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Celebrating the Success of the Creative Digital Recovery Project!

person Published by: Connect Talent Content Team calendar_today Thursday, 24th September 2026 schedule 4 min read
Celebrating the Success of the Creative Digital Recovery Project!
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Focusing on strengths, skills, and contribution rather than labels—bringing 53 unique participants together through a shared journey of creativity, digital upskilling, and wellbeing.

We are incredibly proud to celebrate the success of the Creative Digital Recovery Project, a six-month initiative spearheaded by Connect Talent CIO and made possible by a generous £7,500 grant from the Achieve Asset Fund.

This transformative program provided an inclusive, welcoming space for the Salford community, focusing on strengths, skills, and contribution rather than labels. We successfully engaged 53 unique participants, including members of the wider recovery community, bringing everyone together through a shared journey of creativity, digital upskilling, and wellbeing.

A Holistic Approach to Community Growth

Over the course of 26 weeks and 52 engaging sessions, our program offered a diverse blend of activities designed to connect, activate, and empower our participants:

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Creative Arts & Music

Participants expressed themselves through painting, songwriting, group singing, drumming, and dance, building personal confidence and emotional wellbeing.

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Essential Digital Skills

From basic computer use and Microsoft Office mastery to CV development and responsible AI use, we equipped our community for the modern digital landscape.

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Mindfulness & Wellbeing

We integrated mindfulness, breathing exercises, and reflective group check-ins, creating a supportive, stigma-free environment for personal growth.

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Getting moving and grooving! Our Creative Digital Recovery Project is all about building connection and confidence through the arts. There’s nothing like dancing it out together! #CommunitySupport #Salford #DanceClass #ConnectTalentCIO #RecoveryCommunity #MoveAndGroove

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A Holistic Approach to Community Growth
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Hands-on digital skills sessions: building digital fluency, CV writing, and workplace confidence.

Game Day Challenges & Tech Confidence

Learning doesn't have to be dry! We introduced gamified, hands-on learning tasks that built real tech confidence. Participants worked in teams, solved interactive challenges, and even experienced immersive virtual reality environments. The focus was always on encouragement, with learners supporting one another to master new tools.

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Game Day Challenges & Tech Confidence
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Hands-on learning and collaborative team challenges in a warm, encouraging environment.

The Move & Groove Salford Showcase

The project culminated in July 2026 with the vibrant Move & Groove Salford showcase! The event was a heartfelt celebration of the hard work, resilience, and personal breakthroughs of everyone involved.

Participants performed music, demonstrated their new instrumental skills, and proudly displayed the digital and creative work they produced throughout the program.

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Participant Artwork

A phenomenal exhibition of artwork created during the project. Several pieces were sold, with all proceeds donated directly to charity!

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Debut Book Launch

A proud milestone for participant Sybil Onyemem, who officially launched her debut children's book—developed right here in the program.

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Certificates & Recognition

Official certificate presentations honouring course completion, dedication, and personal breakthroughs.

The Move & Groove Salford Showcase
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The Move & Groove Salford Showcase: Live music, art displays, and community celebration.

Participant Spotlight

Check out this amazing spotlight celebrating our participants' inspiring progress and creative journey:

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Participant Spotlight
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Creative Digital Recovery Project Flyer: 26 weeks and 52 engaging community sessions.

Looking Ahead & Stronger Partnerships

The project not only supported our participants but also strengthened Connect Talent CIO's partnerships across Greater Manchester. We are excited to build on our new relationships with organizations like the Energise Centre and Salford Adventures, extending our local access and outreach for future inclusive programs.

A massive thank you to the Achieve Asset Fund for believing in this vision, to our incredible facilitators, and most importantly, to our 53 inspiring participants. We can't wait to see what you achieve next!

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Whether you are looking to learn new digital skills, volunteer as a community mentor, or partner with us on local recovery and wellbeing projects, we would love to hear from you.

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Together, we make Salford Stronger!

Ready to build your confidence with our free Essential Digital Skills training or looking to get involved as a volunteer? Reach out to Connect Talent CIO online or stop by our community hub at Pendleton Gateway today.

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