Lockdown has had a significant impact on the well-being and mental health of thousands of people. But for the Salford Litter Heroes, they've found a way to both promote environmental welfare and boost one's mental health.

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Image Credit-Olivia Mukerjea

With Salford in an area of "high risk" of infection, the government has decreed that Salford and much of Greater Manchester must still abide by rules like the 10pm curfew and rule of six.

For local businesses like pubs, bars, and restaurants, this has led to increased concern over whether they can survive the pandemic.

But for many residents, it's still confusing and difficult to understand why the government has went through with certain policies.

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The BBC has confirmed that the 2020 Sports Personality of the Year awards will go ahead this year, and are set to air live at Media City, on the Salford Quays.

To be filmed in the Dock10 studio, the Sports Personality of the Year awards look back on the year in sport, celebrating the work and success of Great Britain's athletes and sporting stars.

Set to air on December 20th, it's so far unknown whether there will be a physical audience present to attend the ceremony, given the current government guidelines surrounding social distancing and mixing.

After controversial comments were made by the Chancellor last week, a number of Salford based artists have voiced their concerns over being told to "retrain" away from the arts sector.

“I think musicians are going to read these comments and if anything it will only spur them on to work even harder.”

The ongoing pandemic has seen vast numbers of those within the arts sector without work and a sustainable income due to the current guidelines on social distancing.

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Image Credit-Barry Martin and Paul Shepherd

The Rain Garden, a Nature-Based Solutions Living Lab at the University of Salford, has nearly been completed, in aims to promote greener and cleaner living in the Salford area.

It aims to improve the wellbeing of the local community and strengthen the understanding of green infrastructure and ecosystems.

“Everyone understands the benefits green infrastructure will bring. It removes pollution from the air and improves mental health. We could see this during lockdown when the air felt cleaner and more people were exercising outside,”

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In collaboration with the Red Cross, the Food Bank organisation has helped feed thousands with the help of food providers, Fareshare, and Tesco Food Cloud.

Founder Yvonne Simms, 71, remains the only original member since its creation, and believes more can and should be done to help those in need, particularly now. “But obviously, we are now in the second wave and I don’t know what’s going to happen this time”.

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An intriguing and unique show is coming to The Lowry on the 16th of October, as 'The House Never Wins' looks set to enthrall its virtual audience.

Set in a casino called ‘The House’, a Zoom call full of audience members must pit their luck against the dealer, whilst trying to keep the place standing.

Truly unique, the play puts the power in its audience’s hands – literally – allowing them to twist and turn the narrative depending on their responses to Whatsapp messages, surveys and puzzles.

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Jane Wood and Mike Scantlebury are used to being in the radio studio, but for the last few months have been presenting a show which teaches people who are self-isolating how to grow their own food.

“It was a slow start because there weren’t enough people at first but they soon came in. So they had to do things like limited hours in the day and then run an automatic system at night. And gradually they managed to put up shows 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. And we’ve just celebrated our 13th anniversary.”

Topics of their recent episodes have included planting seeds indoors to grow for food.

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Image Credit-Jane Wood

Do you know a Salford Hero who has made a profound difference in Salford? Why not nominate them for a #SpiritOfSalford award?

With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic badly affecting Salford and the wider area, the awards aim to highlight the people and public services that have went above and beyond during these trying times.

Nominations for the awards close on the 20th of November 2020 and the finalists will then be announced on the 18th December 2020. The public vote then opens on the 18th of December 2020, closing on the 19th of February 2021.

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Image Credit-Salford City Council

The annual bonfire night celebrations have been cancelled by Salford City Council, due to current COVID-19 regulations and advice.

Fireworks were meant to be launched on the 5th of November to commemorate the foiling of the infamous 'Gunpowder Plot' of 1605, but seemingly no celebrations will be taking place in the Greater Manchester area.

Residents are being encouraged to stay safe and responsible this bonfire night, and to avoid hosting private parties and launching their own fireworks

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Image credit: Anthony Cramp