Just before the breakup at Christmas, NLive Radio brought together young people, their families and local decision makers to celebrate its Nexus Youth Project. Nexus was funded by the Northamptonshire Community Foundation as part of #IWill Youth Action Projects and saw NLive Radio staff, presenters and volunteers train and coach young people in being presenters, producers, and journalists and encouraging them to engage with social action topics.
Station Manager, Martin Steers “As the local radio station for everyone in Northampton, we are passionate about engaging with young people, and especially training and empowering them to have a voice, and talk about the issues that matter to them.”
The project was a combination of weekly workshops and two week-long courses during the summer holidays, across the entire Nexus Project around 25 young people between the ages of 13 18 took part, the groups worked to produce shows on issues such as mental health, careers and aspirations, and social media.
One of the participants Jasumin Whitehead, “I really enjoyed the course and want to do more. The project taught me lots – thank you!” another participant Saranshri Ramamurthy, “Thank you so much for this opportunity to work with others and learn lots. I can see how these skills will be helpful later.”
The celebration event took place at the University of Northampton Waterside Campus, included a short presentation about the project, and the live broadcasting of a special Nexus Youth Show on NLive Radio including interviews with Jane Birch, Councillor from Northampton Town Council and Rufia Ashraf the Mayor of Northampton who were both in attendance.
Cllr Jane Birch “I was absolutely delighted to be part of the event to celebrate the work and achievements of the young people involved in the Nexus Youth project in conjunction with NLive radio.
The project provides a great opportunity for young people to come together to investigate matters which affect their schools , their friends, families and the wider communities. The pandemic and lockdowns along with home schooling have presented this age group with unforeseen challenges. To be able to work as part of a team to discuss all these matters, produce content and broadcast on NLive requires a huge range of skills, not only technical, but of research, analysis and presentation – all transferable skills which make them confident and effective communicators.”
Rufia Ashraf, Mayor of Northampton “Young people are our future and it is our duty to guide them to make decisions how to shape their future careers. The NEXUS project enables young people to grasp opportunities to gain experience and knowledge which they can go onto make them excell at whatever they want to aspire to become.”
NLive Radio is currently reviewing the project and have applied for additional funding with hopes to relaunch Nexus early this year with additional courses, a drop in radio club and a dedicated show and podcasts for Northampton’s young people.
For more information about the Nexus Youth Project head to nliveradio.com/nexus
Copy provided by NLive Radio broadcasting on 106.9fm across Northampton, online at nliveradio.com, it’s own dedicated smart phone app, as well as on smart speakers via “Launch N Live Radio”
