As part of Volunteers’ Week, we’re highlighting the work of our member stations and their volunteers. John Williamson, President and Station Manager for Bay Trust Radio tell us how the station has adapted during the last year to continue to support patients and the community during the pandemic.
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Bay Trust Radio is run by 58 volunteers who have worked extremely hard to keep their service running during the pandemic, and even launched new projects to help patients in hospital stay connected with loved ones.
Running during the pandemic, and even launched new projects to help patients in hospital stay connected with loved ones.
John Williamson, President and Station Manager has volunteered for Bay Trust Radio for 29 years. John said: “Volunteers swapped radio studios for their own homes and kept normal programmes running safely throughout, providing entertainment alongside news and information every day.
“Tablets were provided to wards for patients who didn’t have their own devices for video calls, a project made possible by linking with local organisations as well as the Volunteer and IT teams at UHMBT. We have had wonderful feedback and the team are so happy to hear they are making a difference when visiting in person is not possible. A purpose-built Patients’ Portal was also set up for the tablets, giving patients free access to the radio service, news updates, wellbeing advice and hospital/COVID-19 information.
“The team has adapted well to the changes over the last year and it means there are now more opportunities for volunteers to conduct their roles remotely, a fantastic option for those who struggle to get to Kendal on a regular basis. Everyone at Bay Trust Radio would like to thank all their supporters for their help over this challenging year.
