The Pass It On Project is a partnership between two Local Authorities and an award winning community radio station, Angel Radio, which will broadcast on-air and on-line informal adult learning produced by listeners for listeners across West Sussex and Hampshire. Angel Radio is the only radio station in the country that is targeted at the over 60’s and has over 40,000 FM listeners each day, with 3.2 million internet listeners between March 2010/201, with a track record of having a positive impact on the community (81% listeners report this to be the case).

Aims of the Pass It On Project are to:
• Provide daily sound bites of learning by listeners for listeners that can be shared on-air and on-line to develop a learning community that makes elderly people feel part of a community that keeps them mentally active
• Widen participation to informal adult learning through innovative broadcasting technology for vulnerable and hard-to-reach elderly people to improve their confidence, independence, mental and physical well-being and a sense of community
• Deliver steps into formal adult learning groups in their local area that supports the acquisition of new skills such as first steps ICT, email and internet use, subjects in creative arts and healthy living that will improve communication skills, reduce social isolation, promote mental agility and enhance physical health
• Develop the role of volunteers to build capacity in broadcasting technology that promotes independence, well-being, advocacy and choice with sustainability beyond the life of the project
• Deliver a minimum of 6x 12 hour media training programmes for volunteers and voluntary sector organisations
• Provide10 voluntary sector organisation with 4 hours of mentoring/coaching support to produce radio broadcasts following completion of media training programme

Data collection undertaken by ‘Research Works’ for DCMS and Ofcom reflects that 51% of Angel listeners listen every day and that 13% of listeners keep Angel on 24 hours a day 7 days per week. 94% of listeners agree that Angel offers support for older people. 48% report that they would like to know how they can be involved in community projects. 90% of the listeners are retired and 46% listen alone. 91% of listeners say that Angel offers opportunities for older people with specific social benefits.

This project will align with the government’s three big society principles to give power to people enabling them to lead activities that are meaningful for them, open up the opportunity for vulnerable and hard to reach elderly people to be a part of delivering learning reducing dependencies on public services and to encourage volunteering.

We will create a pool of trained volunteers gaining new skills, confidence and self-esteem enabling them to broadcast their learning on air and through the internet. This project will empower people to lead campaigns, take part in debates and discussions placing listeners at the heart of decision making on what is important for them to learn, discuss and share with others.

Sharing skills and knowledge, passions and hobbies on air and online will unveil a whole world of new talents and learning outcomes can ensue. Investing power in the hands of the listeners will produce accessible content that reaches those in greatest need.