Salford Red Devils Foundation (SRDF) has continued to lift spirits in the surrounding Salford community despite the COVID-19 pandemic putting a halt on the majority of the Foundation’s in-person activities.
As the official charity partner of the Club, Salford Red Devils Foundation has been delivering innovative and wide-ranging programmes that enhance the opportunities of all for the past 15 years and will continue to serve the community now, as it has done throughout the whole pandemic.
Although much of the Foundation’s physical activity programmes have unfortunately had to be temporarily postponed, it has continued to engage participants through adapted online activities. Using interactive activities, SRDF has been able to carry on providing services for the community, and schools, through Zoom and Microsoft Teams sessions. Dance, Karate and multi-sport virtual sessions are ongoing and the physical delivery sessions that remain are specifically for vulnerable young people living with Special educational needs and disabilities – in partnership with Foundation 92.
During the pandemic, to remain active, the SRDF team have been volunteering for ‘Spirit of Salford’, ensuring that food and medical supplies are delivered to those who are in need and have offered our minibus for use in moving PPE and supplies around the city. SRDF are also working with Salford Assist and are currently doing deliveries to residents in crisis four times per week.
Salford Assist and VCSE commissioning manager Sandra Derbyshire said: “I was contacted by Neil Blackburn from SRDF a number of months ago as the Foundation were really keen to do something to help Salford residents throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Salford Assist is one of Salford City Council’s Discretionary Schemes, supporting Salford residents in times of hardship, crisis or emergency. Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, many council buildings have been closed and vulnerable Salford residents may have struggled for collection points for shopping vouchers for food and essentials.
“SRDF stepped up to the mark and offered to collect deliveries four days a week and drive around the city delivering awards direct to clients homes.
“SRDF have been absolutely amazing and without their help and support, some of Salford’s most vulnerable residents may have struggled to access the urgent support that they require. Thank you so much all at SRDF for your fantastic support.”
As the pandemic continues, it is having a catastrophic effect upon the most vulnerable in society. SRDF has also linked up with Soup and Smiles and the Myriad Foundation, donating thermal gloves, blankets and hats for the homeless community in Greater Manchester. The whole team volunteered to assist serving food and hot drinks in Piccadilly Gardens before Christmas and this is to be repeated regularly to ensure that the Foundation continues to provide essential services to the community.
Salford Red Devils Foundation director Neil Blackburn added: “We all feel the pain of a new lockdown, but it is so important that we all follow the guidance and come together to fight this virus as one whole community.
“Together, we will get through these tough times and as an organisation we will do all we can to support our community. We are pleased to be able to offer schools and the community free access to online sports sessions as well as continuing to deliver face-to-face activities for the most vulnerable in society.”
At these times of uncertainty, our great community comes together to help each other through the tough times. Being a community club means that Salford Red Devils strive to ensure nobody in the locality is adversely affected by current restrictions.
The Foundation mobile number – 07532042666 – has remained active during all normal office hours as an outlet for any fans or local residents to call and speak to our team if they are feeling isolated, lonely or simply fancy a chat to boost their mental health during lockdown.
For more information and to register your interest in our programmes, or to get involved with sponsorship and fundraising, please contact neil.blackburn@salfordcc.ac.uk.
