'This keeps me going, it keeps me alive - losing it would be a real loss for all of us who rely on it'
Salford City Radio has been serving its community for 17 years - but doubts have been raised over its future unless new funding can be found.
The not-for-profit station is run by a team of more than 65 volunteers - aged between 21 and 80 - who give their time and effort into producing shows for Salford. They are led by station manager Jill Bowyer. Salford City Radio relies on grants, advertising, sponsorship and fundraising to maintain their programming.
For some, the station is far more than just somewhere to volunteer - it’s a way of life. Steve Pendlebury is just one of the many remarkable volunteers at the station. Steve is an engineer, who the others affectionately call ‘the fixer’. He manages the technical side of the station, as well as presenting his own show.
Having suffered a stroke at the age of just 36, Steve was told he’d never walk again. He defied medics, but was left disabled and with limited mobility. He also underwent a kidney transplant the year after his stroke. Now aged 58, Steve, who is also a widower, says volunteering at the station is his lifeline.
“This station keeps me going, it keeps me alive,” he said. “Being disabled, I have experienced discrimination before, but here I feel valued and accepted. I’ve been passionate about electronics since I was just three years old, so when something breaks, I know how to fix it. Volunteering here allows me to do what I love and be part of a team that appreciates my skills. Losing the station would be a real loss for all of us who rely on it.”
Station manager Jill Bowyer said: “We are more than just a radio station; we are a community. Our volunteers are like family; they come together to share their experiences and support one another. We’ve got volunteers from all walks of life, some are disabled, others are battling cancer, some are young people starting out in their careers, and we’re here to offer them a platform to develop their skills and connect with the community. Our station is an inclusive space where everyone can contribute and learn, making a real impact in Salford.
“For many, coming to the station is the reason they get out of bed in the morning. It gives them a sense of belonging and keeps them going through tough times. Our dedicated volunteers pour their time and passion into creating programmes that inform, entertain, and uplift our listeners. Losing this station would mean losing an invaluable resource that brings people together and provides crucial support during challenging times.
“We desperately need the backing of local businesses and organisations in the form of sponsorship or advertising. The closure of Salford City Radio would be a tremendous loss for our community, silencing important voices and dismantling a vital support network for so many.”
Salford-based housing association Salix Homes is a station sponsor and has also recently awarded £1,950 through its community grant programme Springboard, which provides funding to local groups and projects across Salford.
Sue Sutton, Chief Executive at Salix Homes, said: “As a platform for local voices, the station plays a crucial role in promoting community engagement and providing essential information to residents. The closure of the station would not only silence these important voices, but also remove a vital resource that many rely on for connection and support.”