Radio masterclasses to beat mental health problems
Monday 16 September 2019
People with mental health problems could be helped thanks to a new business launched by a student from the University of Salford.
The business, called ‘Alive Podcast’ aims to help people who may be struggling with their mental health by getting them involved with podcasting and broadcasting with local radio stations in Manchester.
Launched by mental health nursing student Stephen Greenwood, it will offer broadcasting training to recovering patients, families and carers with the aim of improving their confidence and communication skills.
Stephen has already been working with the NHS on their Recovery Academy programme, Recovery through Radio and Podcasting. These sessions run twice a year, but Stephen hopes to offer them more regularly with his business, which is being supported by the Launch@SalfordUni incubation hub at the University of Salford.
Stephen said: “I wanted to combine my two passions, one is music journalism and broadcasting, the other is mental health.
“Initially I didn’t think it would make a big business, but Launch helped me to see the bigger picture.”
Stephen explained that the work he has already been doing has already helped patients. He added that one of his patients said that the programme helped her to have conversations with her family about mental health problems when she had struggled before.
Stephen was also shortlisted for the Innovation in Practice award at the Nursing Times’ Student Awards 2019 for the programme.
In the future Stephen wants to create a stronger link with community radio stations across Greater Manchester, he is already working with Bolton FM and is looking to develop a relationship with Salford City Radio.
Liz Burns, Lecturer in Mental Health Nursing at the University of Salford, said: “Stephen is an inspiring student demonstrating the wide-reaching benefits of applying knowledge and skills within industry collaboration. It is a fantastic achievement to see his commitment to improve public mental health through radio presenting and podcasting come to fruition.”
Justyna Turner, Incubation Manager at Launch@Salford Uni said: “Stephen has a real passion for helping people and he has combined this really well with his other passion for radio and broadcasting. His business idea could change lives.”
Find out more
Sam Wood
0161 295 5361
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