Cast your vote for our Springboard heroes now

The finalists for the first ever Springboard Heroes Awards have been announced.

For the past year, Salix Homes has been awarding grants to groups and projects across Salford that are making a difference in communities.

We havedonated more than £50,000 to dozens of local groups and initiatives across Salford as part of ourSpringboard community grant programme.

From gardening groups and computer clubs, to food banks and dance troupes; Springboard has provided much-needed cash injections to local projects that boost community spirit, promote health and wellbeing, reduce isolation and improve the environment.

Now, Salix Homes has picked four fantastic projects from across is neighbourhoods as the Springboard Heroes finalists.

It’s now over to you, the public, to vote for yourfavourite and the winning project will receive a £1,000 cash boost.

The finalists for the inaugural Springboard Heroes are:

• Lower Kersal Young People and Community Group – a charity which has transformed the lives of hundreds of people by providing support, activities and opportunities.
• Lucie’s Pantry – a social supermarket in Pendleton run by homeless charity Emmaus Salford to provide a sustainable food source to people in poverty.
• Excelcia Morris Dancing Troupe – A newly formed dance group in Weaste helping to keep a traditional English dancing tradition alive and keeping children off the streets.
• St James’ Lunch Club and Food Pantry – providing a free hot meal and companionship to anyone who needs it, as well as a sustainable food source for people on low incomes.

Sue Sutton, executive director of operations at Salix Homes, said: “We’re incredibly proud of our Springboard grant programme, which has provided a lifeline for dozens of fantastic groups and projects, which are really making a difference in our communities.

“The Springboard Heroes is our way of honouring some of the fantastic work that ordinary people in Salford are doing day in, day out; and it’s projects like these that make our communities so special.

“We’ve had a tough job to pick just four finalists from all the projects we’ve supported over the year, as they’re all heroes in our eyes.

“We’d now urge you to cast your vote for your favourite and help them win the £1,000 prize, which we hope will enable them to continue the wonderful work they do.”

Voting is now open and closes on Friday, July 27. Watch a video of each of the finalists and cast your vote now.

The winner will be announced during Love Your Neighbourhood Week, which takes place from 6 – 10 August.