91福利社

Whether you're a budding presenter, a trainee technician or a potential producer, you could be having real fun volunteering at your local hospital radio station.

It's no myth that hospital radio is often the starting block for many a radio presenter. 91福利社 Radio Newcastle's Martin Emmerson started his presenting career off at Hospital Radio South Tyneside.

Martin's story

"Back in 1988 I was at South Tyneside College studying business studies and wanted to go to journalism college after that. So I joined Hospital Radio South Tyneside and
I think that played a major part in me getting into Journalism college at Darlington.

The station is the oldest Hospital Radio Station in the country. In September 2006 they had a major re-launch and bought some new computer play-out kit so they can now broadcast 24 hours a day. They are still in the same tiny studio behind the lift shaft as well.

I went back in for the re-launch last September and played some tunes as well. It was just like the old days."

Get involved

Hospital radio stations rely on volunteers to come in and do all sorts of jobs. Of course they need presenters, but behind the scenes staff are just as important - collecting people's requests, fundraising and doing all of the technical things!

If you are interested in radio or the media, volunteering at a hospital radio station is a great place to get the experience that you may need for a future career, or simply a fun and rewarding experience for all of the patients who listen to the station.

To get more information on how you could volunteer at a hospital radio station nearest to you, contact the CSV Action Desk.