It’s About Time media and arts project: participants wanted

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Would you like free BBC training in podcast production? Richmond Fellowship is seeking 40 people from across Merseyside, with a passion for media and the arts, to sign up to a fantastic new project called It’s About Time. Participants must be 50+ and not currently in paid employment.

Successful applicants will be trained online by the BBC to produce a podcast relating to mental health and wellbeing, with a focus on the idea that participants can create For wellbeing.

The aim is to draw out participants’ stories and experiences to inspire listeners, provide insight into lived experiences of mental health issues and offer people’s personal approaches to achieving and maintaining wellbeing. Ideally, those taking part should be seeking to gain employment in the field of media, arts and culture.

It’s About Time, which will run until the end of March 2021, is funded by the European Social Fund Liverpool programme. The project is facilitated by Our Time time bank (part of Richmond Fellowship) in partnership with BBC Radio Merseyside, Voluntary Arts England and Timebanking UK.

Participant eligibility criteria:

• A passion for media, culture and the arts
• Aged 50+ (though we have a little flexibility with this – more details on request)
• A commitment to completing eight hours of online media training, eight hours of non-guided learning and producing a podcast focused on mental health and wellbeing
• Currently not in paid employment
• Resident within the Liverpool City Region
• Have the legal right to live and work in the U.K. for the duration of the project

It’s About Time will support each participant member to complete:

• 8 hours of specialist online training delivered by BBC Radio Merseyside in partnership with Voluntary Arts England, including:
  – An introduction to BBC Radio Merseyside with virtual tour
  – How to plan and produce a podcast as part of a team of fellow project members (online)
  – Digital storytelling techniques and methods
  – How to conduct interviews and book guests
  – Methods to develop of a social media strategy to promote a podcast
• 8 hours of non-guided learning (studies, timebanking activities)
  – Visits to cultural sites, arts, dance performances and timebanking activities (co-ordinated by Our Time, in person – Covid-19 permitting) (reasonable expenses met by Timebanking UK)

All trainee-produced radio content will be promoted on BBC Radio Merseyside and members may be invited to give an interview for a radio show as part of this.

Participation will include signing up to Our Time time bank for the duration of the project (and beyond March 2021, should they wish to remain a member). The DWP has confirmed that time bank membership as part of TBUK will not affect receipt of benefits (more details can be provided on request).

To refer someone to the project or receive an application form please contact vicki.pritchard@richmondfellowship.org.uk or 07901 517336.

Application forms must be returned by 21 August 2020.