Salford mum helps local children to safely celebrate Halloween

With trick or treating banned due to COVID-19 restrictions, there was still a way to safely celebrate Halloween in Salford last weekend.

Keri Muldoon, a mum of two from Broughton, worked with the organisers of Facebook page Salford Rocks to set up a treasure hunt for children to take part in over half-term and Halloween weekend.

To help make her great idea a reality, Keri applied for funding from Salix Homes’ Springboard community fund. The money was used to create 50 activity packs that included rocks, paints, brushes, sponges and varnish, so that local children could make Halloween themed rocks and place them around Salford parks for others to find.

Keri, a community campaigner and Salix Homes Customer Committee member said: “Kids couldn’t go trick or treating so I was thinking what they could do for Halloween instead. We had to try and make the most of it.

“We were blown away by how many joined in. In the end we think there was almost 700 rocks that were painted. That’s a lot of happy faces”

Across the country, people have been getting creative and decorating rocks for others in their community to find. Once the rocks have been found, they’re then shared on social media. The online trend started in the United States and has gained momentum during the lockdown, especially as parents look for creative and low-cost ways to enjoy their local parks with their children.

Keri added: “It’s just about trying to pick people’s feelings up and give them something to do; something to look forward to. It’s hard to get that pick up at the moment, but when people find these rocks it makes them smile. I just want to spread that bit of happiness. If kids are happy, it shows in the adults.”

The Salix Homes Springboard fund offers cash injections to local groups and community initiatives. These projects improve our neighbourhoods.

Ben Cruickshanks, neighbourhood manager said: “We’re glad to have been able to support Halloween Rocks. It gave local children an opportunity to enjoy the Halloween weekend in a covid-secure way.

“The Springboard fund is designed to help strengthen the sense of community in Salford, which this fun activity certainly did.”

“Anyone can apply for a Springboard fund. They don’t even have to be a Salix Homes tenant, just as long as their project will benefit the people of Salford.”