A campaign has been launched this week to save a much-loved community radio station that has served the city’s airways for 17 years.
The campaign has been setup by the housing association Salix Homes, who aim to keep the community station alive.
Salix Homes recently awarded £1,950 through its community grant programme Springboard, which provides funding to local groups and projects across Salford.
However, despite the support its future still hangs in the balance, as they look for more funding and much needed help.
The community led station already rely on grants, advertising, sponsorship and fundraising in order to keep it alive.
Salford City Radio have recently made the call for financial support, with it providing a sense of purpose and community.
Launched in 2007, the Salford City Radio has been broadcasting from a studio at the rear of Salford Civic Centre in Swinton.
And now 17 years later the station has 65 volunteers, with ages ranging from 21 to 80, acting not only as a loved hobby but acts a life-line for many.
This has been felt by Station Manager Jill Bowyer, who said: “We are more than just a radio station; we are a community.
“We’ve got volunteers from all walks of life, some are disabled, others are battling cancer, some are young people starting out in their careers, and we’re here to offer them a platform to develop their skills and connect with the community.
“Our station is an inclusive space where everyone can contribute and learn, making a real impact in Salford.”
She continued: “Losing this station would mean losing an invaluable resource that brings people together and provides crucial support during challenging times.
“We desperately need the backing of local businesses and organisations in the form of sponsorship or advertising.
“The closure of Salford City Radio would be a tremendous loss for our community, silencing important voices and dismantling a vital support network for so many.”
And this is the same for another volunteer, Steve Pendlebury, 58, as a widower, he began working on the station as an engineer – managing the technical side.
For Steve it has served as life-line through difficult times, as he said: “This station keeps me going, it keeps me alive.”
Suffering from a stroke at the age of 36, Steve was told he would never walk again – however he was able to defy the medics but was left disabled and with limited mobility.
The struggles in his life however, have still allowed Steve to feel “valued” at the station.
He continued: “Being disabled, I have experienced discrimination before, but here I feel valued and accepted.
“Volunteering here allows me to do what I love and be part of a team that appreciates my skills.
“Losing the station would be a real loss for all of us who rely on it.”
And this just shows how important the campaign is to people, with Salix Homes hoping to encourage people, businesses and organisations to get involved.
This was voiced by Sue Sutton, Chief Executive at Salix Homes, who said: “We are proud to support Salford City Radio and call on other organisations to get behind them in their hour of need.”
Salix Homes have their own show with the radio station ‘Let’s Talk Housing’ where the landlord uses the platform to answer questions from customers on air, share important news and information about housing services and provide practical advice and support.
“Its diverse programming reflects the rich tapestry of life in Salford.
“As a platform for local voices, the station plays a crucial role in promoting community engagement and providing essential information to residents.”
An important to the asset that seems to have a major impact on the lives that walk through the door – and if you would like to support Salford City Radio, you can donate via their Just Giving page.
However, if you would like to support the station by sponsorship or advertising you can contact Jill Bowyer here – jill.bowyer@salfordcityradio.org.
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