about Streetlife FM

Where Streetlife FM Began

The idea for a community radio station began with Stanton La Foucade in the summer of 2004, who was then the council’s Street Warden Manager, while at a Leyton Neighbourhood Forum meeting, where provisions for young people in the ward were being discussed. There was some debate about what provision there should be and he pointed out the best way to find out would be to ask young people. Stanton remembered having seen the idea working effectively elsewhere.

Although there was no indication at first the Forum, including service providers bought into the idea. Stanton was subsequently asked drafted a proposal, which he did with help from the then Team Leyton staff. In November 2004 following a presentation to the community forum funding was agreed for a feasibility study. To oversee the project adopting a partnership approach a management board with members from local service providers, residents and young people was established.

Working with the management board a constitution was drafted, with term of reference who went on to invite tenders for the feasibility study. In December 2004 Ape Media were commissioned to start work straight away. Initially the station was set up as a Leyton Project but the findings from the feasibility study overwhelming showed that interest was coming from far and wide. By its very nature we couldn’t just broadcast to Leyton anyway, anticipating a huge level of growth.

The aim of the radio station was to provide a platform from where young people can air their views on issues of concern to both them and us as service providers. The uniqueness of this initiative was that young people would take ownership, develop and manage the project with adults provided the steering.

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