Salford residents are being encouraged to join community walks, art sessions and open mic nights as part of a campaign by a suicide prevention charity to bring people across the city together.
Jak’s World was founded by parents Ronak and Kasia Halani after their son died by suicide in 2023 and has since worked to provide support and raise awareness of the services available to people struggling with their mental health.
Meanwhile, the group runs regular community meetups across Salford, including park runs and relaxed craft sessions designed to help people meet others and boost their wellbeing.
Ahead of the summer, the group has received a grant from the Community Cohesion Fund, which aims to help voluntary organisations tackle social isolation, reduce prejudice and unite people from different backgrounds.
The cash will be used to fund a programme of events called “Together We” which will be held in different areas in Salford throughout May and June.
Ronak Halani said he was delighted the charity had secured the grant funding needed to deliver the programme of events.
He said: “Through this project, we aim to bring people across Salford from all backgrounds together in a celebration of togetherness, understanding, compassion and kindness.
“Our hope is to ensure that as many people as possible benefit from these events, especially community members who may not normally have access to services or support within their area.
“Jak’s World is incredibly grateful to the funders of the Community Cohesion Fund for approving our grant request.
“This project is very close to our hearts. Under our banner of “Together We…”, we will deliver a range of meaningful programmes including Together We Breathe, Together We Run, Together We Sing/Speak, Together We Clean and Together We Eat.”
The campaign began on Saturday as people flocked to the Monton and Roe Green Loopline heritage trail to complete the first community walk.
Meanwhile, weekly creative art sessions will run on Wednesdays at Pendleton Gateway from 6pm – 7:30pm and outdoor wellbeing sessions involving breathwork and stretching will be held every Tuesday in June at Ordsall Park from 6pm.
Ronak added: “Through this project, we aim to bring people across Salford from all backgrounds together in a celebration of togetherness, understanding, compassion and kindness.
“Our hope is to ensure that as many people as possible benefit from these events, especially community members who may not normally have access to services or support within their area.
“By taking part in positive, healing and empowering activities as one community, we believe people will become more aware of one another, helping to build stronger connections, greater trust and lasting relationships. Above all, we want people across Salford to feel a stronger connection to their community across all boundaries of race, religion, colour, age and background.”
More information about the events Jak’s World will hold can be found here.
