What a wonderful way to kick off the festive season! On December 13th, the Emmanuel Centre was filled with laughter, creativity, and community spirit as Salford Community Upskilling hosted a special “Christmas Arts & Crafts” event.

In partnership with Salford City Council, Salford CVS, and the Salford Care Partnership, we set out to create an afternoon that was about more than just glue and glitter—it was about taking a moment for ourselves and each other.

Creativity in Motion

As you can see from the photos, our members wasted no time in getting creative! The tables were overflowing with ribbons, recycled book pages, paints, and cardboard. Under the guidance of our wonderful volunteers, participants created stunning decorations. From intricate paper stars made from upcycled books to beautiful hand-tied bows and vibrant paper fans, the level of talent in the room was truly impressive.

Why Wellbeing Matters

The holiday season can be a busy and stressful time for many. That is why the theme of this event—Wellbeing Matters—was so important. Crafting has been proven to lower stress levels, but doing it in a group setting adds a layer of magic.

Looking around the room, we saw neighbors meeting for the first time, friends catching up, and everyone sharing tips and tricks. It was a safe, warm space to disconnect from the hustle of the outside world and reconnect with the community.

A Huge Thank You

We want to send a heartfelt shout-out to the people who made this happen.

• Salford City Council
• Salford CVS
• Salford Care Partnership

Without the support of our funding partners and the dedication of our volunteers who helped set up and teach the crafts, events like this wouldn’t be possible.

And to everyone who came out to participate: thank you for bringing your smiles and your creativity.