At the heart of the Isle of Wight community, you’ve likely heard of Vectis Radio. Perhaps they boom through your car speakers on your morning commute or accompany you whilst you make your Saturday morning coffee. However you listen, they keep the Island connected and have become a staple within our daily lives.
However, there’s more to it than just cheeky conversation and good tunes, did you know they’re actually a registered charitable incorporated organisation? And with that comes their project, the 4Ps – standing for presenting, producing, podcasting and promoting. The 4Ps is an educational scheme that was created in 2013 by the radio’s original founder, Ian Mac. It aims to teach young people aged 11-25, real life skills in media and radio. Building their confidence and communication skills. With a heavy focus on young people with special needs, who might struggle to find this kind of opportunity elsewhere, the results are often life changing.
Since 2013, Vectis Radio have welcomed 500 young people through their studio doors. Working with Island based schools such as St. Catherine’s School, St. George’s School, The Studio School, Ryde Academy, Carisbrooke Academy and The Isle of Wight College. The success of the programme is phenomenal, with some of the previous students going on to become radio presenters, work in TV or continue to volunteer with Vectis Radio. If you’re a regular listener, you might recognise Leisha Lang. A previous 4P student, she now proudly has a regular segment on the show as ‘Queen of the Noughties’. Recently, one of their students, Anna Constable, has joined the cast of Eastenders playing the character of Jodie Hawkins.
This October, Vectis Radio and the 4Ps programme have been deservingly recognised for their community work, being awarded the Community Group Award by the BBC, as part of the Make a Difference Awards. This is an award that recognises a group that has genuinely helped the lives of others. Awards are given from each local BBC radio station, with 4P being awarded by BBC Radio Solent. In September they attended the prestigious awards ceremony across the water in Southampton, hosted by BBC Radio Solent presenters Katie Martin and Rick Jackson. The judges praised 4PS for going beyond simply teaching practical skills, saying the project “sparks confidence, builds trust and creates moments that families will never forget.”
Ian Mac, Vectis Radio founder and presenter said
“It’s all about the youngsters. They’re the ones that are achieving every day,”
“We just put the project together 13 years ago and they are following it to the letter. They’re the real winners here.”
Previous student and current presenter, Leisha Lang said
“Massive congratulations Vectis Radio and super exciting. I appeared on the VT. I’m so lucky and grateful to be a part of an incredible project and to be part of the most wonderful radio team on the Isle of Wight.”
That being said, the team are no strangers to winning awards, being awarded many community recognitions over the years including the Queens Award for voluntary service, and gold at the Audio & Radio Industry Awards (ARIAS) – described as the Oscars of radio.
We are excited to see how they continue to develop, grow and changes lives. And we couldn’t be more grateful for their contributions to nurturing the creativity in our young people on the Island.
