Author: Reform Radio

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LGBTQ+ HISTORY MONTH EVENTS

February marks LGBTQ+ History Month, an annual observation of queer history, including the gay rights and related civil rights movements. In the UK, this yearly reclaiming of history has been recognised since 2005, following the repeal of Section 28 in British law. Section 28 was a series of laws which banned authorities and organisations from ‘promoting homosexuality’, initiated in 1988.

Join us in honouring LGBTQ+ history, acknowledging the present, and creating a better future for the queer community this February. We have curated a list of events across Manchester to attend in recognition of the momentous month. Check them out below.

Out in the World – An Irish Diaspora Exhibition 

Open Everyday in February

Central Library, St Peter’s Square, Manchester

Across the generations, Irish LGBTQ+ people have emigrated and found opportunities to live and love abroad. EPIC, the Irish Emigration Museum, in partnership with the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs, are proud to play a role in illuminating this hidden history of Irish emigration. This free exhibition, highlights 12 stories from the vast, yet largely untold, history of Ireland’s LGBTQ+ diaspora. Drop in anytime within the library’s opening hours – entry is completely free.

Queer Hope & Joy 

21st February – 11AM-6PM 

Contact Theatre, Oxford Rd, Manchester

A collage of eight portraits of LGBTQ+ guests.

Are you an LGBTQ+ artist, creative, company, community group, producer, programmer, venue or festival? Join the LGBT Foundation, Greater Manchester LGBTQ+ Arts and Culture Network, and LGBTQ+ creatives from across the UK for a day of discussion, provocation and inspiration. Through the likes of panels, presentations, performances and workshops, explore issues affecting LGBTQ+ communities. Lunch will also be provided so book your ticket now!

LGBTQ+ History Month Walking Tour of Manchester

22nd February – 5.30-9PM

Meeting Point: Vimto Sculpture, Vimto Park, Manchester

A birds eye view of Manchester's Arndale centre and Northern quarter area, with a rainbow filter over the top of it.

Take a journey through various sites of historical significance to Manchester’s queer community with an expert tour guide. Lasting approximately 90 minutes, the walk will conclude at Kampus, just opposite the renowned Canal Street, to complete the evening with refreshments and networking. 

Snoggy Acid

23rd February – 8PM-5AM

Partisan Club, Islington Mill, James Street, Manchester

Snoggy Acid promotional poster. The background is baby pink with an illustrative design of three individuals in different attire on it resembling a sleepover scene. The dates and activities of the event are on the poster in black text over yellow stars. The main title is in black wavy text, with florescent green spots.

Brace yourself for this collaboration of Manchester’s greatest queer club nights and cabaret. Snogtown and Fatty Acid present Snoggy Acid, a night of unmissable entertainment, queer speed dating, and DJs.

LGBTQ+ Archive Exploration

24th February – 11AM-12.45PM 

People’s History Museum, Left Bank, Manchester

Two archived posters from the People's History Museum. The one on the left in regarding a train to London to give individuals access to London to join a demonstration appealing Section 28. The text is all in bold, Sans text, and varies from red, blue and pink in colour. It featured an illustrated image of the front of a train with a London Transport logo on it. On the right is the front cover of a Northwest Lesbian and Gay Equality campaign programme. Each letter on the poster is in a different font for decorative purposes. It features an illustration of two people holding a logo resembling the London Transport logo in pink and blue stating 'Never Going Underground'.

​​Talk to the PHM’s expert Archive Team about how their LGBTQ+ collection continues to grow everyday. Explore archives including Lesbians and Gays Supporting Miners, papers of Michael Steed, former chairman of the Campaign for Homosexual Equality, and more. This is the perfect opportunity to understand how the collection is still used by communities, researchers, and individuals to explore the social and political stories of the past.

LGBTQ History Month Question Time 

26th February – 6.30PM-8.15PM 

Friends Meeting House, 6 Mount St, Manchester

Manchester City Council are hosting a question time event to mark this year’s LGBTQ+ History Month. Hear from a diverse panel of speakers representing the local government, public health, voluntary sector and the creative arts. You will also have your opportunity to ask them questions. If you would like to submit a question in advance for the panel, please include this on the sign up form above. 

LGBTQ+ Film Screening: Remembering the Day Manchester Said NO to Section 28

28th February – 12PM-1PM 

SODA, 14 Higher Chatham Street, Manchester

A black and white archive image of a range of individuals at the Section 28 protest in Manchester. Individuals are holding large banners stating 'Never Going Underground' - the slogan for the campaign.

Manchester Metropolitan University is holding a special screening of an exclusive film which recorded the events of the 20th February, 1988. On this day, over 20,000 people took to the streets of Manchester to reject Margaret Thatcher’s Section 28. Taking place in the ground floor cinema of SODA, this event gives people the opportunity to not only see the footage, but to also discuss its relevance today. You will be joined by Paul Fairweather MBE. Paul is a former Manchester councillor, long-time LGBTQ+ rights activist, and one of the organisers of the 1988 protest.

Under Your Nose Film Screening 

28th February – 6-9PM

Kanaris Theatre, Manchester Museum, Oxford Road, Manchester

An archive image in colour of a person at a gay rights protest. The individual is wearing a white t-shirt with an illustrative yellow design on it, and black sunglasses. They are holding a large peach banner and many individuals are around them following the protest.

Head along to this documentary screening of ‘Under Your Nose‘. This documentary, depicts the story of the Black Lesbian and Gay Centre which was formed in 1985 South London. The documentary’s director and producer Veronica McKenzie will join the screening for a post-viewing Q&A session.

Send us your Manchester LGBTQ+ History Month events on Instagram and we will add them to our list.

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Job and Course Search -EmployGM

Link here

The EmployGM website has launched, providing a one-stop-shop for people looking for jobs, training and support across Greater Manchester! 

The project is a Mayoral commitment, aiming to help residents navigate the opportunities available to them and attract more talent to the city-region.

From the home page you can be directed towards:

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blog MAES

BEHIND THE SCENES: HIGH RISE (FUNDED BY MAES)

Over the past three weeks, we held another round of our High Rise project, funded by MAES. Participants were invited to hop into solo and collaborative creative writing sessions, alongside character development workshops, to build their own audio dramas. Produced by some of Manchester’s dynamic young voices, these audio pieces delved into the highs and lows of urban change, delivering a raw, authentic take on gentrification’s impact. The dramas were exclusively previewed on Reform Radio’s airwaves in a one hour special. Listen to the full show below.

We caught up with Chris, one of our recent participants, to find out about his time on the programme and what he’ll be taking forward from it.

Introduce your name, pronouns, and what you currently get up to in your free time.

My name is Christopher, my pronouns are he/him and I am currently re-learning how to play the guitar.

How would you describe yourself in 3 words?

Work In Progress.

What prompted you to get involved with the High Rise project?

I previously really enjoyed doing scripting when I was on the Radio Course at Reform, so when I found out I could expand on this in the High Rise project, I was really keen to get involved.

Did you have much experience with creative writing before? If so, what’s your favourite thing about it? 

I came onto the course with a tiny bit of experience in creative writing due to doing a session on it, also as part of the Radio Course. However, this was a whole different mine field for me and I was able to explore new areas of writing.

Project participant stood at Reform Radio.

What’s your favourite book/poem that you’ve ever read?

My favourite poem would have to be ‘In Flanders Fields’ by John McCrae. I’m really interested in World War One so this is easily one of my favourite pieces.

Let’s throw it back to your first day at Reform versus now, tell me a bit about your first impressions/feelings/emotions in comparison to how you feel now. What has changed? 

On my first day in the space, I was really nervous and introverted. Expressing myself, getting to know others and becoming more comfortable has allowed me to come out of my shell a lot. I’m really proud of how much my confidence has developed.

Where do you find inspiration for writing normally and can you give us some examples of what/who inspires your work?

I find most of my inspiration simply from my imagination. Sometimes I think of random elements and characters and then write them down. I can build a whole story from there.

What will you take from the High Rise project moving forward & what are your plans from here onwards?

I’ve developed my writing skills so much through the project and I’ve also met lots of like-minded creatives. From here, I am going to work with another guy who was on the High Rise course to produce our own larger scale audio drama.

If you want to find out more about our future projects, contact us at projects@reformradio.co.uk.

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Manchester City Council Projects Upcoming Projects

MONEY MATTERS (FUNDED BY MANCHESTER CITY COUNCIL & MHA)

Funded by Manchester City Council and MHA, as part of their 1892 Foundation, we are delighted to bring you our exclusive finance workshop, Money Matters. This workshop will be taking place on the 13th of February, from 2.30pm til 4pm at Reform Radio.You will be guided through the likes of debt management, savings, budgeting, interest rates and more. This is the perfect way to learn the ropes of finance in a welcoming and accessible space.

Check out the flyer below to find out how you can get involved.

Flyer promoting Money Matters
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RAISE THE BAR: PIQUE ROSCOE

North Manchester native, Pique Roscoe, joined iconic duo Jorgy and Cheech in the studio for their monthly show. From discussing his creative process, to covering all bases of culture, the trio provided us with some quality chit chatter on the airwaves. Not only this, but we got to hear directly from Roscoe on the mic, with the raw and remarkable bars he is known for.

Watch the full live session on YouTube below.

Listen to the full show, which also features Kuartz and Rokz, below.

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Featured Opportunity Job Opportunity Opportunity Training Opportunity Volunteering Opportunity

GMCA Inspire Fund

Funding rounds are spaced throughout the year – link here

The GMCA Inspire Fund is providing grants of £500 – £2,000 for freelance and independent artists, and small organisations across Greater Manchester. 

You may be a musician who would benefit from a new instrument, a small group who needs funds to expand your wardrobe or replace costumes, or a freelance artist who wishes to upskill via a training course.

The GMCA Culture Fund: Inspire is designed to support Greater Manchester-based:

  • Freelance artists.
  • Independent creatives, artists, musicians, and performers.
  • Small creative arts organisations (less than £100k turnover).

Guidance 

Decisions are expected within 6 weeks of the closing date you have applied for. 

All projects must be completed by April 2026. Click here for more details.

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BEHIND THE SCENES: DJ SESSIONS (FUNDED BY MAES)

We hopped into 2024 with another round of our renowned DJ Sessions with our friends Do As You Please, funded by Manchester Adult Education. Over the past two weeks, a group of participants, eager to jump behind the decks, have been learning the ropes of beatmatching, blending and more. Our partners, GigPig, also joined us for a session all about gig-sourcing and self-promotion. Closing the project, our attendees put their new skills to the test in our celebratory showcase.

We caught up with two of our participants, Milo and Suse, to find out more about their time on the course and where they’re heading from here.

Introduce your name, pronouns, and what you’re up to at the moment outside the course.

M: My name’s Milo and my pronouns are he/him. Before Christmas, I was working in a corporate job which I really wasn’t enjoying, so I left and decided I wanted to get stuck into more fulfilling activities I actually wanted to do.

S: Hey, I’m Suse, my pronouns are she/her, and, at the moment, I am working in a club. I love working in a music-immersed environment.

What prompted you to get involved with the DJ Course?

M: I joined the DJ Course on a whim, to be honest. When I left my job, I started looking at creative opportunities I could take up. I was DJing a bit before as a hobby and I wanted to start taking the steps to getting a career in something I am actually passionate about.

S: I had seen one of the Creative Practitioners, Adele, DJing and she’s a huge inspiration to me so I was really keen to work with her on the course. Also, I am Portuguese, and, in my culture, music is so centred around community and acts as a love language we speak. DJing feels so universal to this.

What do you love most about DJing?

M: DJing is such a mindful and therapeutic activity. It’s so nice to lose yourself in it and get in the zone.

S: I really love the techniques and effects you can use when DJing, like blending. It’s training for the brain and I’ve loved picking these up gradually.

Did you have much experience in DJing before? What’s one stand out thing you’ve learnt at Reform?

M: I have a controller at home and me and my friends used to do DJing at home for fun. So, I’ve been mostly self-teaching myself for a while. A stand out thing I’ve learnt is definitely the backspin trick on the decks; I don’t think I would have ever attempted that unless I’d come on the course.

S: In the pandemic, I bought a small DJ deck and thought I’d try it out. I ended up uploading a female drill mix to my Soundcloud. Then I just got super busy with university work and stopped DJing as much. I promised myself I’d get back into it, so I have.

How would you describe a DJ set of yours in three words? 

M: Energising, uplifting, and dancey.

S: Global music, dancey and nostalgic.

Do you have any role models in the music scene that inspire your DJing practice?

M: I have some favourite DJs, of course. But I guess the people that have really inspired my practice have been my friends through university that got me hooked on DJing. The collaborative environment we created allowed us to make mistakes and be really open-minded when it came to our craft.

S: I really love Uncle Waffles, and I grew up listening and taking inspiration from Disclosure – I have always loved house music. I also love DJ Chaise from the local scene. I think Uncle Waffles is probably my biggest role model, however, due to them platforming South African culture and that’s what I hope to do for my culture too.

Let’s throw it back to your first day at Reform versus now, tell me a bit about your first impressions/feelings/emotions in comparison to how you feel now. What has changed? 

M: On the first day of the project, I was really nervous for what was to come – especially finding out we had a showcase ahead in which we’d have to perform in front of people we didn’t know. But now, I feel so much more confident with the support of the Creative Practitioners and my peers. Also, it is so nice to be working in an environment that makes you feel like pursuing your goals is realistic and possible. I actually feel like I could be a DJ now.

S: My first interaction with Reform was at a one-day workshop, but I was super invested in the courses and the work Reform were doing. I was delighted to be able to join the DJ Sessions. From day one, things have been great and insightful. As the course has gone on, I have really felt my skillset grow.

What will you take from the DJ course moving forward & what are your plans from here onwards? 

M: I’m really keen to take the motivation and inspiration I’ve gained through the project with me and really push myself to keep pursuing my hobbies and passions. I’m looking forward to hopefully getting some DJ gigs locked in to play.

S: I’ve been trying different courses and hobbies, but DJing has really stuck with me. I really want to start uploading some of my mixes to social media and get some gigs booked in.

If you could DJ at any festival, event, or place in the world, where would it be and why?

M: I’d have to start here first and play The White Hotel. It’s home, it’s not too big so you’re nice and close to who you’re playing for, and the room is always full of people who are actually there for the music.

S: I would start off with Parklife. I’ve worked there as a bartender over the years, but experiencing that as a performer would be incredible. Of course, it would be amazing to perform in my home country, Portugal, too.

If you could do a b2b DJ set with anyone, who would it be with and why?

M: I would have to say Gerd Janson. I think he’s a really consistent DJ and the Godfather of DJing.

S: I think it would be with DJ Chaise. She is amazing and I feel like we have similar energy so the set would be contagious.

If you want to find out more about our future projects, drop us an email at projects@reformradio.co.uk to get involved.

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Free Recycled Clothing and Coffee – Moss Side Powerhouse

First Friday of every month, 9:30am – 12pm at Moss Side Powerhouse

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Projects Thirty Pound Gentleman Upcoming Projects Youth Music

SOUNDCAMP 2024 (FUNDED BY YOUTH MUSIC)

Our acclaimed music mentorship programme, Soundcamp, is returning for 2024. Funded by Youth Music and in partnership with Thirty Pound Gentleman, the project invites young people aged 16-25 who are aspiring a career in music to join us at Bootcamp – a series of songwriting and collaborative music workshops. By doing so, they will be in with a chance of getting selected to take part in our 6 month artist development project, offering support with the likes of performance technique, music production, artist branding, and more.

Our Soundcamp 2024 cohort will receive mentorship from a wide array of industry professionals including LayFullstop and Jack Kong (Cooper T).

This year’s bootcamp kickstarts on the 7th of February. To get involved, reach out to our lovely Engagement team on projects@reformradio.co.uk.

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Job Opportunity Opportunity Training Opportunity Volunteering Opportunity

LGBTQ+ Journalism Network

Link here

The LGBTQ+ Journalism Network is an award-winning space for LGBTQ+ journalists across the UK – and at any stage of their career – to find, support and learn from each other.

The Network was started in January 2022 by Sophie Perry because no such space existed in the industry.

LGBTQ+ journalists have always existed and this space celebrates their work, encourages them and aims to inspire a new generation.

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Opportunity Training Opportunity Volunteering Opportunity

Pull Up and Speak Spoken Word and Poetry Event – Pull Up Bar Cafe

Last Monday of every month, link here

Pull Up & Speak is a poetry and spoken word event hosted by Pull Up Bar Cafe, 14-16 Swan St, Manchester M4 5JN on the last Monday of every month from 6pm – 10:30pm

​These poetry nights have been created to support creativity, mental health, and those struggling with addiction and homelessness.

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Opportunity Training Opportunity

Free English Classes – The Alexandria Library, Rusholme + More

Link here

Click the link above for a full list of free English classes taking place at Alexandria Library, Rusholme and elsewhere across Manchester.

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Opportunity Training Opportunity Volunteering Opportunity

ERIC – Creative Career App for Young People

Link here

The ERIC app is primarily for young people who are 16+ with an interest in careers in the creative industries.

Helping young creatives gain experience for their portfolios & CVs, you can browse thousands of internships, bootcamps, events, training schemes, courses & more.

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Job Opportunity Opportunity

Casual Work & Permanent Roles – Co-op Live

Casual Work Link – Permanent Roles Link

Co-op Live are looking for thousands of dedicated people to join across a huge number of casual roles, including stewarding, fan safety, bar staff, chefs, hosting, events, and supervisor roles.

Join the UK’s largest arena, and help deliver the best live music experience through a world-class fan services team.

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REFORM RADIO XMAS & NEW YEAR PROGRAMMING 2023

The decs are up, we’ve written our wishlists, and we’re wrapping up warm at Reform. We are edging closer and closer to the beginning of our festive programming to draw 2023 to a close in classic Reform style. This year we’ve got a load of good tunes, exclusive shows, and vital chit chatter to take you through the holiday period. Let’s take a look at what you’ll be treated to on the airwaves…

Soundcamp: Co-Lab Sessions

21st December, 5-7PM

To kickstart your celebrations, lock into this exclusive preview of our recent Soundcamp: Co-Lab event, live from Manchester’s Blues Kitchen. The evening showcased ten individuals that partook in our 12-month artist development programme, Soundcamp, in partnerships with ten Manchester music legends. The ten duos collaborated to create a unique track to perform live at the project’s closing event. This is your chance to hear them for yourself. Trust us, you don’t want to miss the radio debuts of these formidable pairings and records.

Season Focus

24th December, 2-3PM

Over the past few months, in partnership with Manchester City Council Youth & Play Fund and Drum Happy, we have been holding creative workshops at the Powerhouse Library in Moss Side, using creative writing, rhythm and drumming to explore themes of wellbeing and self-expression. Hop into one of the sessions on the airwaves with this one hour special led by Wellbeing Manager and trained psychotherapist, Dan. In this episode, the group discuss community, loneliness and resilience at this time of year.

Please note, you can head to our Emergency Contacts page here, should you be struggling over Christmas and the New Year.

The Get Up

25th December, 10AM – 12PM

There’s no better way to wake yourself up on Christmas morning than tuning into The Get Up, with Yelena Lashimba. A spark of energy behind the mics and decks, Yelena is the equivalent of an espresso in the morning and will certainly bring Christmas joy to your household on the 25th of December. Lock in via DAB or online for this merry special of our in-house morning show.

New Year’s Eve Show

31st December 2023 – 1st January 2024, 3PM – 2AM

The countdown begins to 2024, marking the end of our 10th anniversary year. We’re ramping up the energy on the radio for your New Year’s Eve, with an undivided selection of live and DJ sets recorded from our birthday party with ShinDigger back in September. From OneDa, Mr Scruff, Obeka to the HERchester collective and more, this show features a load of our favourite Manchester artists and talent. This is a final opportunity to celebrate a decade of Reform Radio, so tune in and let our lineup accompany your new year celebrations.

What are you waiting for? Turn up the volume as the fun never stops on the Reform Radio airwaves.

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BEHIND THE SCENES: RADIO COURSE (FUNDED BY MAES)

Funded by MAES, our Radio Course marks the closing of our projects for 2023. Over the past two weeks, our participants have been exploring presenting, script writing, the technical aspects of radio and more, all in contribution towards their own radio show to be debuted on Reform Radio.

Listen to the show below.

We caught up with two of our attendees, Violet & Helena, to hear about their antics on the programme and where they’re heading next.

Please can you introduce your name, pronouns, and what you enjoy doing in your free time.

H: I’m Helena, my pronouns are she/her. I’m currently in the process of applying for lots of jobs and I DJ disco and house music in my bedroom. One day, I hope to start playing some live DJ sets.

V: Hey, I’m Violet, my pronouns are she/her, and in my free time I do video editing for YouTubers and I livestream on Twitch – anything to keep me being creative.

Describe yourself in 3 words.

H: Personable, energetic and exquisite.

V: I’d say creative, soft-spoken and kind-hearted.

Did you have much experience in radio or presenting before? If so, what’s your favourite thing about it?

H: I presented my own monthly show on a radio station through lockdown that I recorded from home. Also, I am part of a DJ collective and I sometimes get my mixes played on Bloop London. My favourite thing about radio is how broad it is, but I have also loved learning the technical ropes of radio throughout the course too.

V: I didn’t have that much experience in radio specifically, but I have been acting since I was younger, which I think is really transferable to presenting. Since partaking in the radio course, I have loved how you can turn any topic into a show and when you bring your ideas into Reform, your ideas are always met with seriousness.

What prompted you to get involved with the Radio Course?

H: I have always loved radio and I adore Annie Mac. I was really curious to see how radio operates and keen to view the landscape of jobs within it.

V: Every weekend, we used to travel an hour and a half to visit my family after I moved to Halifax and the entire journey we would listen to the radio. I would fall asleep to it and discover music through it; sometimes I think I forget how much it means to me. I was ready to apply this passion through my time on the course.

Throughout the project, you’ve been working on your own radio shows, what have inspired your direction with these and can you tell us about the themes of your shows?

H: My group’s show is about DJing and how to break into the industry. I am always looking for guidance on the internet on how to start gigging and getting out there so we thought we’d shape a show around this struggle and hopefully help others with it too.

V: The topic of our show is ‘transitions’. When people hear the term ‘transition’, they tend to think of gender transition. However, there are three of us in my team and all of us have unique experiences of transitional periods in our lives. For me, I experienced it in relation to my gender, another one of us had a baby which changed her life a lot, and the other member of my group had a big career change. So we wanted to address this vast theme in our piece.

Let’s throw it back to your first day at Reform versus now, tell me a bit about your first impressions/feelings/emotions in comparison to how you feel now. What has changed? 

H: The biggest development I’ve noticed is how our friendships have flourished as a group over the project. I’ve loved the teamwork aspect of the course as it’s really allowed us to get to know each other and we all get along so well.

V: On the first day of the course, I was in my own head and couldn’t even speak out loud to the group. However, I have come out of my shell so much and really pushed myself to chat to everybody and get to know them. I feel sad that the course is nearly over now after growing in confidence with everybody and making some great friends with people I would never usually meet.

What will you take from the Radio Course moving forward & what are your plans from here onwards? 

H: It’s given me such a boost of confidence and motivation to enjoy the creative scene in Manchester more. It’s also confirmed how much I want to work in a creative role.

V: I agree with Helena; my confidence has grown huge amounts. Also, I can’t wait to take the knowledge I have gained through the course with me in terms of sound set-ups and exploring the Reaper software. My dream job of sound-editing or voice acting no longer feels like a dream; it feels so much more reachable now.

If you could have any guest on your own radio show, who would it be?

H: I think it would have to be Annie Mac. I would love to be her mate and it would be so cool to flip the dynamic of her being a presenter, to her being a guest on a show.

V: I have two people I’d love to interview on a show. The first one would be Matthew Mercer, who is a big voice actor. It would be nice to chat to him about his journey from being a nerdy kid that played video games, to being one of the biggest video game voice actors. The second one would be my partner’s mother. She is such a lovely person and has been through so much in her life, both good and bad. It would be great to sit down with her and let her story be told.

Find out more about our Radio Course here and explore our future projects here. If you like the look of any of them, drop our lovely Engagement team an email at projects@reformradio.co.uk.

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MAES Projects

HIGH RISE (FUNDED BY MAES)

Interested in blending your passion for radio with your surroundings? High Rise is a three week creative writing course focused on taking a closer look at the gentrification of Greater Manchester. This project is funded by Manchester Adult Education Service.

Throughout the course you can expect to develop your skills in public speaking, alongside the technical aspects of designing a radio drama. When doing so, you will have the opportunity create soundscapes to underscore your dramas. You will gain great experience in building well-rounded characters and writing dialogue to form your drama pieces.

Take a look at the flyer below for full details of the course and how to get involved.

Hop behind the scenes of one of our creative writing courses below and check out what we got up to.

Meet Chris, who took part in our latest High Rise and read about their experience at Reform here.

Listen to our most recent round of participants’ Reform Radio show below.

Find out about our other free creative courses here. If any of them take your fancy, get in touch with our lovely Engagement Team on projects@reformradio.co.uk to get involved.

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blog Featured Projects MAES Projects

BEHIND THE SCENES: POSITIVE FREQUENCIES (FUNDED BY MAES & THE MANCHESTER SOCIAL PRESCRIBING DEVELOPMENT FUND)

Over the past six weeks, we’ve been joined by a remarkable group of participants for our Positive Frequencies course. Funded by MAES and The Manchester Social Prescribing Development Fund, this programme is led by our Well-being Manager and trained psychotherapist, Dan. Throughout the project, our participants tried the likes of journalling, creative writing and more to express themselves in a safe place.

We caught up with one of our attendees, Devika, to find out what she got up to and what she’ll be taking with her upon completing Positive Frequencies.

Please can you introduce yourself, your pronouns and what you’re up to at the moment outside of the course.

Devika: Hey, I’m Devika, my pronouns are she/her and I’m currently in a transition period, so I’m using my time to taste new things and develop skills. I had such a great experience doing Positive Frequencies, that I’m now enrolled on Reform’s Radio Course too.

How do you think your friends would describe you in three words?

Devika: Talkative, dramatic and funny.

What’s your favourite thing to do to make you feel good/as a form of self care?

Devika: As someone who struggles to switch off, I’ve been practicing self care by simply taking time to rest. If I need to engage myself, I’ll
read and research self-development based subjects, but in a comfortable space.

Did you have much experience of using writing in your well-being practice already? If so, what’s your favourite element of this or what have you enjoyed about trying it for the first time?

Devika: I hadn’t really thought about the intersection between writing and well-being before, even though I’m interested in both subjects. I’ve really enjoyed the discussions surrounding wellness and how different people articulate their experiences in different ways. Each session has provided me with extensive ‘food for thought’.

What prompted you to get involved in our Positive Frequencies course?

Devika: I’ve known about Reform Radio for a couple of years and been admiring the work they do from afar. As someone who is
trying to figure out her next steps, I thought what better opportunity than to get involved in a course and learn some skills that could change the trajectory of my career.

Let’s throw it back to your first day on the course versus now, tell me a bit about your first impressions/feelings/emotions in comparison to how you feel now. What has changed?

Devika: On the first day of the course, I didn’t know what to expect. I hadn’t really done anything like this before so I didn’t know how to
respond to people’s experiences. As the sessions went on, this radically changed. Positive Frequencies has been such a safe space for myself and others to learn, unlearn and relearn.

What will you take from Positive Frequencies moving forward & what are your plans from here onwards?

Devika: I’ve learnt that being in thought-provoking discussions is an
energising experience. It has made me want to look into conducting facilitation myself. Some of the topics and themes we covered have also inspired me to build a life coaching business. I’d like to say a massive thanks to Reform Radio and everyone involved for helping me think more creatively.

Listen to the radio show put together by the participants of Positive Frequencies here.

If you like the sound of our Positive Frequencies course, find out more about the project here. You can also reach out to our lovely Engagement team on projects@reformradio.co.uk to find out about our other courses.

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MAES Projects

POSITIVE FREQUENCIES (FUNDED BY MAES)

It’s time to exhale and take some time to turn inwards. Take a look at Positive Frequencies course, led by our incredible Well-being Manager and trained psychotherapist Dan.

This programme takes place over the course of six weeks and is funded by MAES. The project is designed to guide participants through a journey of self-reflection through the likes of creative writing and self-expression, in a safe space.

Following the course, participants are also offered access to a range of free pastoral and well-being support through our designated teams here at Reform.

If this sounds like something you can get behind, take a look at the flyer below for the full details of how to get involved.

Head over to our behind-the-scenes blog post here to meet Positive Frequencies participant, Uyama, and read what they got up to in the last round of the project.

Listen in to the show one of our previous Positive Frequencies groups created for the airwaves below.

Find out about our other free creative courses here. If any of them take your fancy, get in touch with our lovely Engagement Team on projects@reformradio.co.uk to get involved.

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blog MAES

BEHIND THE SCENES: MUSIC COURSE (FUNDED BY MAES)

Following two weeks of learning the ropes of music theory and production, alongside some incredible collaborative work, our Music Course has come to a close. The project, funded by Manchester Adult Education Service, invited nearly 20 participants into the Reform Radio space to create their own tracks to be played live on the radio, as well as encouraging them to work together and fine tune their own musical styles.

Listen to the collective’s final radio show below, showcasing the tunes they created throughout the course.

We chatted to participant, Sarah, about what she got up to on the programme and what her plans are moving forward.

Introduce yourself (name, pronouns, and what you’re up to at the moment/hobbies etc).

My name’s Sarah and my pronouns are she/her. I’m producing bangers and staying positive.

Describe yourself in 3 words.

I’d describe myself as a legend, party starter and confident out of my head.

If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?

Now, this one may shock you, but if I could only listen to one album for the rest of my life it would probably be ‘Harry’s House’ by Harry Styles. The reason I’d listen to that particular album is because it reminds me of how beautiful life can be.

Did you have much musical experience before? If so, what’s your favourite thing about making music?

I’d say I had some music skills prior to doing the course. My favourite thing about making music is how I can use it as evidence that I am capable of creating something amazing.

What prompted you to get involved with the Music Course?

I’ve been to Reform before and the support and acknowledgement you receive from them amazes me. So being able to be part of a Reform Radio course was enough for me to want to get involved.

Let’s throw it back to your first day at Reform versus now, tell me a bit about your first impressions/feelings/emotions in comparison to how you feel now. What has changed?

Well, deep down I had some doubts but I knew I loved music and I knew I had something special to share. As soon as I walked through the doors of Reform Radio, it was like they thought a star had entered the room and their belief in me quietened my inner voices of incapability. I now know after completing the course that I am capable and I am appreciated.

What will you take from the Music Course moving forward & what are your plans from here onwards?

From the course, I will take the knowledge that the voices in my head are chatting cheddar and I am good enough.

Do you have any musical role models that inspire your practice and why?

My musical role model is Fred Again.. all day long, I just love how moving his music is; it’s proper feel good music.

Who would be your dream artist/producer to collaborate with?

I’d, of course, have to say Fred Again.. but, also, I’d love to work with Four Tet and Dom Dolla.

What’s your go-to album to listen to after a long day?

My go-to album to listen to is probably my own music, to be honest. I don’t have a full album, however I do listen to all the mixes and songs I’ve created and feel so proud.

To find out about our future free creative courses, you can head to our Projects page, or reach out to our lovely Engagement team at projects@reformradio.co.uk.