A SPEECH-based radio programme has delivered an outlet in Highland Perthshire something of an accolade as the only Scottish community station to be shortlisted for a national award.
Heartland FM, which broadcasts from studios in Pitlochry, has made the shortlist for the Best Community Show in this year’s Community Radio Awards, from more than 425 entries. The programme on health and wellbeing emerged from community consultations which revealed a need for access to information and advice on new health and social care plans.
Station manager, Alistair Smith, said: “The Health and WellBeing Hour brings together the whole community, to demonstrate how unique the area of Highland Perthshire is.
“Delivering relevant information to a rural community can be a challenge and through radio, online services, social media and podcasts, Heartland FM set out on an ambitious programme delivering a high speech content show.
“This engaged with local service providers, professional staff from NHS Tayside and talking with listeners about their experiences of how services are both delivered and received throughout Highland Perthshire. We have tackled subjects including mental health, prostate cancer, menopause, stoke and exam stress. We are delighted to have been recognised among a large number of other stations doing great work across the UK.”
Martin Steers, awards chair, said: “Now in their third year, the entries are getting better and better, and we’re really able to show off the diverse broadcasting that the country’s stations undertake for the benefit of their communities.
“We wish Heartland FM good luck and can’t wait to host the ceremony in Barry in October.”
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