Children celebrate a year of Child Friendly Salford with music, games and big ideas

Over 200 children and young people gathered at Salford Youth Zone to mark the first anniversary of Child Friendly Salford, taking part in creative activities and sharing their ideas for making the city a better place to grow up.

The event, held at Salford Youth Zone, brought together children, young people and partner organisations from across the city to celebrate a year of progress under the Child Friendly Salford programme.

Young attendees took part in more than 15 creative and interactive activities, including rap writing, bird feeder making and recreating Salford in Minecraft. They were also encouraged to share their views on how the city can better support children and young people. Popular suggestions included more places to play and more opportunities to be involved in local decision-making.

The celebration was organised by Salford Cultural Education Partnership, Salford Youth Zone and Salford City Council’s Youth Service, with support from groups including the University of Salford, Greater Manchester Police and Salford Community Leisure.

Councillor Jim Cammell, Lead Member for Children’s and Young People’s Services, said: “Thanks to everyone who made this event so special, and especially to the young people who took part. A child friendly city is one of our core priorities and we’re working hard with partners across the city to build on the fantastic work that’s already happening.”

Children earned stickers for each activity they completed, filling up maps that were entered into a prize draw. Prizes were donated by a range of local organisations, including the Lowry, Foundation 92, Vue Cinemas, Salford Museum and Art Gallery, and Greystone Action Sports.

Mark Greenhalgh, Salford’s Youth Mayor, said: “I really enjoyed the event and am very proud of my city for bringing in this initiative and making sure young people’s voices are being heard.”

Child Friendly Salford launched in 2024 with a city-wide commitment from the council, schools, NHS, police, community groups and businesses to make Salford a place where children feel safe, supported, and have access to good opportunities in learning, work and play.

Over the past year, more than 1,300 children and young people have shared their views through the initiative, with engagement continuing into 2026 to shape the next phase of the programme.