Fusion Radio Project comes to Heywood and Castleton

Daniel Meredith on Fusion Radio

Pride Media Association in partnership with BBC Radio Manchester is giving young people in Heywood the opportunity to take control of the airwaves in as part of their Fusion Radio Project.

Over £135,000 of lotteries money has been awarded to develop a youth radio project, which over two years aims to encourage young people from across Heywood and Rochdale to work together and promote a positive image of themselves and the services available to them.

Since March, Fusion Radio has worked with over 100 young people in Middleton between the ages of 13-19 who have gained the practical skills needed to manage their own FM radio station and develop a radio programme which was broadcast live over the summer. The broadcast aired a variety of different music and news programmes and provided a  platform for individuals and groups across Rochdale to display their talent. Heywood’s HMD Crew raised their profile by hosting two shows across the week and promoting their own tracks.

Fusion Radio are now heading over to Heywood and Castleton in partnership with the Heywood Youth Service where they are hoping to encourage even more young people to master skills in Radio Broadcasting.

A brand new radio school will be launched today (Wednesday 9 January) between 6-8pm at the Matthew Moss Youth Centre, which will offer young people in Heywood and Castleton to work towards a live radio broadcast. Working with professional equipment the participants can experience all aspects of the radio industry from presenting and performing to editing and producing.

Jonathan Burns, Managing Director of Fusion Radio said: "this is a unique opportunity for young people to gain skills, accreditations and life skills in a creative environment. The project aims to empower young people to take control and get their voice and talent heard within their local community".

The project offers training opportunities with many of the courses and workshops offered being accredited to nationally recognised levels which will help young people progress into further training and even employment.

Daniel Meredith, age 15 of Whitehouse Close, Hopwood, Fusion Radio Participant, said: "I took part in Fusion Radio’s Middleton broadcast. It was great to be able to host my own show and use all of the equipment with confidence. I can’t wait for the project to come to Heywood".

Fusion Radio is planning its second broadcast to take place in February (exact dates yet to be confirmed) at the Matthew Moss Youth Centre, with the young people from Heywood and Castleton taking control of the airwaves and deciding on the type of music, news, and interviews that their station will air.

The broadcast will be a great platform for young people to explore the issues which are important to them as well developing and showcasing the creativity and talents of local bands and MC’s.

Workshops are to run every Wednesday from 9 January between 6-8pm at Matthew Moss Youth Centre. For young people who have left school there are also opportunities to become involved in the project during the daytime.

Pride Media Association is also offering the chance for local secondary schools across the Rochdale Borough to become involved in the Fusion Radio project. Accredited learning packages are being delivered to school groups.

As part of a pilot scheme called the Activity Agreement, Rochdale Connexions are providing an opportunity for young people aged 16 and 17 who have been out of employment, education or training for 20 weeks to take part in the Fusion Radio project and be rewarded with weekly payments of up to £50 for themselves and their family.

If you would like to find out more about how you or your school could take part, contact Pride Media Association:

Email: info@fusionradio.org.uk

Text: 07946 725342

Tel: 0161 643 6266