reACT provides media training for young people who are interested in building a career in the broadcasting industry – by teaching them how to produce quality radio output – and the Awards were a well-deserved acknowledgement of their hard work, imagination and enthusiasm.

Aimed at 12 to 19 year olds – 25 if the person is homeless – students come from a variety of backgrounds and whatever their ambitions, the course builds confidence and team working skills which can be used in many areas of life. As a result of their time at HAM, students like Mykel Ainsworth have found the self-assurance to go on to college or become involved in the Halton Youth Media Forum. Here, issues of interest or concern can be discussed in an environment which encourages thoughtful debate.

Award winner Joanna Hughes – who now coordinates the Forum – says that: “reACT enables people to come together and express their ideas. I’d like to pursue a career in the media and the course helps people gain experience and valuable networking contacts. I’d like to encourage other people to do it”.

Indeed, for those interested in British society and politics, the media plays a crucial role in our democracy. reACT is a perfect opportunity for young people to learn more about this aspect of life in Britain today. As Projects Officer Pete Muldoon remarks: “They are the next generation of broadcasters”.
Councillor Mike Hodgkinson, Mayor of Halton, presented the Awards “The students were very impressive, articulate and confident”, he says. He believes that the reACT course - and Halton Community Radio - can help young people reach out to others in their communities. “It was very enjoyable to speak to them”, he continues, “as their achievements are tremendous”.

HAM runs the Borough’s radio station – Halton Community Radio (HCR) – which has been awarded a five-year licence by Ofcom, and reACT students will have the opportunity of broadcasting. Previous 28-day broadcasts have proved popular because of the community content and the variety of music played, with last year’s being the best ever.

But the full-time broadcast will enable the Station to grow and to attract a bigger audience so that it can continue to represent the needs and interests of the people of Halton. reACT students will also be able to use their experience by creating programmes and features.

For more information on reACT, HAM or HCR, please contact Pete or Nicky on (01928) 835290.

Alternatively, you can email them at  petemuldoon@haltonaccesstomedia.co.uk or  nicolahassey@haltonaccesstomedia.co.uk