Salford Lads and Girls Club has been awarded a £5,000 grant from the East Lancashire Masonic Charity (ELMC) to fund the installation of two interactive smart screens in its historic Grade II* listed building. The grant will support the launch of the club’s Digital Futures project, bringing 21st-century technology into one of the UK’s most iconic youth centres.
Each week, the club supports over 250 young people aged 8–19, offering sports, arts, music, life skills, and mental health support. The new technology will help staff and volunteers deliver even more engaging sessions while opening up new pathways into education and digital careers.
The investment will enable the club to expand its digital programmes, including:
- An e-sports club, engaging hard-to-reach young people through gaming and tech-based learning.
- Digital creativity sessions, where young people can edit and showcase their own short films and media projects.
- Youth leadership initiatives, using the screens to plan and visualise projects and peer-led activities.
- Staff and volunteer training, including safeguarding and first aid.
Laura Slingsby from Salford Lads and Girls Club said:
“This grant is transformational for us. It allows us to blend our historic legacy with modern innovation, giving young people the digital skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to thrive. We are incredibly grateful to the East Lancashire Freemasons for their support, which will leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.”
Eric Baker, City West Area Charity Steward, who helped secure the grant, commented:
“We are proud to support Salford Lads and Girls Club with this £5,000 grant. This project brings together heritage and innovation, giving young people access to modern tools in a historic setting. It’s an investment in their future, helping them develop the skills and confidence to succeed in education, careers, and life.”
The Digital Futures @ Salford Lads Club project will be rolled out within 12 weeks of receiving funding. Key milestones include staff induction and training, the installation of the smart screens, and the launch of weekly digital programmes for young people.
This partnership between City West Freemasons and Salford Lads and Girls Club highlights shared values of legacy, youth opportunity, and education — preserving the past while preparing the next generation for the future.
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