Community radio for all

Media training charity Bang Edutainment is creating enterprising ways of training young people in media skills.

One of its benefactors, Life FM, based in the heart of Harlesden, in Brent, has recently re-launched its station. The station, established in 2002 by BANG Edutainment, previously only broadcasted online with a monthly stint on FM.
Now the new licence enables Life FM to broadcast online and on 103.6FM .

BANG, a social enterprise based in Brent and specialising in media training and youth development, is the brain-child of Ugandan-born Jennifer Ogole. It was established in 1999 by a dynamic team of social entrepreneurs whose aim was to provide younger people with skills to unlock their potential and develop careers in creative and related industries.

Since then BANG has provided learning opportunities through a number of accredited training programmes.

Jennifer says: "BANG has delivered training and qualifications to over 1000 people, many of those under 25, over the last three years, working with a wide range of customers including Brent Council and Stonebridge Housing Action Trust.

"We believe that the magic ingredient in every person's life is themselves and our activities aim to uncover the tools that can best help them be their best. Our projects are therefore positive stepping stones and catalysts for positive change in the lives of those that are most disadvantaged."

BANG has an innovative approach to community work. For example young people sit on its board of trustees and it employs young people as tutor trainees.

Jennifer says: "This ensures that BANG's projects are not just led by our experience and expertise but also by those that they benefit. Our flexibility ensures that we are able to respond to the different and changing needs of the people we work with."

Life FM received an investment support of just over £350,000 by the Adventure Capital Fund (ACF).

Sue Peters, chief executive ACF, says: "Life FM is offering a really innovative approach to engaging young people.

"The investment panel was very impressed with their presentation. They demonstrated a creative and entrepreneurial flair, which really stood out."