Salford City Radio crowned Springboard Heroes winner

A much-loved community radio station is celebrating 18 years on the airwaves with a vital funding boost, after being named the winner of this year’s Springboard Heroes Awards.

Salford City Radio has been crowned the Springboard Heroes 2025 winner in the annual awards organised by Salix Homes to celebrate community groups and projects that are making a difference across Salford.

After a month-long public vote, with hundreds of votes cast, it was a close contest between the three finalists – Alberts of Salford sporting facility, Red Hot Flames dance and gymnastics squad, and the eventual winner, Salford City Radio.

The radio station, which broadcasts from a studio at Salford Civic Centre in Swinton, wins a £1,000 cash boost, which they’ll be using to help keep its programming on the airwaves. It’s also a double celebration, as the station celebrated its 18^th birthday on 30 September.

Station manager Jill Bowyer said: “Winning the Springboard Heroes Award is an incredible boost for everyone at Salford City Radio. This funding comes at a crucial time and will help us continue broadcasting, supporting our volunteers, and serving the community.

“Celebrating our 18th birthday alongside this win makes it even more special – it’s the best present we could ask for. We’re so grateful to Salix Homes, and to everyone who voted for us – your support means the world and shows just how much our station matters to the people of Salford.”

Salford City Radio is run by a network of volunteers and relies on grants, advertising, sponsorship and fundraising to keep its vital programming alive and accessible to the community. For many of the station’s volunteers, who range in age from 18 to 80, the station is not just a hobby, but a lifeline, providing a platform for diverse voices and giving them a sense of purpose, community and support.

Liam Turner, Chief Executive at Salix Homes, said: “The Springboard Heroes Awards are all about celebrating the incredible local groups and projects that make a real difference across Salford. This year’s finalists each show outstanding commitment to their communities, from promoting health and wellbeing through sport, to giving people a platform to shine.

“Congratulations to our worthy winners, Salford City Radio. We know first-hand the impact the station has – providing purpose, connection, and a sense of community for everyone involved. We hope this extra funding, along with the support of everyone who voted, gives the station a vital boost. Being named Springboard Heroes as they celebrate their 18th birthday makes this win even more special, and we’re very proud to see their commitment to the community recognised in this way.”

Salix Homes is a long-standing supporter of Salford City Radio. We have our own show ‘Let’s Talk Housing’ where we use the platform to answer questions from customers on air, share important news and information about housing services and provide practical advice and support.

We have donated more than £33,000 to dozens of local groups and initiatives across Salford this year as part of our Springboard community grant programme, which provides much-needed cash injections to local projects that boost community spirit, promote health and wellbeing, reduce isolation and improve the environment.

To find out more and apply for a Springboard grant, visit www.salixhomes.co.uk/springboard