A volunteer-run community radio station in Leicestershire has received a grant of £10,000 from the Severn Trent Community Fund to boost its outreach activities. 

The Sunflower Community Radio Association runs Cross Counties Radio, which broadcasts 24 hours a day across Leicestershire from its studios in Lutterworth. The association will be using the funding to acquire two vans that it will use to broadcast direct from communities across the region and encourage people to have a go at various broadcast and radio roles, helping them to develop new skills.

One vehicle will be converted into a professionally fitted mobile broadcast studio, while the other will act as a training centre and green room. The vehicles, which will be fully accessible, will be branded and configured to fit together back-to-back to form a single outside broadcast unit. 

The organisation promotes local news and information from a positive angle, encouraging participants to focus on the good things in life and creating mindfulness which helps with a variety of mental health issues and self-confidence. 

Sharon Harris-Boulter, Operations Director of Cross Counties Radio, said: “Many people in the community since Covid have suffered from confidence issues, loneliness, depression and social isolation and being mobile we can travel to outreach locations, and meet with able and disabled people to offer training opportunity taster sessions.

“We have already been approached by a range of groups for further engagement, including Lutterworth Scouts, Good Hope Church, Rotary Club of Rugby and Age Concern - Lutterworth & District so there is definitely demand for the communication and positivity skills that we teach.”

Sue Heyes, Community Fund Officer at Severn Trent, said: “The positive and inclusive approach which is at the heart of Cross Counties Radio really stood out to us. The scope of their engagement across the region and that they broadcast 24/7 on an entirely voluntary basis is admirable. 

“We are always keen to hear from groups or organisations that are seeking funding for projects that can make a real, tangible difference to their communities and we recommend that they get in touch to see if they can benefit from a share of the Community Fund.”

For more information on the Severn Trent Community Fund and to find out how to make an application visit: www.stwater.co.uk and search for Severn Trent Community Fund.