Hope Radio, a community radio station set up by Peni Welan to support the over-50`s during lockdown, are proud to announce the completion of not just one but  two community poems. 

"We asked our listeners to send in  one more lines  that could be woven together to create a tapestry of voices and  work of true diversity and collaboration" said Peni Whelan. "What we received back via email, text message, postcard and Facebook Messenger was truly inspiring if a little  overwhelming.  Such was the volume of words received that two poems were created"  

Peni explained that poets from as far as field as Australia and  close to home as Birmingham`s own Poet Laureate contributed their words and voices to the project. Ian Henery, Hope`s longest-serving Poet-in-Residence, undertook the enormous task of stitching the words together and Peni Whelan then undertook the task of stitching all of the voices together.  

"It is with great pleasure that we bring you the fruits of our collaborative  labour" said Peni  "and a big thank you to everyone who took part.  If this has whetted appetites for more or people missed out on contributing to the first two Community Poems fear not as for our next trick as we would like help in creating a new Track Group of Poetry to be played during the overnight playlist."  

The working title is "A Reassuring Voice In The Dark".  he poetry is to address the needs of insomniacs, which is an issue for many over 50 and to support the mental health of nighttime workers nd listeners 

  Licensed by OFCOM and broadcast on FM and online Hope Radio provides a 24 hour service to the community and is aimed at those aged over 50 who may not have access to, or do not desire to have cess to the internet.  The station is a way to share experiences, send messages to family and friends and encourage community spirit.

It was set up by Peni alongside a group of Midlands creatives as part of Brum Community Media, a platform created  during lockdown for Birmingham creatives to share, collaborate and network, which has since branched out into various projects.

If you would like to contribute please send your words and audio recordings to brumcommunitymedia@gil.com .  If you need help to record your words please contact Hope Radio n 0121 792 07 and full training will be given.