Chesterfield academy group launches radio station to help staff and students navigate coronavirus crisis

The Outwood Grange Academy Trust, which includes Outwood Newbold on Highfield Lane, hopes to use the state to inform, educate and entertain its listeners.

Stu Winder, the man behind the station, said: “I am thrilled to get Outwood Radio up and running.

“There has been such a buzz on social media from both staff and students since word got out that this was in the works and it has just made me more determined to make it a success.”

He added: “While obviously one of the main purposes of this is to keep both staff and students up to date with anything and everything Outwood, this is a radio station for anyone to listen to.

“We see this as a chance to bring a bit of enthusiasm and company to those who may be finding this particularly hard.”

Students will be able to listen in for help with work, as well as all things Google Classroom, but there will be a mix of content throughout the schedule.

The station will be hosting regular competitions and features such as ‘guess the sound’ and a school staff version of Desert Island Discs.

There will also be live discussions on issues such as mental wellbeing, with tips for listeners on how to keep a positive outlook during challenging times.

Stu is an experienced broadcaster, having previously presented the main weekend show on local radio station Tempo FM and several weekday shows.

His voice may also be familiar from his voiceover work for radio stations around the world.

He is hoping to use his industry connections to recruit current and former professional radio DJs to host guest slots.

Stu said: “I will be doing the Breakfast show daily between 9am and 10am, and I want to help people start their day with a smile.

“We are all in this together and I want to make sure everyone feels supported through this.”

More than 1,000 people have already followed the station. To tune in, go to www.radioking.com/radio/outwood-radio.