Councillors join forces with Salford City Academy to boost community spirit through new hub and events

Local councillors and Salford City Council are working with Salford City Academy to strengthen community ties through a series of grassroots initiatives, including a new Community Hub, Brookhouse in Bloom and the annual Family Fun Festival.

A new partnership between Salford councillors, the City Council and Salford City Academy is driving forward projects aimed at improving neighbourhood life and giving residents more chances to connect.

The Community Hub, launched at the academy in Eccles late last year, has become a focal point for activities designed to bring people together across different ages and backgrounds. It now hosts everything from stay and play sessions for toddlers to coffee mornings for families of children with special educational needs, as well as wellbeing events and litter picks.

Among its most colourful ventures is Brookhouse in Bloom, a gardening project where students and volunteers work side by side to brighten up the Brookhouse Estate with flowers. Future collaborations with RHS Bridgewater and Tindall Allotments are being discussed to expand the initiative.

Councillor Tracy Kelly, statutory deputy city mayor and lead member for housing and anti-poverty, said the scheme was about much more than planting:

“As we work towards our vision of building a fairer, greener, healthier and more inclusive Salford for all, ongoing collaborations like this exemplify the power of partnership in building stronger, more vibrant communities.”

Councillor Mishal Saeed, executive support member for social care and mental health, praised residents for embracing the effort:

“It’s been fantastic to see how popular Brookhouse in Bloom has become with residents. Thanks to the organisers, volunteers and council officers, Brookhouse is looking more beautiful than ever.”

The academy’s Community Hub has also helped shape the SCA Family Fun Festival, a council-sponsored highlight of the local calendar that attracted more than 1,300 people this year. Featuring music, fair rides and stalls, the free festival is designed to celebrate families and strengthen neighbourhood ties.

Other Hub initiatives include a free three-course Christmas meal for older residents, a 1940s-style tea dance, and holiday clubs for children eligible for free school meals, delivered in partnership with Salford Youth Service.

Events are promoted through the Salford City Academy Community Hub Facebook page, ensuring residents can keep track of what is on offer.