More than 200 young people descended on a youth centre in Salford to give their views on how the city can better cater to children.
Salford Youth Zone in Pendleton hosted an event where children took part in a range of activities, from writing rap songs about Salford to building Salford in Minecraft, and shared their ideas for how the city could become more child friendly.
Suggestions included more places to play and more opportunities to have their say on what goes on in their area.
Salford City Council says their and feedback will help to shape the priorities and actions for the second year of a campaign to make the city a great place for children, called Child Friendly Salford.
“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,” Salford Council explained.
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 City FC and others at an event to agree the ambition for the launch of the child friendly Child Friendly City programme 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.
Around 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.
The one-year-on 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.
Around 15 activities were 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 children won 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 proud of my city for bringing in this initiative and making sure young people’s voices are being heard.”
Were any young people with special needs in attendance ? My nephew has recently started coming to the Sunday Club ( Inclusion)
Young people were not consulted in Irlam and cadishead before their youth shelter was removed with no suggestions for a replacement.