Little Stars brings Salford families together with support from Salix Homes 

A Salford playgroup that’s been bringing families together through fun and learning has been given a £1,000 boost from Salix Homes. 

Little Stars is the latest recipient of a Salix Homes Springboard Community Fund grant, and the funding boost will be used to support their stay-and-play sessions for families in Salford. 

Little Stars has been running for three years and became a Community Interest Company (CIC) just over a year ago. The volunteer-run group provides fun, free and low-cost activities for children and their families, helping to bring to the local Swinton community together through play, creativity and learning. 

The sessions, which are held at the Salford Family Hub and the Agnes Hopkins Centre during school holidays, give children a chance to learn and play in a safe, and inclusive environment, while their parents and carers get a chance to connect with each other. 

Little Stars’ activities range from messy play and songs and rhymes to Teddy Bears’ Picnics, and even First Aid courses for parents and children. Sessions are free to attend, with some requiring only a small donation or deposit to secure a place. 

Lauren Sutcliffe, Founder of Little Stars, says: “School holidays can be a difficult time for families, especially with the rising cost of living. We want to make sure there’s always somewhere fun, friendly, and affordable for families to go. Thanks to the support from Salix Homes, we can keep offering these sessions and help more families connect, play, and grow together.” 

Over October half-term, Little Stars hosted Halloween-themed activities, including spooky crafts and a family party complete with a bouncy castle, all made possible thanks to the new funding. 

Kay, a parent who regularly attends the sessions, said: “We love our play sessions at Little Stars Swinton. The group provides a friendly, nurturing, and happy environment. There are plenty of activities and learning toys that help children play, explore, and grow as they get older. Toast and drinks are offered during the sessions, and the space is always clean and welcoming. 

“We would honestly be stuck without our sessions – there aren’t many local groups like this where parents and children can meet up, connect, and feel supported. Highly recommended for little ones and their families,” 

Salix Homes’ Director of Communities, Warren Carlon added: “The Springboard Community Fund is our way of providing a boost for organisations and projects that benefit the people of Salford. 

“Projects like Little Stars are vital in supporting the health and wellbeing of young people in our communities, by providing a safe and fun environment for them to play, learn and connect with others, and we hope the Springboard funding will support them in some way to continue making a difference for families in Salford.” 

Follow Little Stars on Facebook to learn more.

For more information and to apply for a Springboard grant, visit our Springboard Community Fund pages.