Shrewdd Donation Supports Phoenix FM’s New Recording Studio

Being part of the local community since 2003, Shrewdd Marketing recognises the valuable work being done by the charities and other good causes in Calderdale. Always willing to give our support where we can, most recently, we are proud to have donated to local radio station, Phoenix FM’s campaign for new broadcasting studios, while also running an advertising campaign with them.      

Much more than a local radio station

Established in 1998, Phoenix FM is the borough’s only around-the-clock radio station. Today, a third of Calderdale tune in every month to listen to its music, interviews, advice, information and public service announcements. It also broadcasts live local events, including from the Halifax Minster and the Victoria Theatre. However, while its shows grow in popularity, many people remain in the dark about the station’s award-winning work for the local community.

One of the few remaining non-profit community radio stations, Phoenix FM’s main focus is to support and serve the diverse communities of Calderdale, both on air and off, while providing activities that encourage people who are socially disadvantaged to lift the barriers that potentially exclude them. Its many years of outstanding work in these areas have earned the station multiple National Community Radio Awards.

Phoenix FM’s shows are produced and presented by a team of 68 volunteers, a third of whom have additional support needs. One of its major achievements was a radio-based training scheme for young people aged 16 to 25. ThePhoenix Radio Empower Project, which offered the Asdan Youth Achievement Award and was the first in the country to develop CD-ROM-based portfolios. Now rebranded as the Phoenix Radio Education Platform (PREP), its website supports online learning and personal development, with projects covering autism, online safety, food poverty, mental health and more.

As a radio and now online broadcaster, and with a growing website and social media audience, Phoenix FM brings together diverse communities from across Calderdale. This has included people with autism, physical disabilities and mental health problems, as well as older people and the unemployed. In addition, it has developed projects to support the elderly who suffer from isolation and those with Parkinson’s disease and the early signs of dementia. 

Offering training and work experience in IT and broadcasting, the station helps people develop transferable skills that improve confidence and career opportunities. Over the years, the valuable experience gained at Phoenix has helped some former presenters obtain roles at BBC London, Viking FM, Aire FM, The Pulse and even Galaxy Radio in New York.

Funding for the future

Committed to offering broadcasting opportunities to as many individuals and local organisations as possible, as well as delivering innovative projects that support all generations in Calderdale, Phoenix FM is currently running a campaign to raise £5,000 for new broadcasting studios at its new home in Dean Clough.

Through our donation and advertising campaign, we hope Shrewdd’s contribution will soon make these facilities available to the individuals and local communities who wish to use them. You can donate to Phoenix FM by visiting https://localgiving.org/fundraising/Phoenix-rising