Falmouth and Penryn’s community radio station, Source FM, is looking for people interested in getting involved in live radio shows - from home.

As part of a research project, the station aims to make it possible for people to perform live radio shows from their own homes and potentially improve their mental health while doing so. Former Source director Jerry Padfield, now a PhD researcher at Falmouth University, is running the project.

Falmouth Packet:

Jerry said: “A new piece of internet technology means it is possible to send high quality audio between computers via a simple web page.

"I’m researching ways this can be used to increase participation in community radio.

"Some people would love to have a show but can’t because of various obstacles – this could be lack of childcare, mental health problems, or even the cost or lack of public transport in Cornwall. I hope this project will allow people to broadcast from their own homes and communities and overcome some of these barriers.”

Falmouth Packet:

Some of the team at Source FM

Jerry’s previous research has shown that participation in community radio can improve mental health and well-being, and the project is being supported by mental health charity Cornwall Mind.

Cornwall Mind CEO Jon Gladstone said: “We’re working with Jerry on a couple of projects and it’s very exciting to see the power that giving people a voice to talk to their communities has in improving mental well-being.”

Read more: A chance to thank your local lockdown heroes

Previous feedback from community participants includes: “It is a really good distraction from my mental health issues."

"I have noticed that when I am in the studio it is the only time that I experience some respite, as I am fully immersed in what is going on.”

Those that take part in the project will work with Jerry over the course of three months to develop a radio format which they will then broadcast live on Source FM using the new app which Jerry has developed.

Shows can be on any theme or subject. If you would like to be involved you can contact Jerry at: jerry@thesourcefm.co.uk or phone 07488552541.