Giving your time, skills and creativity can make an amazing difference to people in hospital.
What We Do
The first thing to say is we're all volunteers.
We need people passionate about broadcasting, fund raising, administration, events, IT and sound engineering. We need those who are as serious about delivering professional, entertaining and enjoyable radio, as we are.
Don’t have any experience but have the passion and drive? Don’t worry, we can provide training!
Chippenham Hospital Radio is an award winning radio station that provides programming for the town's community hospital and the wider community of Chippenham.
We provide music, news, sport, local information and health promotion for around 7,000 patients (per month), staff and visitors at the town’s hospital. Our service is also available to the wider town community via our website, the TuneIn radio app for mobiles or smart speakers.
The service is widely recognised by healthcare professionals to contribute to the care package provided by hospitals, providing a comfort to those in hospital.
We have a strong community focus and are keen champions of promoting the vitality of our town. We provide information and publicity to local groups, organisations and other charities by promoting and highlighting their work. We have supported numerous local events, including Chippenham Fringe, Chippenham Half Marathon, PRIDE, John Coles Park @100 celebrations and Party in the Park to name but a few.
The radio station is a register charity and is also a member of the Hospital Broadcasting Association.
Presenting a Radio Programme
Our live radio programmes are broadcast from our modern studio based within the hospital. When we're not live we run an automated service which provides listeners with music and news.
Most of our programmes are two hours long, with our presenters producing both speech and music programmes, often providing a link to the outside world with news and community information.
Those volunteers who wish to present a programme are provided with full broadcast training which includes the technical aspects of running a studio, presentation skills, programme preparation and broadcast law. With these skills we provide a great foundation so volunteers can feel confident that they can deliver programmes that are both enjoyable and entertaining for both themselves and the listener.
Please note broadcast training is run on a Saturday afternoon and you must ensure you are available to attend these sessions.
If you are presenting a programme you will be required to attend regularly on the day and time agreed for your show.
Fundraising
Like any organisation we have annual running costs and we raise money for this in a number of ways.
As a not for profit organisation we are totally financially dependent on the fund-raising activities of our volunteers and benefactors. The radio station receives no other regular income.
Volunteers are asked to support our fundraising events which generally take place throughout the year, so plenty of opportunity to get involved.
Volunteering FAQ's
The questions we get asked most often.
Why do people volunteer?
There are many reasons why people choose to get involved. Here are just a few:
- Make a difference to patients stay in hospital
- Do something inspiring
- Learn new skills
- Meet new people.
Who can volunteer?
There's an opportunity for almost everyone who shares our values and vision!
We have volunteers who are retired, employed, old and young who come from a variety of backgrounds.
Please note, unlike a lot of voluntary and charitable groups being a broadcasting organisation means we do ask our volunteers who are presenting a programme to make a regular weekly commitment to us.
NB: You must be 18 or over to apply and unfortunately we can't accept applications for Work Experience or Placements.
Do you offer training to volunteers?
We want to provide the best service we can to our listeners so those wishing to broadcast with us undertake a comprehensive broadcasting course which provides training on the technical aspects of a radio studio as well as programme production and what you can and can't do and say on-air.
We also provide health & safety training to ensure that volunteers are able to carry out their tasks in a safe way.
We ensure there is someone available if you need additional help and there is often further training to help volunteers develop in their role.
How much time do I have to give?
Generally for those who are broadcasting it's 2 hours per week, although many of our presenters spend additional time preparing programme content.
Please note as we are a broadcasting organisation you need to be available to commit to a regular weekly shift.
In addition when helping with fund raising we ask volunteers to give up a couple of hours periodically to assist with fund raising. Usually this is undertaken three to four times a year and takes place at the weekend.
What skills do I need to volunteer?
This will depend on what you do. If you are interested in broadcasting then a love of music and the ability to communicate effectively are desirable but not essential as where possible, we'll help you develop them. Some local knowledge would also be useful.
Often though, enthusiasm and a keeness to help are the most important skills required.
Can I get involved with additional work as well as broadcasting
Yes.
We're always keen for volunteers to help out in other areas and this could include helping out at outside broadcasts, promoting the radio station or taking on a position on our management team.
Will volunteering affect my benefits?
No.
Volunteering does not affect the benefit payments you receive. Volunteers are not paid for their time.
People claiming Job Seekers' Allowance (JSA) can volunteer as long as they remain available for work and are actively seeking paid employment.
People claiming Income Support and/or Disability Living Allowance can volunteer.
People claiming Incapacity Benefit can volunteer for as long as they want.
Volunteering does not affect your "permitted work".
Will it cost me anything to volunteer?
Like many groups and organisation’s we ask that volunteers support the radio station via a yearly subscription which is currently £25.00. For new volunteers this is payable on completion of training and then annually in June.
If this is a concern for you please contact us, as we may be able to offer some options for payment.
References
We require two references to accompany your application to join the station. If there is a valid reason that you cannot supply these, please get in touch and discuss this with us, we don’t bite! Honest!
All information supplied will be treated in confidence and in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation 2018.
We'd love to hear from you!
If you'd like to join the team, please let us know by completing the form below. If you would prefer to complete a paper version of this form please email admin@chippenhamhospitalradio.com or call 01249 456419.
As we're all volunteers, it might take a day or two for someone to get back to you.
Thank you, and we hope to meet you soon!