Community

Community radio receives £600,000 boost to support growth and sustainability

Published

7 months ago

May 13, 2025

Stations to benefit from expanded grants, training, and support under new funding package

COMMUNITY radio stations across the UK are set to benefit from a significant uplift in government support, with an extra £600,000 allocated this year—bringing total funding for 2025/26 to £1 million.

The additional funding will be distributed primarily through the Community Radio Fund, administered by Ofcom, with £900,000 in grants available to help local stations create jobs, train volunteers, and build sustainable business models. A further £100,000 will be used to support sector-wide development projects, such as audience research and potential new services in underserved communities.

There are currently more than 300 community radio stations in the UK, providing a lifeline of hyper-local news, information, and entertainment to listeners—often in areas no longer served by commercial radio. Unlike commercial broadcasters, community stations are run on a not-for-profit basis, with a focus on public benefit and inclusivity.

The Government says the increased funding forms part of its wider Plan for Change, aimed at boosting economic growth through job creation and skills development.

Media Minister Stephanie Peacock said: “Community radio plays an important role in the lives of many people across the UK, helping to keep them informed, entertained and connected to the world around them.

“We are committed to ensuring the growth and sustainability of the sector, which is why we have boosted funding to help stations create more jobs, build their businesses and reach even more listeners.”

Mark Jones, Chair of the Community Radio Fund, welcomed the announcement. He said: “With the fund more than doubling for this year, we’ll be able to support new roles at even more stations. This will help community radio stations operate sustainably and continue to serve their local areas with creative and distinctive programming.”

Since its creation in 2005, the Community Radio Fund has awarded grants to more than 150 stations. Grants typically range from £5,000 to £30,000 and are awarded by an independent panel.

Further guidance on how to apply for the 2025/26 round of funding will be published by Ofcom ahead of the application window opening in September.

Vijay Umrao, Chair of the Community Media Association, said: “The increase in funding will help the Community Radio Fund achieve its primary role of supporting the core costs of running Ofcom-licensed stations, enabling them to continue their pivotal work.”

Martin Steers, Director of the UK Community Radio Network, added: “Community radio is often the only local voice in many areas. While we welcome this one-off boost, we urge the government to look at long-term funding solutions to ensure the sector’s continued impact.”

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

11 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

Published

12 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event

THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.

Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.

The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.

Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.

The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.

Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.

Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Special delivery of thanks as MP visits Haverfordwest sorting office

Published

1 day ago

December 12, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Christmas cheer for posties working through the festive rush

A CHRISTMAS message of thanks was delivered in person this week as Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell paid a visit to Royal Mail staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office.

The MP met postal workers during one of the busiest periods of the year, praising staff for their hard work in ensuring cards, parcels and gifts reach homes across Pembrokeshire in the run-up to Christmas.

Mr Tufnell said postal workers were going “above and beyond” throughout the year, but particularly during the festive period when demand is at its highest and delivery rounds are often made in challenging weather conditions.

He described postal staff as “unsung heroes”, highlighting their role in keeping communities connected and helping families stay in touch at a time when it matters most.

Speaking after the visit, Mr Tufnell said: “Our posties play a vital role in our community, and at Christmas that importance is felt more than ever. They work incredibly hard to make sure gifts and cards from loved ones arrive safely and on time.”

Staff at the Haverfordwest site were pictured alongside the MP, with some embracing the festive spirit in Christmas jumpers and seasonal outfits while continuing their daily work.

The MP also extended his thanks to postal workers across the whole of Pembrokeshire, acknowledging the dedication required to keep services running smoothly during the seasonal rush.

Royal Mail experiences its highest parcel volumes in December, with thousands of additional items passing through local sorting offices each day as Christmas approaches.

Delivering Christmas cheer: Henry Tufnell MP with staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office during a festive visit (Pic: Facebook).