Category: ESF

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BEHIND THE SCENES: IN FOCUS – CONTENT & SOCIAL MEDIA (FUNDED BY ESF & SKILLS FOR GROWTH)

You may have seen across our socials that we’ve had a busy couple months here at Reform, with a number of participants coming into the space twice a week for our In Focus Content & Social Media course.

Kindly funded by ESF & Skills For Growth, In Focus Content and Social Media is a 7-week course that is designed to upskill people in all things marketing, social media and content creation. All participants have a chance to create an exclusive social media campaign for a Manchester based creative, brand or an organisation. This time round, participants worked with the likes of Yemi Bolatiwa, Studio 88 and Gravy Mag.

We caught up with Dara, who worked on Yemi Bolatiwa’s campaign, to find out more about her time on the course and where she’s heading next.

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

I’m Dara Jackson, I use she/her pronouns and I’m currently graduating from a Masters of research in Neuroscience. My hobbies include watching anime, dancing, singing, painting, and curating digital art on Pinterest.

How would your friends describe you in 3 words?

Joyful, driven and loving.

If you could create any piece of content for yourself/a brand/an artist, what would it be? And who would you want to work with?

I really want to work for Selena Gomez’s brand, Rare Beauty, as a mental health content creator. I’d also love to work for Iris Van Herpen, Gucci or Zimmerman as a fashion or mental health content creator. Rosalia is another musician I’d love to work for too because she inspires me all the time to stay true to my roots.

What prompted you to get involved with In Focus: Content & Social Media?

I am seeking a career in content creation or the creative industries as I feel happiest doing that so this would be a great first step to getting there.

Did you have much experience in content/marketing before? If so, what’s your favourite aspect of it?

I think my favourite part is the idea generation. I like thinking of ways to get in touch with people’s humanity and remind them that everything is ok. Art can remind you of your humanity to fail, to be stagnant and to pause and re-centre. I think I just enjoy making people feel seen.

Where do you find inspiration for your creative content work?

From so much! My relationship with Christ has had a significant impact on the framework I navigate the world with. I think the compassion I experienced from my God is my first filter: compassion and grace. I get inspiration from my mum, dad, brother and sister because they’ve all had lives that speak of struggle, overcoming and making beauty out of ashes. I get inspiration from Greek, Japanese, Trinbagonian, African and Norse Mythology. I get inspiration from Islam, Hinduism and Confucianism. Also I am inspired greatly by my heritage – I’m of African, Indian, Spanish and Irish descent. I am inspired by both digital and traditional art, music like trance, alternative and noir. I pull from anime, Astronomy, nature, my own struggles – I think that’s about it!

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?

I felt safe and like I was somewhere I belonged straight away and that hasn’t changed at all. I think the course taught me to relax and enjoy the process. Reform really knows how to make people feel like they can do anything, no matter what level you are. 

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

Definitely editing if we’re talking technical. I was so scared of using Premiere Pro before! I also hope to take my understanding of how small details in concepts can make a huge difference in perception, and also my value of teamwork.

My plan moving forward is to work in the creative industries. Creative work is the only work that makes me truly happy now and using art to help people find peace and freedom would be a great legacy to have. We’ll see how it goes! 

Come join us at our future courses! If you’d like to get involved or find out more about any of our projects, please drop us an email at projects@reformradio.co.uk.

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BEHIND THE SCENES: IN FOCUS PODCASTING (FUNDED BY ESF & SKILLS FOR GROWTH)

After seven weeks of incredible talent, creativity and teamwork, our In Focus: Podcasting course has come to a close. This programme was delivered in partnership with Greater Manchester Combined Authority, part of Skills For Growth initiative and funded by European Social Fund. This time round we welcomed a collection of audio-enthusiasts to the space to work on production, editing, script-writing and MORE in progression towards launching their own podcasts. With a helping hand from our award-winning Audio Production Team, our participants gained hands-on experience in the likes of interview technique, publishing, and guest sourcing, not to mention brainstorming podcasting ideas altogether.

We caught up with two of our participants, Joss (he/him) and Lauren (she/her) to find out more about what they got up to and where they’re going from here.

1. Please can you tell us a little bit about yourself? What do you do? What are your interests & hobbies?

L: I am a cancer-specialist nurse, working and living in Manchester. I have two feral children, aged 6 and 2 and a half who keep me on my toes. I am also married to a nurse and between us we love travelling, seeing the world, eating good food and drinking wine (me, not the kids haha)

J: I am the Lead Carbon Consultant for Net Zero Group.

3. Why did you want to join this In Focus course?

L: So I saw the course on one of my community Whatsapp group chats and as soon as I saw it, I knew I wanted to take part. As a nurse, you come across and meet so many incredible people and there are some very funny situations you find yourself in. I think we have the ability to find light in the dark and I was really keen to do this course to share our stories of how we balance everyday life and work, and the challenges we face whilst doing so.

J: I was feeling pretty lost with my work, and I was desperate for a creative outlet, so it was perfect timing for me when I came across the advert for the course. I already have a radio show but I felt like my ideas were more appropriate for a podcast so it was the perfect opportunity.


4. What interests you about podcasting and audio in general?

L: I absolutely LOVE podcasts. I listen to them on the school run, I listen to them on the way to work and I love how accessible they are and how varied they can be.


5. What’s your favourite aspect about podcasting/audio?

L: This is probably a new-found favourite as I’d never really done podcasting before, but it’s definitely recording and editing. It’s something I never thought I’d be capable of doing but I’m loving the process and learning.


6. When and how did you realise that you wanted to be involved with podcasting/audio?

L: I don’t think I ever knew until I saw the advert for the course, but seeing that made me realise there was an idea inside me that I really wanted to create and this has been the best opportunity to do that.

J: I saw the poster for the course, it looked bright and interesting, but it also seemed like quite a comprehensive course. This really appealed to me and I realised it literally started the following week so I didn’t have time to think about it – I just went for it.


7. What have you gained from this course?

L: The list is endless. I’ve gained a new set of friends, some amazing technical skills which have allowed me to create something I love that I will hopefully share with the world soon, and I gained the confidence to do something way out of my comfort zone.

J: I’ve gained all the skills I knew I needed to podcast but I just planned to pick them up along the way, but now I have them all under my belt to go.


8. What’s your biggest aspiration for creating or working in audio/podcasting?

L: I really want to create a successful podcast about nursing. I feel like I have something quite unique to offer to the podcasting world.


9. Where do you see yourself after this is all finished?

L: Probably super busy! I have so many ideas whizzing around about what I want to create, and hopefully it will be out there soon – watch this space.

J: I already had some ideas in the mix but I’m going to use what I put together for this course as a kick-off to create the fully formed podcast now! Obviously, I’ve built some momentum now to do this alongside work but it would also be fun, now I’m part of the podcasting and audio community to explore this professionally. Also because I work in sustainability, we’re often communicating about climate change, and what others are doing and sharing messages. So there’s a lot of scope to bring audio into that line of work too.

We can’t wait to see what this pair and other participants have up their sleeves moving forward from here! Don’t forget if you would like to get involved or find out more about any of our projects, please drop us an email at projects@reformradio.co.uk.

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Behind The Scenes – In Focus: Content & Social Media (Funded by ESF & Skills For Growth)

We are Toju, Mike and Nat – participants of the latest In Focus: Content and Social Media course which just finished and we are thrilled to share some exciting insights with you! We worked on a creative brief to produce a social media strategy for a local clothing designer, Rhea Barry, who has just released her new collection.

About the Course 

The In Focus: Content and Social Media was a comprehensive 7-week course designed to help individuals gain practical experience in digital content creation. Delivered by Reform Radio’s experienced Content & Marketing Team and industry experts, this programme was amazing at helping us develop our skills in marketing, video, and photography.

The course consisted of structured modules, covering topics such as social media and marketing strategies, analytics, trends, and audience development, planning and implementing a social media marketing campaign, and working from briefs to developing concepts. We also learnt the basics of filming and concept production, including creating short-form videos for different platforms like TikTok and Instagram, and editing and post-production.

The course was funded by the Skills for Growth & European Social Fund.

Our Group worked on a project for a local fashion designer as a part of the programme.

In Focus Participants Toju, Mike and Nat

Rhea B is a clothing designer and seamstress based in Cheetham Hill, Manchester. She is the one woman show behind ‘RB Funky Creations’; clothing company boasting one-of-a-kind and small-batch pieces all designed, cut, sewn and packaged by Rhea herself.

Rhea

Known for her signature ‘woodland fairy’ aesthetic, as well as her use of creative up-cycling, Rhea’s online platform has garnered an impressive following on social media platforms.

Rhea B champions the philosophy of ‘Slow Fashion’ and wastes absolutely zero fabric. She sources materials from end of line fabrics, charity shop items and eBay deadstock as well as some locally sourced new fabrics.

To mark the drop of her new collection, Reform Radio were lucky enough to host Rhea B at the station to meet her, shoot some of her clothing, and ask her some questions about her process.

Rhea handmakes new collections with drops every couple of months. They are all one of a kind or small batch pieces ranging in sizes Xs-3XL. Rhea works from her Manchester studio and designs, cuts, sews, packages and posts everything herself. She uses a mix of new fabrics, end of line and recycles old clothes to create her designs, so everything is unique. 

Purple Pixi Drop is a mix of tops, skirts and accessories. Running theme of the collection is a focus on trimmings, lace up detail and beaded fringing. Merging the colour purple with all the shades and textures that are made when Rhea combines lace, mesh velvet and stretch jerseys (always focused on comfort as well!). Rhea also saves all the scraps from cutting out the designs and uses these to create her patchwork gloves and panels so nothing is wasted. 

Images from the shoot

If you want to get involved in the next In Focus: Content & Social Media course, drop us an email at projects@reformradio.co.uk.

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blog ESF Featured on Homepage Funders Greater Manchester Combined Authority Projects

Reform launches new ‘In Focus’ creative courses.

We are so excited to launch a series of new programmes in partnership with Greater Manchester Combined Authority – ‘In Focus’ in Radio, Content & Social Media, Mind & Planet.

Independently focusing on audio, content creation, Carbon Literacy and well-being, all delivered by industry experts. The course is fully funded and has been made possible with the Skills for Growth & European Social Fund. Get in touch at projects@reformradio.co.uk to find out more.

The courses were designed through consultation across the creative sector with freelancers, artists, organisations and employees, to meet current demands and skill gaps. 

Individuals will learn a variety of skills ranging from music production to podcasting, social media and marketing strategies to filming and concept production. There will also be bespoke Carbon Literacy training, stress management and tailored well-being workshops.

In Focus: Radio

A 7-week course to learn all the skills required for music radio production. Led by Reform’s award-winning Podcasting Team with experience in national BBC strands, independent production companies, online radio and music related podcasts. During this course you will learn about audio production, presenting, music sequencing, research and interview skills, recording, editing & sound design, industry advice and knowledge on BBC systems. 

In Focus: Content and Social Media

A 7-week course delivered by Reform’s experienced Content & Marketing Team, featuring exciting guests from the creative industry. In this programme you will learn the ins and outs of digital content creation with hands-on experience in video & photography. You will develop a social media strategy and deliver a live event, all whilst gaining knowledge about pre & post production. 

In Focus: Mind and Planet

Part 1 – Mind.

Developed and delivered by Dan Owens-Cooper (Reform’s Wellbeing Manager and Senior Psychotherapist), and informed by over a decade of his experience in clinical practice. This flexible well-being training programme will be a mixture of workshops, video and audio content.

Covering the following topics, as well as looking at tailored content for you or your team: Communicating without conflict, Overcoming Impostor Syndrome, Active Listening and Coaching Skills, Confidence Building, Improving Motivation, Stress Management & Avoiding Burnout, Facing your Fear of Failure, and many more.

Part 2 – Planet

Carbon Literacy Training developed and delivered by award-winning Head of Production and sustainability expert, Dan Jackson, this programme will provide a deep-understanding of the science of climate change and how our everyday activities contribute to it.

Through group learning, discussion and practical workshops, individuals will learn how to develop creative strategies to maximise their influence and minimise their negative impacts on the climate. With bespoke content specifically tailored to production companies, digital content producers, gamers, designers and the media industry.


The programmes are free to attend and eligibility for these courses are those 16+, who live or work within Greater Manchester, and are employed or self employed. If you would like to get involved in any of these courses, please email projects@reformradio.co.uk.

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ESF Projects

FutureYou (Funded By European Social Fund)

We are excited to introduce our brand new project FutureYou, a programme designed to help guide and support young people on their career journeys.

Thinking about your future can be daunting, so we have teamed up with Ingeus UK and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) to create FutureYou to help plan your career and get you into the education, training or employment that is right for you. This project was kindly made possible by the European Social Fund.

The programme offers 1-1 mentoring sessions, well-being & CV writing support, with work placements and career planning opportunities for those ages 18-24 and not currently in education or employment.

Our friendly team of mentors will guide you every step of the way and provide you with the support you need to move forward and find your next career step. By working with Manchester based organisations and employers, we will break down barriers together and help you find great opportunities in your local area.

For more details of what FutureYou can help with, see the flyer down below.

If you are interested in this project, drop us an email at projects@reformradio.co.uk.

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ESF Projects

Boombox FM

Boombox FM is a radio play created through lockdow by young people in Greater Manchester.

The project was funded by ESF and the storyline is inspired by real life experiences throughout lockdown with elements dramatised wonderfully by the young people for the enjoyment of our listeners. This show also includes music created by the participants as well as spoken word and stories written whilst meeting weekly online

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High Rise Series: All Episodes Available Online

Since Thursday 12th August, we have been releasing episodes from the High Rise series on a weekly basis. We are excited to announce that all 11 episodes are out on Podfollow and Spotify.

High Rise is a European Social Fund 12 week creative writing radio drama project.

During these 12 weeks, MBE appointed Louise Wallwein guided each participant to create their own episode. All 11 episodes explored Greater Manchester’s gentrification.

Listen to all episodes below.

EP1: Hong Kong to Manchester

Written and produced by Farwa Naseer.

Hong Kong to Manchester explores themes of race, class and cultural differences. It showcases how humans connect regardless of this and celebrates Manchester’s diversity and evolving skyline.

EP2: Rain, Thunder and Fire

Written by Connor Forsyth.

An argument over the changing city, brought about by an artwork depicting it aflame. The High Rise buildings divide the past and future of the city. A story of sorrow, conflict, and passion.

EP3: Pushed Out Again

Written and produced by Jonathan Williams.

As the echoes of a compulsory order from the past linger, a teenager struggles with the uncertainty looming over his family with history threatening to repeat itself.

EP4: Nothing & Everything

Written & produced by Tom Braithwaite.

Guy, abandoned by the world, searching for the man responsible, runs into the arms of fate and a whirlwind romance with his rival’s daughter.

EP5: Same City. Total Opposites

by Joe Johnstone.

‘Same City. Total Opposites’ follows one boy, who is torn from his mother and is introduced to the tower blocks of Manchester.

EP6: No Power Great Responsibility

Written and directed by Alapelode Oluwatobi.

In ‘No Power Great Responsibility’, a builder fights for the freedoms of his family as a big Construction firm kicks local builders out of business.

EP7: Block 2 Block

Written and directed by Jozef Bryer.

‘Block 2 Block’ is a story of one young adult adapting back to normal life. He encounters many obstacles in his way, as he navigates two different environments.

EP8: A Day In the Life

Written by Alanis Leah MacDonald.

“Reality leaves a lot to the imagination”. In this episode, Gregory and Samantha are in a relationship and need a new home. Then the Manchester high rises are built. What will happen next?

EP9: Floor 129

Written and produced by Alex Ingham-Brophy.

This episode asks the question, what happens when you want more from life ? Everything’s tested. Relationships, moralities and sense of self-worth are all at risk, and it all starts on Floor 129.

EP10: A Tale from Two Sides

Written & directed by Maddie Zygmunt

Two Men, One Address, this is the story of the class divide.

EP11: Mourning Manchester, Mourning Malik

by Zhahava Waseem

“A drama rooted in grime, simplified in rhyme, inspired by the experience of both yours and mine, is it really one of crime? I mean, some of you may think it’s fine. Malik and Myles, Posh and Poor, one gets wasted and one goes to the floor. A story of friendship, a story of fraud. So sit back and relax, you won’t get bored.”

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High Rise Series: Episode 8-11 Released

The High Rise series releases one episode every Thursday on Podfollow and Spotify.

The series was born out of a 12 week creative writing radio drama project funded by European Social Fund.

During these 12 weeks, MBE appointed Louise Wallwein guided each participant to create their own episode. All 11 episodes explored Greater Manchester’s gentrification.

Since the last blog post, 4 more episodes have been released. Read on to listen and learn more about each episode.

EP8: A Day In the Life

Written by Alanis Leah MacDonald.

“Reality leaves a lot to the imagination”. In this episode, Gregory and Samantha are in a relationship and need a new home. Then the Manchester high rises are built. What will happen next?

EP9: Floor 129

Written and produced by Alex Ingham-Brophy.

This episode asks the question, what happens when you want more from life ? Everything’s tested. Relationships, moralities and sense of self-worth are all at risk, and it all starts on Floor 129.

EP10: A Tale from Two Sides

written & directed by Maddie Zygmunt

Two Men, One Address, this is the story of the class divide.

EP11: Mourning Manchester, Mourning Malik
(Final episode)

by Zhahava Waseem

“A drama rooted in grime, simplified in rhyme, inspired by the experience of both yours and mine, is it really one of crime? I mean, some of you may think it’s fine. Malik and Myles, Posh and Poor, one gets wasted and one goes to the floor. A story of friendship, a story of fraud. So sit back and relax, you won’t get bored.”

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High Rise Series: Episode 4-7 Released

The High Rise series releases one episode every Thursday on Podfollow and Spotify.

High Rise is a 12 week creative writing radio drama project funded by European Social Fund.

During these 12 weeks, MBE appointed Louise Wallwein guided each participant to create their own episode. All 11 episodes explored Greater Manchester’s gentrification.

Since the last blog post, 4 more episodes have been released. Read on to learn more about each episode.

EP4: Nothing & Everything

Written & produced by Tom Braithwaite.

Guy, abandoned by the world, searching for the man responsible, runs into the arms of fate and a whirlwind romance with his rival’s daughter.

EP5: Same City. Total Opposites.

by Joe Johnstone.

‘Same City. Total Opposites’ follows one boy, who is torn from his mother and is introduced to the tower blocks of Manchester.

EP6: No Power Great Responsibility

Written and directed by Alapelode Oluwatobi.

In ‘No Power Great Responsibility’, a builder fights for the freedoms of his family as a big Construction firm kicks local builders out of business.

EP7: Block 2 Block

Written and directed by Jozef Bryer.

‘Block 2 Block’ is a story of one young adult adapting back to normal life. He encounters many obstacles in his way, as he navigates two different environments.

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blog ESF

High Rise Series: Episode 1-3 Released

Every episode of High Rise will be released on Podfollow and Spotify one by one every Thursday. The rollout of the episodes started on Thursday 12th August.

High Rise is a European Social Fund funded 12 week creative writing radio drama project.

During these 12 weeks, MBE appointed Louise Wallwein guided each participant to create their own episode. All 11 episodes explored Greater Manchester’s gentrification.

So far 3 episodes have been released. Read on to learn more about each episode.

EP1: Hong Kong to Manchester

Written and produced by Farwa Naseer.

Hong Kong to Manchester explores themes of race, class and cultural differences. It showcases how humans connect regardless of this and celebrates Manchester’s diversity and evolving skyline.

EP2: Rain, Thunder and Fire

Written by Connor Forsyth.

An argument over the changing city, brought about by an artwork depicting it aflame. The High Rise buildings divide the past and future of the city. A story of sorrow, conflict, and passion.

EP3: Pushed Out Again

Written and produced by Jonathan Williams.

As the echoes of a compulsory order from the past linger, a teenager struggles with the uncertainty looming over his family with history threatening to repeat itself.

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blog ESF

High Rise: All Episodes Released as a Podcast Series

High Rise is a 12 week creative writing radio drama project.

During these 12 weeks, MBE appointed Louise Wallwein guided each participant to create their own episode. All 11 episodes explored Greater Manchester’s gentrification.

The episodes will be released on Podfollow and Spotify one by one every Thursday. The rollout of the episodes will start on Thursday 12th August.

European Social Fund funded this project.

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ESF Funders Projects

BuddyLine: Connect w/ the Elder Community & Create a Radio Show

Supported through ESF‘s funding, BuddyLine is a series of intergenerational phone calls that were born out of a need to combat loneliness, and to improve well-being during these tough periods of lockdown and self-isolation.

The calls for BudddyLine were due to finish before Christmas. However with the ever-changing government imposed restrictions and the prospect of some of our pairs unwillingly facing Christmas alone, we were eager to keep the conversations alive over the holiday period.

Our young Reform volunteers and Sonder Radio Buddies continued chatting on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, as well as New Years. As ever, the conversations meandered through a variety of wonderful topics.

Here’s what the Buddies and Reform volunteers had to say about their experience:

“The calls were really interesting, I was able to speak to people who I normally wouldn’t get the chance to and I learnt quite a lot”

“I loved talking to my buddies at Christmas, it’s perfectly natural to call your family and friends to wish them well and it was lovely to include my buddies from Sonder Radio too.”

“It was nice to have someone to speak to on Christmas day, I was spending Christmas on my own because of the lockdown.”

Head to Reform Radio’s Mixcloud to listen to the episodes.

If you want to get involved in this wholesome project, gain skills and experience producing radio and build up your CV, be sure to see the flyer below to see how you can get involved.

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ESF MAES Projects

Gen Now (Funded by ESF & MAES)

Dive into the perspectives of the younger generation with Gen Now. A group of young people from Manchester talk on the evolution of lifestyle, culture, music, politics, fashion & trends in this one hour radio show.

They have invited some exciting guests to join the conversation, including Emmanuel Jal and Manchester based artists Sandi Glowe, Kashi 47, Baby Flxcko & Anamelia. The group also stepped out of their generation and connected with Sara and Colin from our sister station, Sonder Radio. The two stations, Reform and Sonder, came together to understand and learn from one another.

This project was funded by Manchester Adult Education Service and European Social Fund.