Salford Lads’ & Girls’ Club, the registered charity and community youth group, has today launched a new fundraising short film, that amplifies its rich musical heritage, in continued efforts to hit a £250k target. Funds raised will allow the iconic club to keep its doors open and continue to service the local community.

The short film, which will be airing on ITV tonight during the Coronation Street ad break (18.11.24), lends its title from The Smiths lyrics – ‘There is a light that never goes out’ and amplifies both young and old voices who have benefitted from the services that the youth club provides to those in the area.

Dennis Lewtas who is the longest serving member of the club, having joined when he was just 13 years old, is about to celebrate his 73rd birthday this month, and to this day is still a proud volunteer, giving back to the next generation of club members. He said;

“We’re the biggest youth provider in the City, since 1903 we’ve had over 22,500 members pass through our doors, and we hope we can say we’ve been a factor in making those kids feel valued and keeping them out of trouble.

“We try and teach the kids values, principles and how to build friendships, all of which we hope they carry with them throughout adulthood. But it’s not just about the kids in someways, but about the volunteers, it gives them a sense of belonging.

“It would be a shame for the lights to go out, not only for the kids of Salford but for the people of Salford because it’s an institution. If you turn the lights out where do the kids go, they come here and have a sense of purpose.”

Blaine Haney, who has grown up as a member and is now himself a youth worker at the club credits the club for keeping him, and other kids in the community safe. He said;

“The club plays a massive role in the community, we keep kids off the street and keep them safe and out of trouble by providing this safe space for them. I used to come here when I was a kid, and I know if I didn’t come to the club, I may well have gotten myself into trouble. The club has massively changed my life.

“This club kept me safe and it’s protected my mental health. It’s a happy space and it’s always been a family environment for its members and the volunteers. We just want to raise as much money as possible so we’re not ever in this position again and we can keep the facilities and services we offer available for those in the community who need them.”

In a heartfelt gesture of solidarity, Manchester Arndale will switch off its external Christmas tree and surrounding festive lights this evening (18.11.24), standing alongside Salford Lads’ & Girls’ Club in their urgent bid to secure essential funds. By dimming the festive lights, the Arndale aims to make sure people are aware of the lights going out at the club and hope to inspire the community to help keep donating and keep the lights on and doors open.

David Allinson, Centre Director at Manchester Arndale, said: “We are extremely proud to get behind such an iconic local institution. Salford Lads’ & Girls’ Club is intrinsically linked to Greater Manchester’s rich heritage and culture. Our festive lights are a key attraction in the city centre, but we are dimming the lights in the hope it will give this campaign a final push and help keep such an important service available to young people in our local community.”

To further amplify the cause, and in celebration of 2024 marking 121 years of Salford Lads & Girls Club, from today there are more than 140 billboards across Greater Manchester and Salford featuring calls to action to ‘not let the lights go out’ on the club, with QR codes that allow for easy donations for those willing to pledge their support.

The short film and associated OOH advertising has been spearheaded by dentsu’s team in Manchester. dentsu’s network of agencies Carat, dentsu Creative, dentsu and The Gate Films have all united to quickly join the cause to save the club.

Julie Chadwick Joint Managing Director of Dentsu Creative UK said:

“I am immensely proud of the collective effort from everyone at dentsu in supporting the Salford Lads and Girls Club. This club represents more than a physical space; it’s a vital institution that has supported and empowered young people for over a century, fostering community and creativity in ways that resonate deeply with our values. Seeing our teams from Carat, Dentsu Creative, dentsu, The Gate Films unite behind the ‘Lost Lyrics’ campaign has been inspiring. It exemplifies the power of collaboration and shared purpose, showcasing the very best of our organisation. Together, we’re ensuring that Salford Lads and Girls Club remains a place of inspiration, safety, and opportunity for generations to come.”

The 140+ billboards have been donated by the outdoor advertising providers Clear Channel, JCDecaux and Ocean Outdoor, whilst Spotify and Blis have both donated digital space. ITV also donated the peak time TV ad space free of charge to help reach as many eyes as possible.
Currently the club’s Go Fund Me page, which launched on 13 October 2024, has so far generated over 1,200 donations from supporters, totalling £227,882, which is 91% of the overall target.

In addition to donations from individuals there have been a number of significant donations from Salford Council, local business owners, local football supporters and local musicians in the form of Morrissey and The Courteeners.

Fundraising efforts are set to continue throughout the month of November, with the following events on the club’s roster:

Manchester Music Exhibition hosted by Kyle Dale of Bittersweet Home on the weekend of the 23 & 24 November from 12pm – 5pm
The exhibition also features an interview with the original Oasis drummer Tony McCarroll hosted by music writer and author John Robb on Sunday 24 November at 6pm. Tickets can be purchased here
Brudenell Record Fair will be hosted at the club on the 23 November, 10am-4pm

Each of these events will see all proceeds being donated to the club. The deadline for the fundraising efforts to save Salford Lads & Girls Club from closure is the end of November 2024. Any money raised above and beyond the £250k target will go into the club’s Legacy Fund which aims to ensure the club remains open indefinitely to be there to support the youth community in Salford and Manchester for years to come.

For those wanting to help keep the lights on at Salford Lads’ & Girls’ Club, donations can be made on the club’s official Go Fund Me page.