The charity’s current objects date back to 1903 and are worded to reflect the culture and society of over a century ago. Therefore, they need to be updated, which requires the consent of the Charity Commission.

Proposed New Charitable Objects:

1. To advance in life and relieve the needs of young people through the provision of support and activities which develop their skills, capacities and capabilities to enable them to realise their full potential and participate in society as mature and responsible individuals.
2. To promote the provision of facilities for recreation or other leisure time occupation of individuals who have need of such facilities by reason of their youth, age, infirmity or disablement, financial hardship or social and economic circumstances or for the public at large in the interests of social welfare and with the object of improving conditions of life.
3. For the benefit of the public, to preserve, repair and maintain Salford Lads and Girls Club as a building of historical importance and architectural value, and to educate the public about the history and heritage of the club by establishing and maintaining a museum on the site.

The first reflects the original purpose for which the charity was established in 1903 – to be a youth club – but worded in a way that aligns with modern standards. You can compare this with the original, more archaic wording below.

The second recognises the Club’s evolving role in supporting the wider community, including local community and voluntary groups. This proposed object mirrors how charitable objects are typically written for community centres.

The third is new. It reflects the significance of the charity’s heritage, architecture, and cultural history, including its role in Salford’s music scene and its global popularity as a heritage site. The building now attracts thousands of visitors each year who come to see the club’s archives and memorabilia.

The Trustees want to ensure that the charity’s purposes embrace and protect this important heritage, safeguarding the building as both a youth club and a heritage site. They are confident that the proposed new charitable objects will not interfere with youth provision or services delivered to young people in Salford.

Have Your Say:
Before the Trustees can make this change, they are inviting feedback from anyone with an interest in the Club. If you have any comments on the proposed new objects, please email:
laura.slingsby@salfordladsclub.org.uk By Friday, May 16th, letting us know who you are and your connection to the Club.

Original 1903 Objects of the Charity

The object of the institution shall be to promote the welfare of poor and working boys, [girls]* and young men, especially between the ages of 13–18 years, in the following ways:

• a) Recreation and gymnastic exercises, athletic games, and physical culture in every form.
• b) Reading rooms with books, journals, newspapers, and quiet games.
• c) Practical instruction in suitable handicrafts.
• d) Instruction in reading, writing, arithmetic, shorthand, bookkeeping, and other education.
• e) Music instruction – instrumental and vocal.
• f) Moral and religious instruction of a Christian character (with Trustee consent).
• g) Concerts, entertainment, and lectures.
• h) A Savings Bank for Club users.
• i) Any other actions conducive to these objectives.

*Girls were added to the objects in August 1998