I completed a PhD at Falmouth University in 2023, researching the use of digital media, networking technology and open source software to broaden participation in community radio.
This is an area I am very passionate about as I have seen first hand the benefits that community radio can bring to the participants and listeners. Currently some groups are under-represented in community radio stations across the country. There are a number of reasons for this, for example, childcare issues, rural isolation and health issues. As a part of my PhD, I developed the lived experience, co-produced radio show and podcast “A Space to Speak Your Mind”, which discussed mental health from a lived experience perspective. It used the latest developments in digital audio, open source software and ubiquitous devices and software to allow a very low threshold of participation. Cornwall Mind offered the safeguarding for the project and helped with recruitment.
Methodologies used were Practice Research informed by Participatory Action Research. The show went on to win a National Mind award for Tackling Stigma and Discrimination and 5 UK Community Radio Awards, including Gold for Specialist Show of the Year and is broadcast on 5 community radio stations across Cornwall.
A Space to Speak Your Mind still continues, now as a creative group run by Cornwall Mind without my input.