A feel-good radio show has launched on Frome FM, sharing the voices of people experiencing homelessness.
Radio Dusthole is a monthly radio show hosted by James Ball, a service manager for the homelessness charity Julian House. The show features both staff and service users.
The name ‘Radio Dusthole’ refers to Julian House’s single supported housing unit in Shepton Mallet, a renovated pub called ‘The Dusthole.’ This service, funded by Somerset Council, aims to help residents develop sufficient independent living skills to move on to more permanent accommodation within six to 12 months.
By taking part in activities such as radio shows, participants can build their confidence and learn new skills. The service offers a diverse portfolio of opportunities, including social events, skill-building sessions, educational workshops and volunteering.
“Our clients love music and have good banter, so it seemed like a no-brainer,” explained James. “I contacted Frome FM, who loved the idea. I went in for a day of training, and it’s been a staple of our activities ever since.
“I didn’t want it to be a show about rough sleeping, where it’s all downbeat and we only play Another Day in Paradise by Phil Collins. We chat about what we’ve been up to, why we like certain songs, and give shout-outs. The clients sometimes talk about their experiences sleeping rough, but it’s up to them if they feel comfortable discussing it.
“We listened back to our latest show in the car, and I loved seeing the response from the clients. They just loved hearing their voices coming out of the radio. They don’t shy away from putting themselves outside of their comfort zone, and building their self-esteem is such a massive part of their journey with us.”
If you’re interested in listening to Radio Dusthole, every episode can be found on the website. To listen live, the show airs on the third Thursday of each month at 2pm. Visit: https://www.frome.fm/
![Town-wide programme brings month of social activities in May
A month-long programme of activities and events is set to take place across the town in May as part of an initiative encouraging residents to connect with themselves, each other and local places.
The scheme, Frome Connects, will run throughout the month and includes a mix of social activities, creative events and informal meet-ups in community spaces.
Highlights include the return of Dress Up Fridays, which began during lockdown and invites people to wear formal clothing or fancy dress and turn the town into their catwalk each Friday.
Set-piece moments include a Kate Bush-themed flashmob (Running Up That [Catherine] Hill) on 30th May, followed by a bell peal at St John’s Church where the bells will play Running Up That Hill.
There will also be a whole-town drone photo on Friday 30th May, with everyone encouraged to ‘look up’ at around 12.30pm.
Read more on our website, the link is in our bio.
Pictured: l-r Jenny Hartnoll and Ginny Adams](https://scontent-lhr6-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/684201964_18069463433653265_2722712448142239347_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiRkVFRC5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=lpPD1lkIpzUQ7kNvwGc5hdb&_nc_oc=Adpzr2hnI58mBzDyMxcnkdK_pr7-84FAARfoTk3dgtKJKwIbvYouQytEkAdXpaUAvxU&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-lhr6-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=QKz5uslOl1wFJGffej9rcQ&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQEhS3JmIIRGVtdvc7NeDg-szHPgOZvSeqR7PYflJsqm1cp0XCNujCDPTyODWI0mmJV4mujraOr9&oh=00_Af2_0pgXuakjMTfphq9JSx7v6C2RU__qPFT1d7jQmFh5EA&oe=69F7C6AA "Town-wide programme brings month of social activities in May
A month-long programme of activities and events is set to take place across the town in May as part of an initiative encouraging residents to connect with themselves, each other and local places.
The scheme, Frome Connects, will run throughout the month and includes a mix of social activities, creative events and informal meet-ups in community spaces.
Highlights include the return of Dress Up Fridays, which began during lockdown and invites people to wear formal clothing or fancy dress and turn the town into their catwalk each Friday.
Set-piece moments include a Kate Bush-themed flashmob (Running Up That [Catherine] Hill) on 30th May, followed by a bell peal at St John’s Church where the bells will play Running Up That Hill.
There will also be a whole-town drone photo on Friday 30th May, with everyone encouraged to ‘look up’ at around 12.30pm.
Read more on our website, the link is in our bio.
Pictured: l-r Jenny Hartnoll and Ginny Adams")
