Factory International has stepped forward to support Salford Lads Club alongside notable figures like Morrissey and Noel Gallagher.
- The club is part of Factory’s Community Partnerships, aiming to forge long-term community ties in Greater Manchester.
- Salford Lads Club, serving the Ordsall area for over a century, faces closure due to a significant funding shortfall.
- Factory International’s programme offers financial aid and organisational support to local community groups.
- Various local organisations, including Manchester Urban Diggers and Rainbow Haven, are also beneficiaries of this initiative.
Factory International’s involvement with Salford Lads Club marks a significant step in preserving a key community institution that has served the Ordsall region for over 120 years. This iconic club, which gained fame through a photograph featuring a prominent 1980s band, is confronting a £250,000 funding deficit that threatens its continued operation.
The club is now part of Factory International’s Community Partnerships initiative, which is designed to establish sustainable and long-term collaborations with community organisations within Greater Manchester. Through this programme, the club receives £10,000 in funding and bespoke support aimed at enhancing its infrastructure, expanding skill sets, and supporting current activities.
Alongside the financial support, Factory International collaborates with Salford Lads Club to co-design creative activities that are tailored to local needs. The partnership also ensures the distribution of free and discounted tickets to arts events, enriching cultural access for the community.
As part of the broader initiative, other organisations, such as Manchester Urban Diggers CIC and Rainbow Haven, have also been included. Manchester Urban Diggers, known for its grassroots projects aiming at food system transformation, plays a crucial role in empowering local communities. Similarly, Rainbow Haven offers an inclusive environment, providing essential support to refugees and asylum seekers.
The Community Partnerships programme has proven to be a transformative force for partner organisations. For instance, REEL MCR has been commissioned to produce bespoke videos for each partner, bolstering their reach. Another example is Thrive Manchester, which conducts trauma-informed workshops and has extended its expertise by training Factory International staff.
The initiative’s benefits extend further, as collaborations have led to the revival of arts in community centres, such as the Higher Blackley Community Centre, and have supported the development of projects like the Rickshaw Festival celebrating South Asian heritage.
The programme is part of Factory International’s Creative Engagement Programme, which not only seeks to support various community projects but also aims to bridge the gap between artistic opportunities and the wider public. This includes employing neighbourhood organisers to strengthen ties with local communities, a role that has already facilitated the distribution of over 3,500 free tickets for various events.
Through strategic partnerships and comprehensive support, Factory International is playing a pivotal role in safeguarding community institutions across Greater Manchester.
