Social media campaign aims to engage Salford youths

A SOCIAL media campaign is creating a buzz around Salford as young people are targeted with power wash tagging on pavements across the city.

A guerrilla marketing blitz got underway this month to promote Salford Youth Discussion (SYD), an online forum which uses Facebook and Twitter to engage with young people aged 10 to 24 who live in Salford.

Tags urging young people to “Text “Tell syd” to win prizes on 67200 or tweet @SalfordYD” have sprung up on pavements throughout Salford in areas popular with young people – including outside Eccles Youth Centre, Salford City Academy and Bridgewater Youth Centre in Little Hulton.

In total 50 tags have been stencilled in key city locations encouraging young people to join the SYD community during the eight week campaign. The tags have been power washed onto the pavement and will fade over time.

When a text or tweet is sent via a mobile phone the recipient is sent a URL for the SYD Facebook fan page. They are then asked a question and entered into a prize draw. The aim is to build the number of friends on the SYD fan page.

Throughout the campaign prizes are up for grabs. During the first week a £50 Trafford Centre voucher was available and a £25 Trafford Centre voucher each week for the following seven weeks.

The SYD Facebook fan page uses social media to engage with young people in Salford to stimulate debate, share ideas and become a positive arena for new ideas and discussion. It will also allow young people to find out about job opportunities, health and welfare issues and how to get involved in their local community.

SYD is the inspiration of City West Housing Trust’s Youth Empowerment Panel (YEP), a group of 17 young people aged 10 to 24. YEP provides a voice to young people who are connected to the Salford-based housing association.

Leanne Oldham, Community Development Officer for City West, said: “SYD has been developed for young people by young people. Members of YEP wanted to use social media to engage and interact with other young people in Salford.

“Together we want to challenge many of the misconceptions about young people today. Following the riots last summer there is so much negativity out there, we want to shine a positive light on young people in Salford.

“There are so many fantastic activities that young people are involved in. We want other people to hear about the positive things they are doing in their community. The Facebook fan page will also signpost young people to opportunities that are available to them.”

Members of YEP will also be using face paint marketing to spread the word about SYD at various events being held during the Easter Holidays.

Abby Bridgford, 16, who lives in Higher Irlam and is a member of YEP, said: “We’re hoping the tagging and face painting creates a real buzz about SYD. As well as being a fun way to interact with other young people in Salford, it also provides useful information and up-to-date news that is relevant to young people today.

“Getting involved in YEP has given me a huge range of new skills and opportunities. We have been to conferences where we have met some inspiring and amazing people.

“It’s helped my confidence and public speaking skills but overall has helped young people in Salford have a say and help to get rid of the tarnished reputation that has been put on the youth of today.

"I love being in YEP and am still going to be part of it while I go to college. The recognition we have been getting is amazing and I can't wait to see YEP blossom even further in the future.”

Any groups and organisations who are interested in promoting events and opportunities that are targeted at young people can get in touch by emailing involved@citywest.org.uk or follow SYD on Twitter @SalfordYD

By Becki Ord