“We support people who are struggling to pay their bills” – Winter well-being event hosted in Salford.

A non-profitable social housing organisation hosted a winter well-being event providing residents with advice and resources on local issues.

The event was hosted today (Thursday 28 November) by Onwards at the Naz Community Hall or otherwise known as the Broughton Community Centre.

The community centre provides a safe space for residents of Salford experiencing a range of housing issues with services to help navigate winter challenges.

The event was hosted by Onward, and aimed to build, manage, and maintain specialist homes for people who are unable to access housing on the open market.

The Salford non-profit also worked with partners, voluntary groups and government agencies across the North West.

The centre was open to the public from 11am-2pm, with the Onward’s team serving free hot meals from the community centre kitchen, hot drinks, and mince pies for everyone who attended, particularly those who cannot afford to buy food.

The community hall also a food pantry that is open every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

Following the event Emma Needham, Social Investment Specialist at Onward Homes, said, “Today we have a range of internal providers here to help out our residents.

“We have utilities companies, our money advice team, hoarding team, and various other providers.”

She added, “We have had a lot of residents here today suffering from similar issues, for example if they have got issues surrounding their tenancy, pension credit, or are struggling to pay their bills, even if it is a small neighbourhood issue, we support them.”

Onward homes have been hosting events, such as their big winter wellbeing event, for three years now.

However, Onward’s team visit Naz Community Hall on the first Monday of every month to catch up with as many Salford residents as possible.

Louise Kenyon, Reverend at Church of the Nazarene, runs Broughton Community Centre, and has been working with Onward homes regularly because of the high number of Onward residents in Salford.

Louise said: “We have many events and projects that are hosted here, and the aim is to let people know that we have a community of people here to help.

“We have a craft group, English classes, and activities for neurodiverse children.”

Onward don’t just operate in Salford, as they have brought several housing associations together such as Liverpool Housing Trust and Hyndburn Homes.

They strive to enable people to be in the best possible homes for them, as-well as homes that they love and are proud of.