Salford Foundation

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Glorious Ollie leaves cast wanting more

Ollie Wiva Twist left cast and audience asking for more, more, more!

The production at the Quay’s Theatre at The Lowry was deemed a resounding success and the cast said they loved it so much they want to do it again.

The one-night only show was staged by young people engaged in Salford Foundation’s Variety Show, a three-year project which is supported by the National Lottery and funded through Big Lottery Fund.

With the help of experts in dance, music and theatre the young people – many of whom had no previous acting experience – gave the Dickens story a modern Salford slant and some of the famous songs from the musical came in for a rap or stomp treatment.

The production has been part of a year-long performance and creative arts project designed to engage young people in a community-based performance activity, giving them the opportunity to take part in a live show whether in the cast or back-stage.

Ollie Wiva Twist was the inspiration of the young people themselves who formed a steering group to coordinate the whole project. 

If you are interested in taking part in future Variety Show activities please contact Tracie Ross on 0161 787 3839.

Young people learn secrets at Theatre of Dreams

The challenges of running one of the biggest football clubs in the world, plus the secrets behind the coaching of Manchester United’s top players presented sixteen young people from the One Three One Nine project with a fascinating insight into the world of enterprise and sport.

Through the Manchester United Foundation the participants took part in ten sessions run by qualified FA coaches at United’s training ground The Cliff.

They were also taught branding and marketing skills and given the chance to achieve a Junior Football Organiser qualification.

One Three One Nine works with young people who are not in education, employment or training and young people at risk of becoming disengaged from  mainstream education and who might benefit through an alternative curriculum. By participating they have the opportunity to obtain qualifications, training or re-engage in mainstream education.

Pictured (left to right): Ryan Palmer, Kieran Shawcross and Tom Stamford.

New partnership with broadcaster

Salford Foundation has teamed up with the BBC’s Connect & Create scheme in a formal partnership that will see media and creative specialists working closely with the Foundation’s staff and service users as part of a community support project delivered by the broadcaster.

Launched in 2007 Connect & Create proactively offers the broadcaster’s staff the opportunity to develop other skills that benefit the wider community such as mentoring.

It is also intended to foster better links with community groups such as Salford Foundation which is one of a growing number of charities across the country that have forged a special community partnership with Connect & Create, part of BBC Academy.

Alan Rosser, Deputy Chief Executive of Salford Foundation said:

“We are naturally delighted to forge these strong links at a time when the Corporation is establishing its new northern base at Salford Quays.

Adventure challenge extends skills and potential

Students from six Salford high schools experienced a hectic adventure programme of rock climbing, abseiling, zip wire and mental challenges to test their brain power and problem solving skills.

The 54 Year 9 students were taking part in the Mission Critical challenge as part of Salford Foundation’s Gifted and Talented programme.

The two-day course sets out to stretch their ICT abilities through a series of master classes plus some testing physical activities intended to raise confidence, motivation and aspirations.

Both teachers and participants praised the challenge as an outstanding learning and fun experience.

Salford Foundation’s Gifted and Talented team work in 14 high schools helping to stretch the abilities of students and extend their talents and potential.

Hard work of volunteers recognised

Awards have been made to two of our young volunteers in Salford and Tameside.

Arthi Kumar (16 - far right), from Irlams o’ th’ Height received her Heart of Salford Award from the Mayor Councillor George Wilson.

Lauren Anderson (19) from Hyde, a student at Manchester Metropolitan University, received an Outstanding Achievement Award for contributing over 300 hours of volunteer work in Tameside.

Arthi ‘s volunteering includes co-hosting a radio programme on Salford City Radio, being a Cub Pack young leader, and volunteering at Salford Royal Hospital and St. Ann’s Hospice.

Lauren is the longest serving member of the Youth Action Team in Tameside and recently appeared in a film about the value of youth volunteering in Tameside.

Lauren received her award from Sue Vickers (Manager, Volunteer Centre Tameside) and Phil Austin (Youth Volunteer Development Manager, vinvolved).

A chance to help young people in Salford

Are you or your organisation interested in supporting young people in Salford?

The Salford Foundation Trust is once again showcasing its work and the successes of its young people at a celebration lunch at The Lowry Hotel in Salford on November 5th.

The Trust is a grant giving charity helping young people to develop their skills and talents and to achieve vocational aspirations.

Since its inception in 2004, grants of more than £65,000 have been made to over 200 young Salford people aged five to 25.

If you or your business would like to support the Trust in some way or attend the celebration event in November please contact Helen Fenton on 0161 787 3834 or email helen.fenton@salfordfoundationtrust.org.uk

The Salford Business Education Partnership delivers a wide range of programmes to help young people raise their aspirations and awareness. If you, your organisation or business would like to be involved in helping young people with literacy and numeracy skills or introduce them to work through enterprise days or career days then please contact Salford Foundation on 0161 787 8500. We would love to hear from you.