SHEFFIELD STUDENTS BROADCAST LOUD AND CLEAR!

The 'Communities Live' team go live on air
as part of their media training.

Students in Sheffield are presenting their own radio programme live on air thanks to LSC funding to support a media training programme.

'Communities Live' - a daily radio show from 12-1pm on Sheffield Live! 92.3FM - is Sheffield's first ever full time community radio station. The show provides an update of everything from community news updates to sports results and interviews.

'Loud and Clear' is a media training programme accredited by the National Open College Network (NOCN) which gives its students the opportunity to take part in hands-on training in community radio production and leadership skills. The course is supported by the LSC's Academy for Community Leadership fund (AfCL).

AfCL student, Jenny Davis, perfecting her
presenting skills live on air.

The 'Loud and Clear' programme is run by CM Solutions and The Drum Community Media Centre. Nicky Edmonds of CM Solutions said: "The training gives people a chance to present their own stories and to build a sense of pride and confidence in their communities. It also improves communication between local people and the agencies supporting that community."

Ben Wood, co-ordinator of the programme added: "All the students have taken to the course really quickly. I am very proud. We now plan to build on the students' skill levels so eventually they may be able to run the programme on their own."

Graham Marshall, who is visually impaired, is currently taking part in the programme. He commented: "A disability knocks your confidence, especially a communication disability like I have. This has been a massive confidence boost for me. It really has improved my self confidence."

AfCL student, Laurence McKenna, putting his
show production skills into practice.

The LSC's AfCL fund supports a number of community organisations throughout South Yorkshire with a range of free training courses and events.

Matt Livingstone, project manager at AfCL comments: "The Academy for Community leadership is always looking for innovative and exciting training programmes to help support local communities. This media project is a good example. We also have courses centred on circus skills, green issues, local political action and voluntary work. We are grateful to the LSC for providing us with the funding to make it all possible."

The complete range of free courses can be viewed at www.afcl.ac.uk or a course booklet can be ordered from the Academy on 01226 776 031.