Diverse communities
It's true to say Salford is an increasingly diverse place, but this is not just a recent phenomenon. The city has a unique mix of communities some older, some more recent, each of whose story makes this a very different place to it's neighbours. It is something we should be proud of.
There has been a substantial Jewish community in east Salford for many decades. In fact this has grown to become the second largest community of its kind in the UK, and continues to expand. The Yemeni community in Eccles arose out of migrants coming to work at the docks, itself renowned as a culturally rich mix of nationalities and ethnic groups. These are just two of the many communities to call the city home for generations. Remember the Sioux Indians who set up camp at Salford Quays in 1887? They are now a memorable part of the city's heritage.
Over the past ten years, Salford, like Manchester, has become home to many migrant workers from Europe, who continue to work hard, and bring wealth into the city. The reversal of the historic decline in Salford's population is in large part due to the arrival of young migrants. Not all of these new residents come from outside the UK. The Blackfriars, Greengate and Trinity areas are home to a thriving LGBT population, attracted to the city centre, who will have a key role to play in that area's regeneration.
It is also important to remember that a large number of residents are students from all over the world who live, study and work in Salford at its successful university and college. Their diverse heritage is a constant reminder of the city's role in welcoming new arrivals. In 2009, 61 different ethnicities were recorded for young people in Salford schools, revealing the astonishing diversity in the younger age group.
A great deal of our work focuses on highlighting the contribution to the city of different communities, whether LGBT, old or young, disabled residents, or communities linked by faith or culture. We believe the more we do to encourage mutual respect and understanding the more Salford will thrive.
This page was last updated on 14 September 2011
