Today is World Environment Day, a global moment to celebrate local action. To mark the occasion, we are we are celebrating a vital organization based right here in our building Inspiring Communities Together (ICT).
First established as a small group of passionate residents back in 2011, ICT has spent over a decade working as an invaluable community anchor across Salford. Today, operating from Salford Innovation Forum with foundational support from Salford City Council, they work tirelessly on the ground to build community cohesion, boost local confidence, and champion the environment.
We sat down with their Neighbourhood and Housing Development Workers David Thomas and Rosie Leonard to learn how they are changing our local landscapes—and how you can get involved right here in the building.
From 10 Bags a Week to 1: Local Pride with Inspiring Communities Together
When you think of environmental work, you might think of grand global initiatives. However, for ICT, the magic happens right on our doorsteps in spaces like Chimney Pot Park
Two years ago, team members and volunteers collected a staggering 10 bin bags of litter every single week at Chimney Pot Park. Today, that number has plummeted to just 1 or 2 bags.
“This is down to volunteers taking ownership of the area and creating a sense of pride in where they live,” says ICT’s Development Workers. “Getting out and about is great for a person’s confidence. Therefore, many of our Green Champions have grown in confidence and gone further in the community.”
Bringing the Generations Together
ICT’s green initiatives do not just clean up spaces. Instead, these projects actively connect the people who live in them. Furthermore, by working across every layer of the community, they bridge gaps between generations:
- Youth Engagement: They partner with local high schools. Consequently, children understand their environmental impact through hands-on community litter picks.
- The Green and Grow Garden: Volunteers recently celebrated their biggest success by revitalizing this incredible intergenerational garden. As a result, it is now a flourishing allotment that actively supports multiple local projects. This beautiful space brings together local high schoolers, older community members, and mother-and-baby groups side-by-side.
Harvesting Connection
When we asked about their favourite recent moment, the team instantly pointed to their garden. Looking ahead to the rest of the year, they are incredibly excited to see the literal fruits of their labour. Specifically, they cannot wait to witness the upcoming vegetable harvests.
The 15-Minute Well-Being Boost
The link between a healthy environment and mental health is undeniable. For instance, ICT builds their programmes around the simple truth that spending time outdoors has a wealth of physical and mental benefits.
In addition, spending just 15 minutes outside can do wonders for your well-being. Getting out into the community is brilliant because you make new connections and friends. Meanwhile, you can also learn something new along the way.
Become a Salford Green Champion with Inspiring Communities Together
If you want to celebrate World Environment Day by making a real difference, ICT is actively recruiting Green Champion Researchers for an exciting new project launching later this year.
Specifically, they are looking for volunteers to help research and track four critical local environmental areas:
- Green spaces
- Air quality
- Litter hot spots
- Areas of flood risk
Accessible Ways to Connect
To make participation as easy as possible, ICT are ensuring these projects are highly accessible for everyone. For instance, the team will be hosting rolling monthly drop-in sessions right here at SIF. Get in touch with team for more information on these drop in sessions. office@inspiringcommunitiestogether.co.uk
Show Your Support Today!
The absolute easiest way to support our neighbors this week is simple. First, give them a follow on social media. Next, see what they are up to, and finally, find a project that suits your vibe.
Instagram: @ictsalford
Facebook: Inspiring Communities Together | Salford
Sarah Taylor
Customer Experience Assistant
