Sheffield radio station reaches out to vulnerable sectors of the community

Reaching out to the vulnerable sectors of the community is a Sheffield-based radio station.
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The volunteer-run station operates from the premises of Pakistan Muslim Centre is playing a role in addressing social isolation and loneliness.

Spearheaded under Link FM’s operations manager Hafees Rehman the station has focused all its efforts in reaching out to vulnerable sectors with novel ideas such as the diary of day, your recipe, or story of the day, and live telephone shows.

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A sposkesman said: “More interestingly despite the increase in use of social mobile apps and the nation’s religious viewing of televised news broadcasts, this medium of radio has proven to be a great favourite amongst local communities who feel Link FM brings with it a more closer to home touch.”

Hafees RahmanHafees Rahman
Hafees Rahman

Mr Hussain, aged 83, from Darnall, shared his appreciation, he said: “I’ve been self isolating for three weeks now. I’m anxious and concerned and don’t know what’s happening. When I hear people telephoning and sharing their stories I feel stronger, knowing I’m not solely sailing this lonely ship. The opportunities given to everybody to telephone in to share experiences and survival tips make this station a truly mentally nourishing medium of information.”

Hafees Rehman said: “With over nine million people in the UK being classed as lonely, with over half aged 75 or over living alone, domestic violence on the rise, child helpline being inundated with calls, Samaritans reporting a substantive rise in people feeling the financial pressure thus raising concerns of peoples mental wellbeing, there are has never been a stronger case for radio stations to up their game.

“We are following the orthodox routes by inviting specialist guests on the show which helps signpost people but we are also providing people with a window to their local community by firstly encouraging local stories and local news, with a focus on the community hero effort. Secondly we are providing mental escapism opportunities so people can detach themselves from the barrage of worries and challenges coronavirus is posing.”

Link FM is on 96.7FM.

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