The Ageing Well in Salford: Living Well and Building Belonging conference took place on Wednesday 1st October 2025 at Elm Bank Conference Centre. Hosted by Age Friendly Salford and Salford City Council Public Health team, the event brought together over a 100 older residents, community organisations and stakeholders to explore how to build safer, more inclusive communities that value lived experience and improve access to information.
The day began with a welcome from Zoe Hammett, Public Health Strategy Manager at Salford City Council, followed by opening remarks from Councillor John Merry CBE, Deputy Mayor of Salford and Lead Member for Adult Social Care and Health whose ongoing support for age-friendly initiatives in Salford was warmly acknowledged. Zoe presented data on Salford’s ageing population, setting the context for the day’s discussions. Paul McGarry, Head of the Greater Manchester Ageing Hub, was unable to attend due to illness, and his keynote address was replaced with a presentation on the Ageing in Place Pathfinder in Pendleton & Charlestown by Antonia Dunn, Age Friendly Salford programme manager.
The AIPP presentation showcased a four-year partnership focused on creating supportive neighbourhoods for ageing well. It highlighted resident-led co-production, creative and intergenerational projects, and safety and accessibility initiatives such as “Cuppa with a Copper” and walking audits. The project engaged over 300 older residents and led to improved wellbeing, reduced isolation and stronger community ties.
A highlight of the morning was the screening of Building Belonging, a short film co-produced with older residents. The film featured personal stories of connection, resilience and community, illustrating the importance of inclusive spaces and relationships in later life.
The co-production spotlight presentation, delivered by Antonia, Zoe and Salford resident Geoff Williamson, showcased how older people are shaping Salford’s future, not just as participants, but as leaders and co-creators. The presentation highlighted older residents’ contributions to Walking & Wheeling Audits, health research literacy and Salford’s Housing Strategy. Geoff shared his experience as an Age Friendly Assessor and reflected on the impact of projects like the Intergenerational Photography Project. Geoff’s insight and openness were deeply appreciated by attendees and helped ground the session in lived experience. We extend our sincere thanks to Geoff for his valuable contribution.
Before lunch, May Moonan, Director of Healthcare Public Health at Salford City Council, gave a short presentation on the newly launched Beat the Streets initiative in Salford. She encouraged attendees to take part in the programme, which aims to promote physical activity and community engagement through a fun, interactive walking challenge.
A delicious hot lunch was enjoyed by all, providing a relaxed opportunity for networking and informal conversation.
After lunch, the short film Age Friendly Salford served as a thoughtful and engaging introduction to the afternoon workshops. The film reminded us of Salford’s four core visions:
1.Older people are able to feel safe and travel to places which help keep them healthy and engaged.
2.Older people are able to find information and services to keep them healthy and engaged in activities.
3.Older people feel respected and included in neighbourhood activities to keep them healthy and engaged.
4.Older people are able to find opportunities for paid and unpaid work, as well as ensure their voice is heard to keep them healthy and engaged.
The film also highlighted the importance of neighbourhoods, listening to older residents, working together and creating inclusive communities. These film provided a meaningful foundation for the four afternoon workshops, Safer Together, Valuing Experience, Information That Empowers, and Inclusive Communities which explored practical ways to improve safety, inclusion, communication and participation. Stakeholders were encouraged to pledge actions that amplify older voices and foster meaningful connections.
The event concluded with feedback from the workshops and reflections from Zoe. Sincere thanks were extended to Councillor Merry, the Age Friendly Salford staff team, members of the Public Health team who had facilitated the afternoon workshops and to all the older residents and stakeholder representatives who contributed their time, insights and energy to the day.
See the Film
