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Local Community Radio – A lifeline in the fight against Loneliness

Although the lockdown has been a culture shock for all of us, those who must self-isolate and who live alone have been particularly hard hit. Not everyone has access to a computer or the expertise to use one, meaning loneliness, and the pain that comes with it, can easily increase.

A lifeline

In these circumstances local community radio can be a lifeline.  The volunteers of Truro’s Community and Hospital Radio are unable to access their studio at the Royal Cornwall Hospital, but thanks to a Government grant they are still broadcasting live from some home studios.

At the beginning of the lockdown the Station introduced a Community Help Show which is broadcast every weekday morning.  This is a forum for local organisations – charities, community groups and the Council – to inform listeners how to access help which is available.  Through the radio shows, relatives send messages to family members whom they cannot reach, including hospital patients who are denied visitors at present.

CHBN Home studio

Exercise, of the mind and the body

Some of the Station’s volunteers have also had to self-isolate.  They have occupied much of their time preparing and presenting their shows and interacting with listeners.  This has relieved the tedium which was suddenly imposed and for which none of us were prepared.

Exercise is even more important in a lockdown. Last Year CHBN was a partner in ’10Today’ – a project financed by Sport England. Every weekday we broadcast a 10-minute exercise routine designed for listeners over 55. It is hoped that even a little moderate exercise benefits the listener’s physical and mental health.

CHBN Community Radio

And now that conditions are gradually easing, CHBN is also broadcasting information on what is open and what arrangements are in place to visit. Not just helping our listeners through the lockdown but beyond it as well.

The Coronavirus Community Support Fund grant will finance the kit for three other home studios and will also cover CHBN’s operating expenses until the end of the year, and we’re so thankful we can keep supporting our wonderful community and the listeners in it.