What
Our mental health encompasses our psychological, emotional and social wellbeing. This means it impacts how we feel, think and behave each day. Our mental health also contributes to our decision-making processes, how we cope with stress and how we relate to others in our lives. It impacts on our thoughts, behaviours and emotions. Being healthy emotionally can promote how effectively we can do important activities like work, school or caregiving. It plays an important part in the health of your relationships and allows you to adapt to changes in your life and cope with adversity.
Why
Connecting with other people in your community is a great way to improve your mental health as it helps to give you a sense of belonging and to share experiences and emotional support. Likewise, learning new skills or getting new hobbies can help boost your confidence and give you a sense of purpose. We provide a whole range of free activities in your community that can help you to do this. There’s something for everyone!
Who
Our social and special interest groups are for anyone who lives or works in Salford. You must be aged 18+ to book onto a session. Children can be brought to sessions where stated.
Where
Our social and special interest groups take place across Salford, in every Neighbourhood, at a location or venue near you.
Take a look below – we’re confident there is a group or activity just waiting for you to get started with!
How to book
We’ve broken our social and special interest groups down into topic areas below. To book on to any session, you can do any of the below 2 options:
- Call 0800 952 1000 and select option 2
- Email health.improvement@salford.gov.uk including the details of the session you wish to book on for
If you would like to discuss anything before booking, or for further information on any of our social and special interest groups, call us free on 0800 952 1000 (option 2), Monday to Friday, 9am to 4.30pm.
You can also follow our Facebook page or Twitter for lots of handy hints and tips.
Quick links to activities:
Keeping well
This course will include improving confidence and increasing motivation, managing stress, developing assertiveness, and finding out what is happening in the area.
| Day | Timings | Location | Frequency | Extra information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 10am to 11.30am |
Worsley Church of St Mary the Virgin, Ellenbrook Road, M28 1FR |
Every Monday, 16 May to 13 June |
Each week we will cover a different topic designed to support you to manage your health and wellbeing. This course will include improving confidence, increasing motivation, managing stress and developing assertiveness, and finding out what’s on in the area. |
| Monday | 1pm to 2.30pm |
Eccles Eccles Library Lounge, 142 Church Street, Eccles, M30 0LS |
Every Monday, 9 May to 6 June | Each week we will cover a different topic designed to support you to manage your health and wellbeing. This course will include improving confidence, increasing motivation, managing stress and developing assertiveness, and finding out what’s on in the area. |
| Tuesday | 10.45am to 12.15pm |
Swinton Salvation Army, Station Road, Swinton, M27 6BT |
Every Tuesday, starting 2 August for six weeks |
Each week we will cover a different topic designed to support you to manage your health and wellbeing. This course will include improving confidence, increasing motivation, managing stress and developing assertiveness, and finding out what’s on in the area. |
| Wednesday | 11am to 12.30pm |
Ordsall Ordsall Neighbourhood Centre, 2 Robert Hall Street, M5 3LT |
Every Wednesday, 25 May to 29 June |
Each week we will cover a different topic designed to support you to manage your health and wellbeing. This course will include improving confidence, increasing motivation, managing stress and developing assertiveness, and finding out what’s on in the area. |
| Wednesday | 1.30pm to 2.30pm |
Irlam Irlam and Cadishead Academy, Station Road, M44 5ZR |
Ongoing |
Each week we will cover a different topic designed to support you to manage your health and wellbeing. This course will include improving confidence, increasing motivation, managing stress and developing assertiveness, and finding out what’s on in the area. |
| Thursday | 10am to 11.30am |
East Humphrey Booth Centre, Weaste, M27 5WW |
Ongoing |
Each week we will cover a different topic designed to support you to manage your health and wellbeing. This course will include improving confidence, increasing motivation, managing stress and developing assertiveness, and finding out what’s on in the area. |
| Sunday | 10.30am to 12pm |
Claremont Online |
Every Sunday - ongoing |
Each week we will cover a different topic designed to support you to manage your health and wellbeing. This course will include improving confidence, increasing motivation, managing stress and developing assertiveness. Finding out what’s on in the area. |
Get cooking
For all types of cooking related activities. This includes quick and easy cooking, cooking on a budget, healthy cooking and so on.
| Day | Timings | Location | Frequency | Extra information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 1pm to 3pm |
Little Hulton The Big Local, Little Hulton District Centre, Longshaw Drive, M28 0AU |
Every Monday 30 May to 27 June | Cookery session aimed at families who can learn to cook a meal for a family of four for approx. £5 |
| Friday | 1pm to 3pm |
Worsley Boothstown Community Centre, Standfield Drive, M28 1NB |
Every Friday, 13 May to 24 June | Learn how to cook authentic Indian food from raw ingredients |
| Friday | 3pm to 4pm |
Ordsall Langworthy Cornerstones, 451 Liverpool Street, Salford M6 5QQ |
Every Friday 15 July to 19 August | Learn cultural recipes, new ideas and techniques. Book your place on Get Cooking! |
| Friday | 9.30am to 12.30pm |
Irlam Brookhouse Community centre, |
Every Friday - ongoing | Learn to cook new and healthy recipes whilst meeting new friends |
Brew and a chat
| Day | Timings | Location | Frequency | Extra information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | 10.30am to 11.30am |
Ordsall Queen Alexandra Court, Salford, M5 3RE |
Every Tuesday, 12 April to 17 May | A brew and a chat and catch up with friends and neighbours |
| Wednesday | 1pm to 2pm |
Swinton Angel Centre, M3 6FA |
Ongoing |
LGBTQ+ Health and Wellbeing group A safe welcoming space to have a brew and a chat |
| Thursday | 3pm to 4pm |
Little Hulton / Walkden The Pavilion, Parr Fold Park, Walkden Rd, M28 7HE |
Every Thursday – ongoing |
Come along and share a hot drink and socialise. Aimed at reducing social isolation |
Social activities
This includes several activities including board and card games, quiz sessions, book clubs, film clubs and so on.
| Day | Timings | Location | Frequency | Extra information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 1pm to 2pm |
Online Skype |
Every Monday - ongoing |
Chatterbox An online group designed to tackle social isolation. If you would like to join but do not have a device We also offer support to teach you how to use the device, |
| Thursday | 10am to 11am |
Online Skype |
Every Thursday - Ongoing |
Chatterbox An online group designed to tackle social isolation. If you would like to join but do not have a device We also offer support to teach you how to use the device, |
Positive you
This course enables participants to develop strategies to act in a more confident manner, learn skills to improve their self-esteem, learn effective ways to deal with stress, methods to relax, improve mental health, and develop skills to think in a more positive manner.
| Day | Timings | Location | Frequency | Extra information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 1pm to 3pm |
Little Hulton/Walkden The Big Local, Little Hulton District Centre, Longshaw Drive, M28 0AU |
Every Monday, 9 May to 20 June | These sessions enable participants to develop strategies to act in a more confident manner, learn skills to improve their self-esteem, learn effective ways to deal with stress, methods to relax, improve mental health, and develop skills to think in a more positive manner. |
Sewing together
Activities incorporating sewing/dress making.
| Day | Timings | Location | Frequency | Extra information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 10am to 12pm |
Claremont Salford Women’s Centre, Halton Bank, M6 7AB |
Every Monday - ongoing | Women only. No booking required. Learn how to sew in a safe and friendly environment. Crafts and knitting provided if preferred. Find out about other free activities that might interest you in your local area. |
| Tuesday | 10am to 12pm |
Worsley Boothstown Community Centre, Standfield Drive, M28 1NB |
Every Tuesday, 10 May to 14 June | Basic sewing skills and embroidery for beginners. Meet new people and pick up new sewing tips. |
| Thursday | 9.30am to 12pm |
Eccles Eccles Town Hall, Church Street, Eccles, M30 0LH |
Every Thursday - ongoing | Basic sewing skills |
Get crafty
All craft-based activities including card making, creating artwork, upcycling and so on.
| Day | Timings | Location | Frequency | Extra information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday | 12pm to 1pm |
Irlam Irlam and Cadishead Academy, Station Road, M44 5ZR |
Every Wednesday - ongoing | Fun sessions with paint. For absolute beginners or seasoned artists, all welcome. All resources supplied. |
| Thursday | 10am to 11am |
Claremont The Vine, 87-89 Cholmondeley Road, M6 8PU |
Ongoing | Arts and crafts group, all abilities welcome. |
| Thursday | 1pm to 3pm |
Eccles Eccles Town Hall, Church Street, M30 0LH |
Every Thursday - 30 June | Arts and crafts group, all abilities welcome. |
Green fingers
All types of indoor or outdoor based activities which include planting, gardening, growing fruit and vegetables and so on.
| Day | Timings | Location | Frequency | Extra information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | 12pm to 2pm |
Irlam Tindall Street Allotments, Peel Green, M30 7DF |
Ongoing | Whether you have always fancied growing vegetable/flowers or you are a seasoned Gardner looking to meet new people. Our welcoming allotment group would love to see you. Just come along, no need to book. |
Relaxation
This includes sound relaxation, being creative using paint, women only relaxation activities and so on.
| Day | Timings | Location | Frequency | Extra information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | 2pm to 3pm |
Eccles Eccles Gateway, 28 Barton Lane, M30 0TU |
Every Tuesday - ongoing | Relaxation sessions followed by tea and coffee. |
| Tuesday | 12pm to 1pm |
Claremont Langworthy Cornerstone, 451 Liverpool Street, Salford, M6 5QQ |
Every Tuesday - ongoing | Relax and rejuvenate with a restorative sound relaxation session. 5 weekly sessions on a rolling programme. Booking required. |
What’s on in my local area?
A regular sign posting and information sharing session led by the Community Development team. To promote groups, encourage participation and let people know where they can go to for help and support. This can be a drop-in session.
| Day | Timings | Location | Frequency | Extra information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday | 11.30am to 1pm |
Claremont Chandos Sports and Social Club, Weaste, M5 5LJ |
Every Thursday - ongoing |
Meet new people, have a brew and a chat. Find out about what groups are running locally in your neighbourhood. |
We Recover (Long COVID support)
We Recover - Long COVID support group for people who still have ongoing symptoms of COVID and want to share their experiences. Come and have a chat in a warm and friendly environment. Get hints and tips on your road to recovery. We can offer support and guidance around finance, debt, health and wellbeing, Long COVID health checks, stop smoking, weight management, three month gym/swim pass (pending certain criteria).
You can book on to either our virtual sessions via Microsoft Teams or join our face-to-face group.
| Day | Timings | Location | Frequency | Extra information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | 6pm to 7.30pm |
Online Microsoft Teams Online |
Every Tuesday - ongoing | Long COVID support Group - virtual |
| Thursday | 1pm to 2.30pm |
Swinton Humphrey Booth Resource Centre, 16 Worsley Road, Swinton, M27 5WW |
Every Thursday - ongoing | Long COVID support Group - face-to-face |
Drug and alcohol addiction support
Groups such as ‘Plan B’ and other similar activities organised to support people to recover from drug and alcohol addiction.
| Day | Timings | Location | Frequency | Extra information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | 4.45pm to 6.15pm |
Little Hulton Sure Start Children’s Centre, Little Hulton, M28 0BD |
Every Tuesday - ongoing | ‘Plan B’ - Social support group for carers, friends and family of people dependant on drugs or alcohol. |
Spectrum group
A parent-peer support group for parents/carers whose children have been diagnosed with or going through an assessment process for ASD.
| Day | Timings | Location | Frequency | Extra information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Friday | 10am to 12pm |
East Energise Centre 3 Douglas Street, Salford, M6 6ES |
The first Friday of every month - ongoing | A parent peer support group for parents/carers whose children have been diagnosed with or are going through an assessment process for ASD. |