YOR on the radio!

Young people in Hertfordshire are making their voices – and their music – heard through a radio station that has secured its future for at least the next two years.

YOR Radio, managed by Groundwork Hertfordshire, is now broadcasting three nights a week.

The youth-led internet-based station was on air as a summer youth project in 2009 and 2010 and is now up and running again, thanks to a two-year deal with the Department for Education, Hertfordshire County Council’s Youth Connexions and local organisations.

The station broadcasts from 4.30pm-9pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays and from 7pm-9pm on Wednesdays. Its purpose-built studio at Bancroft Youth Centre in Hitchin uses equipment funded by donations from Hitchin Area Committee and Hitchin Tilehouse Rotary Group.

YOR Radio broadcasts music, live gigs and debates about important issues for young people and the local community.

It has a staff of 38 local young people, who act as presenters, DJs, engineers and production crew.

Groundwork is delivering the project as part of its involvement in the Young People Friendly Neighbourhoods programme. YPFN, a major initiative funded by the Department for Education, will give young people aged 11-19 the chance to shape and run youth services with local residents in their communities.

Diana Hedley, Environmental Youth Worker at Groundwork Hertfordshire, said, “YOR Radio is a fantastic project as it gives local young people the opportunity to have a voice and be part of a service to their community.

“I’d like to thank all our sponsors and partners for making this programme possible.

“Our long-term ambition is to make the station sustainable through advertising and sponsorship and for the young people to run it themselves.”

You can listen to YOR Radio at www.yorradio.co.uk or show your support via the station’s Facebook page.

For more information contact Diana Hedley diana.hedley@groundwork.org.uk