Salford LIDS

History of LIDS

Salford LIDS started in 1999.

It began as a group of people interested in bringing a LETS scheme to Salford. (LETS stands for 'Local Exchange Trading System', which started in Canada in the 1980s.) Manchester had a LETS scheme starting in 1992, and Salford residents decided that their city should have the same. Unfortunately the plan foundered, but the members went on to launch the 'LETS Information Distribution Service', or LIDS.

When LIDS was re-launched in 2004, the members decided to try a new acronym. It's now 'Local Initiatives, Diverse Skills', and reflects our commitment to work locally and make the most of what people have to offer.

LIDS has several active members and calls on other professionals as and when they are needed.

Spokesperson Mike Scantlebury says: "LIDS is right on your doorstep, here in Salford. We can be your first port of call for help and advice."

LIDS Mission Statement

Salford LIDS exists 'to develop skills, provide support, and work alongside the people of Salford to empower the community and raise standards in the long-term, for the target of sustainable regeneration of the city'.

People in LIDS, past and present.

Here are the people who helped set up the organisation, work for it and run it now.

Christian has always liked to work behind the scenes, usually at the mixing desk. He also has many years experience making his own films, several of which have been broadcast on BBC2. He enjoys radio and is happy to contribute to a regular show for Salford City Radio.

However, this year, he has stepped out of the shadows and decided to take a more prominent role. He is the current Chair of LIDS.

Mike helped get LIDS started in 1999, when he worked for Salford Urban Mission. Mike went on to take up jobs with a succession of community development organisations in Salford, but is now freelance, which enables him to devote more time to LIDS.
He also works hard at fund-raising, for a number of different community groups.

Elaine became involved with LIDS when she was part of the Radio Regen broadcast from Salford Lads Club in 2003. She continued her interest in radio and is now happy to be part of the team that produce the 'Health, Heritage and Happenings Hour' on Salford City Radio every Wednesday, 1-2pm.

Tune in on 94.4 fm or log on live at www.salfordcityradio.org

Brophy has worked all round the world, but still finds time to help out LIDS in Salford. Having scored successes on the music front, he has now come up with an entire training course for the music business, which he hopes to launch this year. More info on his own websites, Music Industry Learning and Infec'tive Media.

Jane has been a member for many years, often in a supportive role. However, since November 2006 Jane has been involved in fund-raising and maintenance and has helped LIDS move in the direction of podcasting and health.

Jim has been working for many years in the computer field, but became interested in community enterprise in the 1990s. He was around, and able to devote some of his distinctive insight into helping to get Salford LETS off the ground, then went on to creat LIDS, as a more sophisticated approach to the problems of social deprivation and the lack of an entreprenuerial spirit in the area.

He is also an active member of Toastmasters, which enables people to learn the arts of public speaking and expressing yourself in front of an audience.