Swinton’s Salvation Army introduces new ‘Warm Welcome space’ sessions to help Salford community

Swinton’s Salvation Army has introduced new ‘Warm Welcome space’ sessions in response to the current cost of living crisis. 

Swinton’s Salvation Army want to use these new sessions as a way of building a ‘trusting relationship’ with the Salford community.

The church also aims to try and ‘offset’ the troubles of financial situations by offering help with budgeting and help with applications for extra allowances that people may be entitled to. The sessions also offer free internet and a choice of tea or coffee.

Michael West, minister of faith at Swinton’s Salvation Army, said: “It’s a place where people can feel that they don’t have to share their issue, they’re just welcome into this space.”

The sessions come after growing concerns over how the Salford community are financially coping with the current cost of living crisis.

The cost of living crisis has forced members of the community to heavily compensate over the demanding prices.

Mr. West said: “People can’t afford to put heating on, people can’t afford to put a TV on, and these are very common things that people should be able to do.

“I think there’s a massive issue with companies making profit over people’s general need for what we call a basic supply of electric, of utilities, of gas or an environment where they feel warm.

“I’m all for profit but when you hear how much profit’s being made there seems to be a deficit between those people struggling to make ends meet and those that are making a lot of money off people.”

Many Salford food banks and Salford-based charities have seen an increase in people in need of financial support.

Salford Loaves and Fishes are dealing with an increase in pressure from the Salford community to provide help for those struggling to make ends meet.

Ms. Smith, Chief Executive Officer at Salford Loaves and Fishes said: “The problem is with the current cost of living crisis it’s coming at people from all angles, with the rising food, fuel, gas and electrics, rent you name it. There’s no sort of area that they’re not being affected in.

“I think we at the moment have at least 120 people a day coming into our centre for support.”

The sessions are part of a national project and are running every Thursday 10:00-15:00.