Salford celebrates adult learners making a difference across the city

After joining Emmaus Salford, Malcolm returned to education and is studying English and Maths GCSEs with the aim of progressing into counselling. Alongside his studies, he set up ‘Mind and Manes’, a free community barber service offering haircuts and informal peer support, and has secured funding to expand the project.

Khatima has combined learning English through ESOL with raising five children while managing long-term health conditions. A former nurse who ran her own clinic in Afghanistan, she achieved some of the highest assessment scores in her class and hopes to use her learning to rebuild her career and support her family in the UK.

Award collected on Marie's behalf by Jackie Roche

For more than 20 years, Marie has helped Salford residents access learning. Through her work at The Broughton Trust, she has supported thousands of learners, creating a welcoming environment where people feel valued, supported and able to progress at a pace that works for them.

Daniela has balanced volunteering with Groundworks alongside studying for a level 3 qualification in medicine, successfully progressing towards university. Using her own experiences and language skills, she has supported clients with job searches, CVs and confidence-building, making a real difference to those facing barriers.  

Award collected on Stuart's behalf by Paul Jones

Stuart has embraced learning opportunities to build his independence and reconnect with his community. Through adult literacy support and a range of digital inclusion courses, he gained the confidence to use technology in everyday life, develop new friendships and take on volunteering opportunities. His determination to learn and grow has been transformative, making him an inspiring winner. 

Kenzie has used learning as a springboard to transform his life, building skills through courses in cooking, gardening and business studies while overcoming personal challenges and growing in confidence. From arriving as a shy young person, he has become a passionate community volunteer and role model, helping to lead workshops, organise local events and inspire others to get involved.  

Stuart has embraced a wide range of learning opportunities, from creative arts and film-making projects to local heritage, sports and community activities. Through these experiences, he has grown in confidence and become a positive influence on those around him. Having overcome significant personal challenges, Stuart now approaches new opportunities with optimism and resilience, inspiring others through his willingness to share his experiences and embrace new experiences. 

Lauraine has shown exceptional commitment to learning, progressing from entry 3 to achieving a level 2 IT qualification while balancing work in the care sector, raising her young daughter as a single parent and supporting family members overseas. Despite facing barriers including limited access to technology and studying in her second language, she remained dedicated to her studies, growing in confidence whilst creating new opportunities for herself and her family.

Laurence successfully completed the intensive Level 5 Trinity CertTESOL qualification while balancing a new job and family. With no previous ESOL teaching experience, he embraced the challenge of mastering language teaching theory and practice, developing new skills and confidence along the way. His commitment to learning extends beyond his own achievement, with plans to use his qualification to support others through community conversation clubs and learning opportunities.

The learners at Princes Park Garden Centre have embraced a wide range of opportunities, from horticulture and conservation to retail, catering and wellbeing activities. Through supporting local businesses and contributing to the restoration of Chat Moss, they have grown in confidence and pride. Their achievements demonstrate the power of inclusive learning to enrich lives and challenge perceptions of what people with learning disabilities can achieve. 

(Name changed to protect the individual’s privacy) 

What began as a goal to improve his reading has opened up a world of new opportunities for Chris. Through his commitment to learning and the support of a dedicated volunteer mentor, he has grown in confidence and become a valued volunteer at his local community centre, giving his time three days a week. His journey is a powerful reminder that learning can start at any age and that with determination and support, it can transform lives.

Aidi was recognised for his extraordinary determination to rebuild his life after leaving Afghanistan and starting again in a new country. A devoted father and former small business owner, he arrived in Salford unable to speak English and facing significant health challenges, including diabetes and recovery from knee surgery. Refusing to let age, illness or circumstance hold him back, he progressed from pre-entry to entry 2 ESOL in a remarkably short time, never missing a lesson and completing every task with dedication and pride. Alongside his studies, he has passed his driving theory test and continues to embrace every opportunity to build an independent life. Aidi has inspired many others who have had the privilege of learning alongside him.