Radio Dusthole is a monthly radio show on Frome FM which is hosted by Mendip based Service Manager James Ball and features both staff and service users.
Radio Dusthole is a monthly radio show on Frome FM which is hosted by Mendip based Service Manager James Ball and features both staff and service users.
Since July, (a show was recorded in June however is lost to time due to the record button not being pressed) Radio Dusthole has been on air every third Thursday of the month. The show is a feel-good hour filled with good tunes, great banter, and fascinating stories from voices that are so often ignored.
The name ‘Radio Dusthole’ refers to the Julian House’s single supported housing unit in Shepton Mallet, which is located in a renovated pub called ‘The Dusthole’. This service is funded by Mendip Council and aims to enable residents to develop sufficient independent living skills to move on to more permanent accommodation within 6 to 12 months.
By taking part in activities such as radio shows it allows clients to build their confidence and learn new skills. Services have a diverse portfolio of opportunities to get involved in, including social events and skill-building sessions to educational workshops and volunteering. Read more about that here: Nurturing wellbeing with client activities | Julian House
Radio Dusthole is one of many community led shows which air on Frome FM which encourages locals to get involved with opportunities with running their own radio show to become the soundtrack to Frome.
What made you decide to start Radio Dusthole?
James: I used to work at an activities centre for adults with disabilities in New Zealand. They hosted a weekly show on Wellington Access Radio, which was always a highlight for me. Hosting the show really empowered the people I supported, and was something they could show off to their friends and family. I basically nicked the idea and brought it to the Mendips!
Our clients love music and have good banter, so it seemed like a no brainer. 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 since.
What sort of topics do you discuss on this show?
James: 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, give shout outs etc. The clients sometimes talk about their experiences sleeping rough, but it’s up to them if they feel comfortable discussing it.
How have clients responded to working on the show?
James: Some have been reluctant to come, but once they have, they’ve never looked back. I’ve been so impressed by their composure on air, very natural hosts who just “get it”!
What has been a highlight for working on Radio Dusthole?
James: 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.
What other activities do you do with the clients?
James: We’ve done all sorts over the last year, some more successful than others but everything is worth a try! Rockclimbing, museum trips, painting classes, Tai Chi, pottery class, bowling, cooking groups, BBQs, country walks, animal park visits.
If you are interested in listening to Radio Dusthole, every episode can be found on the website or to listen live the show is on air every third Thursday of the month at 2pm: https://www.frome.fm/
