a lifeline in the community, particularly during the cost of living crisis which has impacted people in so many ways.
“The Springboard Heroes Awards is our way of honouring some of the fantastic work taking place in Salford to improve lives and increase opportunities, so we’d urge you to cast your vote for your favourite and help them win the £1,000 prize, which we hope will go some way to enabling them to continue the wonderful work they do.”
The finalists for the Springboard Heroes Awards 2023 are:
Chandos Bowling Club: For more than 50 years, Chandos Bowling Club, based in Weaste, has been at the heart of the community, providing a welcoming sporting and social activity that is open to all. Its members describe it as an “oasis in the middle of Salford” and for many it’s been a lifeline for helping to overcome isolation or mental health issues. The club is a community in itself, offering a safe and inclusive place to exercise, meet with friends and get some fresh air, providing lasting benefits to people’s health and wellbeing.
Ordsall Community Arts Centre: Ordsall Community Arts Centre is a long-established community arts group providing arts and education opportunities for local people of all ages. They run a wide range of art-based activities from their base in Robert Hall Street including woodwork workshops, sewing and craft activities, creative writing and knit and natter sessions. The group’s volunteers are real advocates for using art to improve health and wellbeing, with some members having overcome brain injuries, using art to support their cognitive rehabilitation.
Salford Forum for Refugees and People Seeking Asylum: The forum is made up of representatives from local community groups to provide help and support to refugees and people seeking asylum in Salford. Together they organise events and initiatives to help promote community cohesion. As Salford’s changing population becomes more diverse, holding events in the community and raising awareness about the issues affecting the lives of refugees and asylum seekers, becomes increasingly important, as it creates opportunities to bring together a range of people from different backgrounds.
Visit from the Stork: Visit from the Stork is based at the Emmanuel Church on Langworthy Road and supports new parents and parents-to-be across Greater Manchester. Its vision is for all parents to be equipped with the resources they need to achieve a better quality of life for themselves and their families. They provide low-cost access to essential equipment for families experiencing poverty, including nappies, formula and toys. They also run groups and activities including breastfeeding support and parent and baby classes. They work closely with last year’s Springboard Heroes winner – Manchester City Mission, providing baby and childcare essentials for families on low incomes.
Visit www.salixhomes.co.uk/heroes2023 to watch a short video of each of the finalists and cast your vote online.
The deadline for voting closes on Friday, September 8 and the winners will be announced on Salix Homes Facebook page the following week.
