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Video: Salford Foundation celebrate with celebs
by Tom Rodgers
Maxine Peake and New Order's Peter Hook joined a host of Salford's young people at their annual celebration dinner at the Lowry Hotel on Friday. It was the fourth yearly event to celebrate the support programmes run by the Salford Foundation, where the achievements of young people like 19-year old Dale Morris were celebrated. A year and a half ago, Dale was studying cookery at a local college but his personal life was on the wrong track, hanging around with what he describes as "the wrong people" and he was on the verge of being sent to prison. After support of just a hundred pounds or so to buy kitchen whites, and support in the form of industry placements, Dale is now well on the way to NVQ Level 2. His interview confirms the confidence that this young man can scarcely believe he has: he promised me than in two years' time he's be showing off his skills on TV's MasterChef! One of Dale's mentors is 19-year old Aaron Kent, originally from London but now living in Salford for the past three years. "Dale's aspirations have shifted a long way from when I first met him a year and a half ago. Through Salford Foundation's support he's now working in the kitchens at the Lowry hotel, and that's something he should be really proud of." Salford Foundation don't just deal with the arts, but successes in music help what the charity does. 18-year old bass-guitarist Matt from Walkden had received instruments through his association with the Foundation and came to the trust through a learning mentor in his supported housing. "I play in two bands but I've never had any instruments of my own before; without the Foundation I'd probably be getting loans and getting into debt." Peter Hook - tuning up on bass for his performance, noted: "Matt's a talented kid, it's a shame my son plays bass in The Light, or Matt would be [playing]!" While there were perfomances of New Order instrumentals from Hooky, along with dance and songs from the stage show Ollie Wiva Twist, business support was really on the agenda for Trust Chairman Nick Abbott. He said: "There are a lot of businesses that work in Salford and contribute to the economy here, but I want them to have the chance to contribute to the community." While the typical grant is "an average of around £300, this is money that these young people simply can't afford to grow themselves and to practise the hobbies and skills they're interested in." "This is life changing money," he added.
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