Congratulations to Ethan, David and Jackie from Emmaus Salford who collected FIVE fantastic awards in total at the end of year celebration for partners of city employability programme, Elevate Salford.
The awards ceremony took place at the Old Town Hall on Corporation Street in Eccles and was attended by Deputy Mayor of Salford City Council Cllr Tracey Kelly and Lead Member for Skills, Work and Business Support, Cllr Teresa Pepper.
Emmaus companion Ethan scooped the Tide Turner Award for excelling on his Building Aspirations Programme, after being nominated by Youth charity RISE UP.
Ethan said: “I’m thankful to RISE UP for helping me and noticing what I’ve been doing. I’ve enjoyed all of the FA coaching course I’ve done since. It helps that Emmaus Salford’s support workers can help me go over parts of this to help my understanding.”
The Tide Turner Award recognises individuals for changing the flow of their own life story against powerful currents. The honour recognises an individual who has demonstrated extraordinary resilience and determination in the face of significant obstacles. The Tide Turner is recognised for actively changing the direction of their own life story, moving forward against powerful currents of adversity, or challenge.
Skills and Employability Support Worker at Emmaus Salford David Mutai said Ethan’s award recognised the progress Ethan is making, his enthusiasm to learn and confidence Ethan has developed over the year.
David said: “I was really moved by Ethan’s award. Learning with people from the community on the Building Aspirations Programme built his confidence, which he showed when he was collecting the award. It’s very impressive.”
More awards
At the ceremony, David collected three awards:
Inclusion Champion – for making sure everyone feels welcome, listened to and able to take part no matter what their needs or backgrounds.
Battery Charger Award – for always energising participants on the Elevate Salford programme and colleagues and motivating people who need it most.
Outstanding Support Award 2025 – a distinction award for providing support that stands out in the Elevate Salford programme over the year.
Asked how he felt, David said: “I was surprised! I wasn’t expecting awards. What touched me was that we received nominations from different organisations. It made me realise, we’re not just making an impact at Emmaus Salford, but across the entire region. These awards have energised me to work harder to support people on behalf of Emmaus Salford and Elevate Salford.
Throughout the year, David has focused on employability, which involves addressing any needs to be ready for work, which can range from better mental health to better financial wellbeing.
David added: “It’s about being ready physically, mentally and financially. When we address all of these, life becomes different and people are ready to work. At Emmaus Salford this is about seeing the full person.”
Our Chief Executive Officer Jackie Smith also received the Out Of The Box Award for coming up with new ideas, , fresh ways of working or practical solutions that have improved the programme.
Emmaus Salford would like to thank Salford City Council and the Albert Gubay Charitable Foundation for funding the Elevate Salford’s partnership with Emmaus Salford, which is organised by Salford CVS.
Thanks in particular to CEO of Salford CVS Alison Page and Programme Manager of Elevate Salford Sandrine Beaunoi who signed the awards on behalf of the VCSE Learning Skills and Work Programme.