Heartsong Live – Ofcom Community Radio Fund Grant Report (Public Summary)

Heartsong Live – Ofcom Community Radio Fund Grant Report (Public Summary)

Grant Period: September 2024 – July 2025

Licence Numbers: CDP104632BA/2  |  DP104836BA/1

Overview

Heartsong Live received funding from Ofcom’s Community Radio Fund to strengthen our visibility, deepen engagement, and build long-term sustainability.

The grant supported a Business Strategist / Community Manager role focused on creating systems, expanding partnerships, and developing programmes that amplify community voices on-air and off-air.

How the Grant Was Used

The funded role enabled Heartsong Live to:

• Conduct internal audits and feasibility studies to improve community strategy.
• Pilot in-person interviews and local outreach across Leith, Fife and West Lothian.
• Create a centralised operations handbook with processes for engagement, fundraising, and youth collaboration.
• Develop a CSR-linked airtime model allowing local businesses to sponsor features supporting micro-enterprises.
• Recruit and train five new volunteers and an intern, expanding operational capacity by 30%.
• Collaborate with West Lothian Council during summer  to pilot Media Makers Live, a youth broadcasting concept later funded by The National Lottery to train 30 young people in media and presentation skills.

Key Achievements

• 📘 Systems Strengthened: Operations handbook produced, formalising engagement and content workflows.
• 📡 Regional Reach Expanded: Heartsong Live grew its footprint in West Lothian and Fife through community interviews and partnerships.
• 💪 Volunteer Growth: Five new team members onboarded, increasing studio and outreach capacity.
• 🤝 Partnerships: Collaborations formed with the Scottish Bible Society, YoTU, and local social enterprises.
• 🎙️ Youth Engagement: Media Makers Live empowered 30 young people to explore broadcasting, confidence, and creativity.
• 💡 Innovation: A replicable fundraising model was developed through collaborative community events.

Social Gain and Community Impact

• Over 30 interviews conducted across Leith, Fife and West Lothian, showcasing small businesses, social enterprises and local heroes.
• New on-air features such as Community Spotlight and Prayer Groups strengthened listener connection.
• Partnerships like West Lothian Drugs and Alcohol Service (WLDAS) raised awareness and inspired collaboration.
• Blogs and social-media stories repurposed from interviews continue to generate long-term engagement.
• Volunteers extended roles into outreach, administration and production.
• Listener feedback described Heartsong Live as “a refreshing, authentic platform for local stories.”

Sustainability Snapshot

• Formalised systems and clear internal processes for continuity.
• Regional presence expanded across three Scottish areas.
• Volunteer capacity increased 30%.
• Fundraising and partnership models now in place.
• Positive community feedback confirming trust and visibility.

Looking Ahead

Building on these achievements, Heartsong Live will:

✅ Develop CSR sponsorship packages to sustain community airtime.

✅ Expand Media Makers Live with West Lothian Council and The National Lottery.

✅ Invest in technical and editorial support to strengthen quality.

✅ Host an annual community event celebrating collaboration and storytelling through radio.

Community Stories & Links

Explore some of the interviews and features created through this journey:

• Helen Blossom – Virtual Assistant, West Lothian
• Gracey – Building Two Thriving Brands
• Mark Vance – WLDAS
• Qupi Café
• Leith Bottle Shop
• Bob Dog Groomers
• Green Meadows, Leith
• Edinburgh Honey Co
• All Together Edinburgh
• Adopt a Child – Refuel Festival

Closing Note

The Ofcom Community Radio Fund grant enabled Heartsong Live to build stronger systems, empower volunteers, and deepen community impact.

By combining strategic planning with grass-roots engagement, we’ve laid a foundation for sustainable growth and continued storytelling across Scotland.