Katharine Lukash entertains on the radio

Janine Fearon and Katharine Lukash at LDOK

A woman from Rochdale with learning disabilities has been entertaining the nation on LDOK.net, an inclusive online radio station.

Katharine Lukash from Rochdale suffers from epilepsy and tuberous sclerosis and recently embarked on her first radio show for the online station.

Katharine and six others, who sit on the Service Users Representative Forum (SURF), have been given the opportunity to host the show which has 35,000 people tuning in every month.

The show, called ‘SURFing the Aiwaves’ talks about Katharine’s hobbies and interests, charity work for the Tuberous Sclerosis Society and Epilepsy Society and her new role as Chairwoman of the Rochdale local SURF Group (Service Users Representative Forum).

Katharine said: “It was a really exciting experience and I’m happy I gave it a go. The show gave me a voice to talk about the things important to me – family, my work for the Tuberous Sclerosis Association and the wonderful friends I have made at AFG. I’ve also learnt about what is involved in putting together a radio programme and I can’t wait to have another go.”

Katharine is supported by North West charity Alternative Futures Group (AFG). Every year, AFG enables more than 900 people with learning disabilities and mental health needs to be successfully supported to build a life for themselves.

Janine Fearon, Team Leader at AFG in Rochdale, said: “This is a really successful project for the people we support and gives them the opportunity to showcase some of the fantastic work they do in the community.

“Katharine is one of the volunteers who helps at the AFG community café at Thrum Hall Methodist Church, which has been a big success.
"Projects like these also help to combat and challenge stigma.”

‘SURFing the Airwaves’ is broadcast at 11am on every second Monday of the month.

www.ldok.net