As part of National Volunteers Week, Stockport NHS Foundation Trust is celebrating the fantastic work of the many volunteers who provide vital support for its services – including their very own hospital radio station.
Radio Starlion has been entertaining patients on wards at Stepping Hill Hospital now for an incredible 49 years, and it’s been run entirely by volunteers during the whole time.
The station was originally founded in 1977 by the Stockport Lions Club, the local branch of the largest community service organisation in the world., though it’s now independent from the organisation.
With contributions from seven a small group of volunteers, Radio Starlion broadcasts a varied mix of music programmes, news, information, features and sport to the patients on the wards.
The station provides a 24 hour service, seven days a week. When not broadcasting live programmes from the studio, listeners can still hear a broad mixture of music and features specifically aimed at the audience within the hospital.
Radio Starlion’s studio in the hospital based upstairs in the hospital’s Oak House main headquarters, is home to thousands of old records, though of course newer music can now be accessed by other mediums media as well.
The station is the first option on the bedside Fusion entertainment system to which patients have access to on their headsets or speakers, giving them an array of free listening options during their stay.
Crucial to Starlion’s appeal are ward visits from volunteers, where they ask patients for requests for their programmes, which can then be added to the programming playlist with dedications.
Alan Swallow has headed the station for 47 of its 49 active years. He says the ward visits are a clear part of what gives the station its friendly and interactive appeal for patients, with requests often on air just 15 to 30 minutes after the request is first made.
Other key parts of the station’s planning are live commentaries on games from Stockport County FC at Edgeley Park, wit with commentary from volunteer Dave Carter.
Alan Swallow said;
“A hospital radio station like ours can help encourage a really close and personal community atmosphere, and we’ve been the start of so many patient friendships over the years. It’s been a real pleasure and honour both for me and my fellow volunteers providing entertainment and comfort to patients for so long over the years, and we’re looking forward to celebrating our big 50th anniversary next year.”
Over 250 dedicated volunteers work at Stepping Hill Hospital, taking part in a wide array of activities. They support patients, families, visitors and staff in various ways, including greeting and guiding patients and visitors when they first visit the hospital, helping out on wards at mealtimes, and serving in the hospital’s shops.
Yvonne Hanson, Voluntary Services Manager said;
“Alan and the team provide a fantastic service with Radio Starlion, and so do our many other volunteers who provide a vital support for our patients, visitors and staff all year round. We’re always looking for new volunteers so if you’d like to join in and give your time please get in touch.”
If you’d interested in volunteering for Stockport NHS Foundation Trust found out more on our web page here or email [email protected]