2InSpire hits the airwaves

September saw the launch of an exciting new facility at 2InSpire on Thurlow Street – a radio studio!

The studio was kitted out thanks to funding from Aylesbury NDC, and training is being provided by community media experts, Eclectic Productions.


This is part of the Reprezent project, which Eclectic launched in August 2008 in association with Choice FM's Peace on the Streets campaign. Reprezent is a youth-led multimedia channel, focused around the website www.reprezent.org.uk.

Although it currently only broadcasts online, Reprezent has recently been invited to bid for a full-time FM licence, covering four South London boroughs. So young people from the Aylesbury Estate could soon be broadcasting live to a radio near you!

A 20-week course is currently in progress, for Key Stage 4 (first year of GCSE) students from Walworth Academy, who were struggling to progress in mainstream education.

The course involves coming in to the Reprezent @ 2InSpire studio for two days each week to learn journalism and radio production skills. This might include helping out with the website, preparing programme content, carrying out interviews, producing recorded programmes and maybe even broadcasting live online.

In the process the participants are working towards an NCFE Standard Certificate, equivalent to three GCSEs, and gaining valuable transferable skills.

Emma Passmore, 2InSpire Centre Manager, says, "The radio training will help the young people improve their confidence, social skills and self worth, as well as gain technical skills. We're already starting to see hard-to-reach young people flourishing, which is great! We're expecting them to go back to school much more motivated, with better communication skills and hopefully improved attendance rates."

Eclectic Productions has strong links with local further education providers, including the London College of Communication in Elephant & Castle. They can help former participants access further training as well as work experience placements at organisations including Choice FM and MTV.

Eclectic Productions' Director, Shane Carey, explains, "Reprezent @ 2InSpire will be a brilliant resource for young people in the area, helping to expand their horizons. It's the radio aspect that will attract them, but we see what we're offering as 5% radio and 95% training and support."

Eclectic's first project was based on the Aylesbury Estate, back in 2003, when they worked with local young offenders. This project was also funded by the NDC, and saw 200 residents broadcasting on FM radio.

"We're coming back to the Aylesbury at a really exciting time," says Shane, "with our partnership with Choice FM, new link with MTV and a full time FM licence on the cards. We're coming full circle and we've learnt a lot in the six years it's taken us to come back round."

Plans for the future include more Key Stage 4 courses for pupils at other local schools, as well as short after-school courses and volunteering and training opportunities for 19-25-year-olds, in association with Action SE17.

If you're interested in getting involved, visit www.reprezent.org.uk and click 'Register now', or contact Emma Passmore on 020 7703 4309 or by email.