GWR provides grant and a listening ear to podcast-making project

Funding will allow Inspiring Audio Limited to work with at least 50 young adults, helping them learn the ‘what, how and why’ of communication through podcasts – giving them valuable skills to be better communicators for work or home.

Participants will be asked to research, record and produce their own podcasts around the theme of people who live, influence or work along the route of the Great Western mainline.

These will then be broadcast on national children’s radio station Fun Kids and available through the Fun Kids Podcast Network, and may also be available to listen to onboard GWR trains.

As part of GWR’s franchise agreement with the Department for Transport, the train operator is committed to supporting schools, colleges, community and other not-for-profit organisations by aiding a number of initiatives.

Inspiring Audio Limited’s Gregory Watson said:

“We will work with youth clubs along the Great Western mainline and with UK Youth, who work with young people primarily from disadvantaged backgrounds, to give young adults skills to be confident podcasters, encouraging them to share these skills and enthusiasm to help others become better communicators.

“A successful project will help them create a series of podcasts featuring diverse voices from communities along the Great Western mainline that inspire children and families to explore the route and the people who made the West best.” 

Those taking part will be invited to an introductory workshop to discuss styles of communication and speaking with different audiences, learn how to choose a subject and develop a story, how to script and record the words, and how to edit and add sound effects for greater impact.

After creating their own podcasts participants will then invited to a follow-up workshop to review progress, learn further skills and take part in additional practice sessions. 

GWR Community Manager Emma Morris said:

“We have a specific pot of money designed to help support schools, colleges and community or other not-for-profit organisations.

“Podcasts are becoming increasingly popular and this will be a brilliant way to tell the stories of those who help to make our communities such great places to live in and encourage people to travel by train and explore the route.”

To find out more about Inspiring Audio Ltd please visit inspiringaudio.co.uk

To find out more about Fun Kids please visit funkidslive.com

Notes to editors

First Greater Western Limited, trading as “Great Western Railway” (GWR), operates trains across the Great Western franchise area, which includes South Wales, the West Country, the Cotswolds, across southern England and into London. GWR provides high speed, commuter, regional and branch line train services, and before the covid-19 pandemic helped over 100 million passengers reach their destinations every year. GWR was recently awarded an extension to its direct award franchise (called DA3), which shall run up to 31 March 2023 with an option to extend for a further year. 

Find out more here: https://www.gwr.com/about-us