On Wednesday, 18th March, a group of our eager learners from Salford Community Upskilling embarked on an inspiring day out to visit Salford Town Hall, affectionately known locally as the Civic. Our destination? The Salford City Council Full Council Meeting, where five of our ESOL learners volunteered to see firsthand exactly how local democracy works in real time.

Taking their seats up in the balcony, our learners watched the full council debate with genuine admiration. For many of them, comparing the transparent, open debate of local UK politics with the political landscapes of their home countries was a profound and eye-opening experience. It was a brilliant opportunity to witness the democratic process in full swing.

One of the highlights of the session was listening to the debate surrounding the proposed ending of the Two-Child Limit in the Salford Council Tax Reduction scheme, which is currently in place. This real-world issue resonated deeply with our group, as it ties directly into our recent classroom topics regarding the ‘cost of living’. Seeing how local policies are debated and understanding the direct implications these decisions have on residents’ daily lives brought their ESOL lessons out into the real world.

As you can see from our photos, the day was made even more memorable by the chance to explore the historic chambers, hold certificates of recognition, and even meet the Ceremonial Mayor of Salford in her traditional civic robes!

The feedback from the group was overwhelmingly positive. They told us how much they loved the experience and expressed a strong desire for more outings just like this one. Community trips do so much more than just improve conversational English; they help our learners truly get to know our city, feel a genuine sense of belonging, and empower them to become active, contributing members of the Salford community.

A special thank you to Salford ESOL for their continued collaboration on this journey.