|
The station provides a 24-hour , seven days a week service and has done since its launch on 15th March 2008 at Swindon Town Football Club . Now based at the Liden Centre , east Swindon , it continues to be funded by grants , donations , fundraising activities and corporate support as well as , after campaigning , opportunities for a percentage of advertising and programme sponsorship .
Station manager Shirley Ludford said : “ In addition to on-air broadcasts we provide a unique off-air programme of training and volunteering , with many inspiring success stories of individual achievement . SWINDON 105.5 is a totally inclusive and accessible not-for-profit organisation which
|
sees between 100-120 volunteers of all ages and abilities involved at any time . An increasing number of young people with autisim , learning difficulties or anxiety are benefitting from placements . Three students were selective-mutes and are developing confidence through the Station , getting their voices heard . Other young people gain experience to go on to further education and employment .
“ Business and retired people from all industries come in and learn something new . We are open to all and even the new local vicar is now also training so he can reach young people in a more creative way .”
Throughout the years , the Station has gained much respect with visits
|
from Royalty , Ministers , celebrities , Lord Lieutenants , High Sheriffs , MEPs , been featured by various TV companies ; has as its Patrons actress Whoopi Goldberg , Boyzone member Shane Lynch , TV music composer ( including Eastenders ) Simon May and local businessman James Phipps who represents business and community links .
The latest initiative is to develop ambassadors – representatives of business and community who would support and promote the Station ; six key people have signed up at the first meeting and the Station would like to see a dozen ambassadors . If interested call Shirley to find out more .
On the day of writing this , two college
|
teams comprising some ex volunteers were filming short documentaries about the station as part of their course work , which will be shown on the Station ’ s youtube site .
For more info : www . swindon1055 . com
@ Swindon105 _ 5
info @ swindon1055 . com 01793 611555
|
|
A couple of years ago we decided to move across the country to be closer to family . In the process of doing so , changes in the mortgage market forced us to revise our plans and buy a more modest home until our income was more secure .
Downsizing was something we had planned to do when the children left home . But now it gave us options , something we had never anticipated with a young family .
I had really struggled with stress and anxiety in my previous career and the
|
opportunity to make a career change and achieve some degree of work life balance was very appealing . We decided that I would benefit from being a stay at home Dad until I found a suitable role and then we would look again at our circumstances .
I turned my attention to the charity sector and we decided I should volunteer for a year to gain some experience .
I was drawn to the work of Business Against Poverty , a small , local charity helping to change the lives of disadvantaged people and
|
communities around the globe .
Key to the charity ’ s vision are the partnerships it builds with local businesses . Each Business Against Poverty sponsor becomes part of a community of organisations which help to fund a range of projects driving sustainability .
Last year Business Against Poverty completed a five year project to build a micro farm in Romania . I will be visiting later this month to see more of this great work in action .
Our move towards achieving a work life balance was initially the result of circumstance
|
rather than planning . Sacrifices have had to be made but despite these our new life is working for us . We are happy and thankfully my health is improving .
As a family we have learned that we can adapt and that change , even when it surprises you , can be just what is needed .
www . businessagainstpoverty . com www . peopleagainstpoverty . com
|
@ businesspoverty |