Salix Homes backs campaign for an ‘age-friendly’ Salford

Salix Homes is backing a campaign to make the region more age-friendly and is calling upon Salford businesses to get on board.

We are supporting the Take a Seat Campaign, which calls upon businesses and organisations in Greater Manchester to make seats, toilets and a drink of water freely available for older, disabled or vulnerable people.

Salix Homes’ Neighbourhood Teams have been out and about in the city encouraging local shops, cafes, community centres, businesses and organisations in Salford to sign up to the scheme.

Mick Walsh, neighbourhood manager at Salix Homes, said: “Take A Seat is a fantastic campaign which Salix Homes is very proud to support, and we hope it’ll help make Salford a much more accessible, inclusive and age-friendly city for everyone.

“Sadly many older or vulnerable people are afraid to leave the house in case they get caught short or need to have a sit down. We want to break down these barriers and let people know that, wherever they are in Salford, there will always be a safe, warm and comfortable place they can go to take a seat and have a rest.

“We hope as many Salford businesses as possible sign up to the campaign and make a seat available for those who need it without them feeling obligated to buy anything.”

Salix Homes has already introduced the scheme at its offices in Weaste and can also provide chairs to any businesses that want to get involved, but don’t have the facilities.

The campaign was inspired by a similar project in New York, and was first introduced by Southway Housing in South Manchester last year, when it was welcomed by Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham.

Speaking at the launch, Mr Burnham said: “This scheme has the potential to make a huge difference to people’s lives; more people will feel able to leave their homes, socialise and interact with others, and lead a much better quality of life.

“I’m determined for Greater Manchester to become the first age-friendly city region in the UK, and simple schemes like this are just the start.”

Businesses and organisations who take part are asked to display the Take a Seat sticker in their window and will also be provided with a checklist of ways to make their premises more age and dementia-friendly.

To sign up for the scheme in Salford, contact Salix Homes on 0800 218 2000 or email enquiries@salixhomes.org