Children celebrate Child Friendly Salford one year on

They took part in a range of activities, including writing rap songs about Salford, making bird feeders and building Salford in Minecraft, and shared their ideas for how Salford can become more child friendly.

Suggestions included more places to play and more opportunities to have their say on what goes on in their area. Their ideas and feedback will be used along with ideas from other children and young people to shape the priorities and actions for the 'Child Friendly Salford' programme next year.

Child Friendly Salford is about bringing everyone together to make the city a great place for children and young people to grow up and feel safe, cared for, heard and have quality opportunities to learn, work and play.

Last year, children and young people joined Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett and leaders from the council, NHS, schools, the University of Salford, housing providers, voluntary and community groups, businesses, the police, faith groups, Salford Community Leisure, the RHS, Salford FC and others at an event to agree the ambition for Child Friendly City in Salford and to commit to actions.

Over the past year, work has been taking place to develop more opportunities around play and work experience. Over 1,300 children and young people have given their views on what changes they would like to see and this engagement will continue throughout 2026 to give more children and young people a chance to have their say.

This year’s event was all about children and young people – hearing from them about what they want to see, but making it a fun and enjoyable evening.

Arranged by Salford Cultural Education Partnership, Salford Youth Zone and Salford City Council’s Youth Service, there were around 15 activities on offer from organisations including the University of Salford, the RHS, Greater Manchester Police, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and Salford Community Leisure. Children collected a sticker for each activity they completed and added it to their map. At the end of the night, all maps were entered into a prize draw and with some great prizes from Lowry, Foundation 92, Oxygen, Vue Cinemas, Salford Museum and Art Gallery, Salford Watersports Centre, Greystone Action Sport and Manchester River Cruises.

Councillor Jim Cammell, Lead Member for Children’s and Young People’s Services at Salford City Council, said

“My thanks go to everyone involved in making the event so amazing, particularly Salford Youth Zone for hosting and Salford Youth Council for introducing and closing the event, but also to all the organisations who ran workshops and provided prizes. Thanks to all the children and young people who attended and got involved in activities and gave their great ideas. It was fantastic to see so many young people enjoying themselves.

A child friendly city is one of the council’s corporate priorities and we’re working with all our partners to build on the great work that already takes place to make Salford an even better place to grow up.”

Mark Greenhalgh, Salford 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.”

Watch the video of the event at https://youtu.be/bMD3gdKD7LA