Councillor Robin Garrido, Ceremonial Mayor of the City of Salford 2026 to 2027
Robin moved to Manchester from Oxford in 1952 at the age of 2 when his father was offered a job as a television and radio engineer which included a house in Longsight. He attended the local Church of England Primary School, St John’s, and later Ryder Brow Secondary Modern School, in Gorton. His mother started a small jewellery and watchmaking business in West Gorton where the family moved to live over the shop. This enabled his father to practice his hobby of watchmaking and repairs alongside his full-time job. His father later started his own radio and television business also in West Gorton.
On leaving school Robin worked with his father but it became apparent he was not an engineer but enjoyed talking to people this led to him looking after all sales and later visiting social clubs to discuss and provide them with loudspeaker and amplifier systems which by that time his father manufactured.
Robin has been married to Karen for over 50 years. They met at a donkey derby in Manchester organised by a Young Conservative branch and have two sons Damian and Simon.
After living in Stalybridge when first married they moved to Worsley in 1973 to a house in Beanfields and have lived in or around Worsley ever since and for the past 27 years on ‘The Green’ in Worsley. Damian and Simon both went to school in Eccles before both successfully passing entrance exams for Manchester Grammar School. Both Damian and Simon are married, and he is the proud Grandfather of Miles and Toby both of whom attend Bourne Grammar School in Lincolnshire.
In 1972 Robin decided on a career move and trained as an estate agent and valuer with a Manchester based company and after training suggested to the company that they open a branch in Monton, Eccles. This was successfully set up with Robin as a Partner and later the sole owner. The company then expanded opening branches in Westhoughton and Worsley.
Having closed in 1991 due to the decline in house sales Robin worked for various companies before joining Greater Manchester Police as a civilian employee, successfully managing two Police Charities (The GM Shrievalty Police Trust and the GMP Police Charity) as well as being its Economic Development Manager. In his last eight years before taking early retirement at 62 he was the Mission and Projects Manager for the Methodist Church with responsibility for over 7500 Manses and Chapels/Churches. This involved travelling to different parts of the country advising ministers on property matters and training incoming ministers at various colleges. Based in Manchester his team was also responsible for the authorisation of new schemes and advice concerning alterations and listed buildings.
Robin was first elected to Salford Council in 1975 for a ward then named Linnyshaw and Central it was quite a sprawling ward spreading from Roe Green to Walkden and onto Wardley. Having lost his seat in 1979 Robin decided to concentrate on his business. His employment made it difficult to stand again until he commenced employment with the Methodist church and they generously agreed to his standing for election again and he was subsequently elected for the Boothstown and Ellenbrook Ward in 2004 which he represented until ward boundary changes in 2023 when he was elected to represent the new ward of Worsley and Westwood Park which he still represents.
Both Karen and Robin have been active in local politics since before being married and fortunately shared very similar views. Aside from politics they have been active in the local communities helping to set up Residents Branches in Worsley, Boothstown and Ellenbrook and worked alongside local Boothstown residents to save the disused Church School from being sold. The building is now a highly successful community hall well used by many people and groups.
Preserving the greenbelt in the City has been one of his high objectives, and is proud of his involvement in many successful campaigns and actions over the years to protect the environment across the City.
Robin is a fanatical supporter of Formula One Motor racing travelling to races whenever he can. He supports the British seven times world champion Lewis Hamilton. He also likes to play chess but admits he is very rusty.
Over the years Robin has supported many charities, and this will be enhanced during his year in office by nominating two charities to receive funds raised by his funding raising events during the year. In addition, Robin is setting up a community chest to which individuals and groups can apply for a grant.
The Ceremonial Mayor has chosen to support the following charities:
Ceremonial Mayor's Charity Appeal 2026 / 2027
The Ceremonial Mayor, Councillor Robin Garrido, has chosen to support the following Charities during his year in office:
The Survivor Project
The Survivor Project is built on strength, community, and the belief that lives can change. Founded in Salford, this work has grown from lived experience into something powerful — a place where people feel seen, supported, and able to move forward in their lives.
Every part of what we do is shaped by real understanding, compassion, and a deep commitment to helping people rebuild with confidence. We support individuals and families who have experienced domestic abuse, sexual violence, coercive control, and trauma. Our focus is not only on moments of crisis, but on what comes next — helping people rediscover themselves, regain stability, and create a future that feels safe and full of possibility.
At the heart of The Survivor Project is connection. Every part of the organisation is powered by volunteers — people who show up day after day, giving their time, energy, and care not because they have to, but because they believe in this work and the people we support.
This creates something special. People who come to us are met with warmth, understanding, and consistency. They are heard, valued, and supported in a way that feels human and real. They are given space to rebuild, to grow, and to move forward at their own pace, with people beside them who genuinely care.
Over the past year, our impact has continued to grow. We have supported over 2,000 families across Greater Manchester, delivered more than 6,000 presents to children and families, provided legal advice to over 160 individuals, trained over 100 people through CPD-accredited programmes, and offered a seven-day helpline to ensure support is always available. Each of these represents a life touched, a step forward, and a moment where someone felt supported.
We are proud to reach a wide and diverse community, including those who often face additional barriers to accessing support. Our work is inclusive, flexible, and shaped around the real lives of the people we serve. We meet people where they are and walk alongside them as they begin to build something new.
Our new community hub in Walkden is an exciting step forward. It is a welcoming space where people can connect, access support, attend groups, and begin to rebuild in a way that feels right for them. It brings people together, strengthens community, and creates opportunities for growth, confidence, and connection.
Alongside this, we run targeted groups such as our men’s support group, creating spaces where people can share, connect, and grow in confidence. These spaces matter, and they are helping to open up conversations that are long overdue.
The Survivor Project continues to grow through the strength of its community. From grassroots beginnings, it has developed into a recognised and trusted organisation across Greater Manchester, working alongside partners, contributing to wider conversations, and creating real, lasting impact.
Being chosen as the Mayor of Salford’s Charity of the Year is a proud and meaningful moment. It reflects the dedication of our volunteers, the strength of the people we support, and the power of a community coming together to create change.
It also gives us the opportunity to reach further, to support more people, to expand what we offer, and to continue building a future where everyone has access to understanding, support, and opportunity.
Every donation helps us continue this work. Every bit of support strengthens what we can offer. And every person who stands with us becomes part of a growing movement of change.
The Survivor Project is about more than support. It is about growth, strength, and new beginnings. And in Salford, that future is already taking shape.
Salford City FC Foundation
Salford City FC Foundation, formerly Foundation 92 is the official charity of Salford City Football Club, dedicated to creating positive opportunities for people across Salford and beyond through sport, wellbeing, education, and inclusive community engagement. Rooted in the local community and inspired by the unifying power of football, the Foundation works to make a lasting and meaningful difference in the lives of those it serves.
Our Vision:
“To be a leading force in transforming lives across Salford and beyond, engaging more of our community in sport, wellbeing and education programmes.”
Our Mission:
“We empower, educate and improve lives, by reducing inequalities and creating opportunities for the people of Salford.”
With strong connections to the Club and its heritage, Salford City FC Foundation delivers a wide range of programmes designed to support individuals of all ages and backgrounds. The organisation places a particular focus on engaging young people, those facing disadvantage, and communities with limited access to opportunities. By providing safe, inclusive, and supportive environments, the Foundation enables participants to build confidence, develop essential life skills, and improve their overall wellbeing.
The Foundation’s work is centred around three key areas: health and wellbeing, education and employability and community engagement. Across these areas, it delivers impactful initiatives tailored to meet local needs. Its health and wellbeing programmes encourage active lifestyles while supporting mental health and emotional resilience.
Through education and employability pathways, the Foundation helps young people gain valuable skills, qualifications, and experiences that support their progression into further education, training, or employment.
A key priority for Salford City FC Foundation is strengthening communities and creating a sense of belonging. Through inclusive activities, outreach programmes, and collaborative projects, the Foundation works to reduce social isolation and bring people together.
Partnership working is central to the Foundation’s approach. By collaborating with schools, local authorities, businesses, and community organisations, Salford City FC Foundation ensures its programmes are relevant, sustainable, and impactful. These partnerships allow the Foundation to extend its reach and respond effectively to the evolving needs of the communities it supports.
As the organisation continues to grow and evolve, it remains committed to its core purpose: using the power of sport and the influence of Salford City Football Club to inspire positive change. While entering an exciting new phase of development, the Foundation continues to build on its strong local identity and deep community roots.
Driven by a belief that everyone should have access to opportunity, Salford City FC Foundation is proud to support individuals in reaching their full potential, strengthening communities, and creating lasting, positive impact across Salford & beyond.
Community Chest
This fund has been established to offer grant awards up to £500 to local community groups or individuals to help them make a difference in their community or to help them achieve a specific goal.
Grants will be awarded to projects which demonstrate that there will be a benefit to Salford residents, have a community focus and be open to, and inclusive of, all.
This page was last updated on 27 May 2026