AUTISM RADIO STATION PREPARES FOR LAUNCH

By Natalie Bowen, Community Newswire
VOLUNTEER Radio Staffordshire 11 Aug 2010 - 16:34

Staffordshire is set to become home to the UK's first radio station run by people with autism.

Autism Radio UK will launch in early September after its founder Kevin Healey received an £8,000 grant from the Staffordshire Cares: Community Wellbeing Fund and £5,000 from the national Access to Volunteering fund.

The online station, run by Staffordshire Adult Autistic Society (SAAS), will broadcast 200 shows during the next year, presented by six DJs with autism and Asperger's syndrome.

Mr Healey, chair of SAAS, said: "This project is really going to benefit hundreds of people with autism who feel isolated in Staffordshire.

"People will be able to tune in globally, so it will help break down barriers and improve communication skills, confidence, self esteem, training, learning, new volunteer opportunities and much more.

"They will be gaining new skills in radio and the media, which will hopefully lead into employment."

Broadcasts are planned to include live music, phone-ins and interviews with parents, carers and professionals about important topics for people with autism in the community.

Support for the station has already built up through social networking websites Facebook and Twitter, with many people offering themselves for interview when the station goes live on www.autismradiouk.co.uk

Shelley Davis, from the Staffordshire Cares: Community Wellbeing Fund, said: "The grant will be used to develop an online radio station and give the volunteers new skills to support the online radio broadcasts.

"It will also help volunteers develop their social skills and networks in the community."

SAAS provides information and support to people with autism in Staffordshire. For more details go to www.saas.uk.com

Sue Holden
Independent Living Advisor
Learning Disabilities Team
Social Care & Health
1st Floor, Lombard Court
Lombard Street
Lichfield
WS13 6DP

Office:  01543 510 858
Mobile: 07792 222 014
Fax no: 01543 510 817
susan.holden@staffordshire.gov.uk