Salford community shows appreciation for NHS frontline workers

Over the last couple of weeks, sounds of clapping, horns and bells have sounded out across the country as people show their appreciation for the NHS and keyworkers each Thursday at 8pm.

Members of the Gypsy and Irish Traveller community have gone one step further, by donating pizzas for the hardworking frontline staff at Salford Royal Hospital.

A resident of Salford’s Duchy Road Caravan Park, who helped to organise the pizza donation said: “Everyone on the park wanted to show how grateful we are for the hard work the NHS staff are doing to save lives. We thought organising a pizza delivery would be the best way to say thanks.

“All the residents onsite appreciate what they’re doing and so we’re planning on doing this three or four times a month, with 40 pizzas each time. It’s the least we can do.”

Gypsy and Irish Travellers have been living in and visiting Salford for generations, with some families still living in trailers on official traveller sites, like the Duchy Road Caravan Park, managed by housing association Salix Homes. With a limited number of pitches both nationally and locally, most of the community in Salford now live in ‘bricks and mortar’ accommodation.

Warren Carlon, communities service director for Salix Homes said, “The Spirit of Salford is alive and well even in these challenging times and the generosity of the residents of the Duchy Road Caravan Park is just another shining example of this. We took over the management of the site in 2011 and since then we have seen a real integration with the wider community.

“We are all really grateful for the dedication of keyworkers to keep people safe and to keep the country running and it’s good to show it any way we can.”

The Clap for Carers viral campaign was organised by Annemarie Plas, a Dutch woman living in South London, who was inspired by footage shared over social media of people applauding key workers in France and Spain.

By coming together to applaud NHS staff from our doorsteps, balconies and gardens, Clap for Carers has allowed people separated due to coronavirus restrictions to feel connected.

Lots of people have been demonstrating the Spirit of Salford by stepping forwardto help their community during the coronavirus outbreak. If you would like to be a Good Neighbour in Salford go to Salford CVS website to find out more.