The first part of 2026 has been a busy and inspiring period for Community Upskilling.

From English language learning and digital support to wellbeing activities, practical assistance and community events, we have continued to create opportunities for people across Salford to learn, connect and grow in confidence.

So far this year, we have delivered:

• 217 activities and support sessions
• 1,112 participant attendances
• More than 854 hours of support, learning and community engagement

Behind every number is a person developing new skills, meeting others, accessing support or taking another step towards greater independence.

Tackling Digital Exclusion

Digital inclusion has been one of our largest areas of work.

We delivered 59 IT and digital support sessions, with 284 participant attendances and more than 434 hours of support.

Activities included using office applications, completing online forms, searching and applying for jobs, writing professional emails and accessing essential services online.

These sessions help community members develop the confidence to use technology safely and independently in their everyday lives.

Developing English Language Skills

We delivered 42 English support sessions, with 332 participant attendances and more than 91 hours of learning.

Sessions covered practical topics including English conversation, transport, vocabulary, formal and informal documents, letter writing and preparation for Life in the UK topics.

Improving English language skills can help people communicate with services, access employment and education, build friendships and feel more confident within their community.

Supporting Health and Wellbeing

We delivered 35 wellbeing sessions, with 245 participant attendances and more than 51 hours of activity.

Our wellbeing programme included walking and talking activities, Tai Chi, creative sessions, board games and opportunities for people to socialise in a welcoming environment.

We also delivered two additional sports and physical activity sessions, with 14 participant attendances.

These activities help reduce isolation, improve wellbeing and create stronger community connections.

Celebrating Our Community

Our celebration activities brought together 150 participant attendances.

These events created opportunities for people from different backgrounds to share their cultures, experiences and stories.

Community celebrations help people feel welcomed, valued and connected to the place they call home.

Providing Practical Support

Alongside our group sessions, we provided one-to-one and practical support for people experiencing challenges.

This included:

• Seven one-to-one support sessions
• Five food collection activities
• Four food distribution sessions
• Four financial and budgeting support activities

This support helps community members access essential services, respond to immediate needs and work towards longer-term solutions.

Supporting Volunteers and Partnerships

Our volunteers are at the heart of our work.

We delivered eight volunteer training and meeting sessions, helping volunteers develop their knowledge, share ideas and prepare for future activities.

We also took part in meetings, conferences and partnership activities to strengthen local services and ensure that community members can access the support they need.

A great deal of work also happens behind the scenes. More than 182 hours were dedicated to administration, planning, funding applications, communication and programme development.

Thank You

We would like to thank everyone who has attended our activities, supported our sessions, volunteered their time or worked in partnership with us.

We are grateful to our directors, volunteers, partners, funders and sponsors for helping us continue this important work.

The need for accessible English classes, digital support, wellbeing activities and practical community assistance remains strong.

We welcome support from sponsors, funders, volunteers and organisations that share our commitment to creating a more inclusive and connected Salford.

Together, we can continue building skills, confidence, independence and belonging within our community.