## St Raphael’s & CRY 104FM Strike Gold with Heartwarming Christmas Broadcast
For the residents, service users, and staff of St Raphael’s, Youghal, and the dedicated broadcasting team from CRY 104FM Community radio, a special Christmas wish came true with a Gold Award and a Craol Achievement Award Standout Submission in the Craol Community Radio Awards for a show broadcast last year.
‘Christmas from St Raphael’s 2024’ is a festive blend of cherished memories, nostalgic stories, and beloved music, capturing the joyful spirit of the St Raphael’s community, where service users and staff support and enjoy each other’s company.CRY 104FM broadcasts approximately 165 hours a week,powered by the dedication of volunteers since its establishment in 1979. Today,the station operates with five core staff,11 Community Employment staff,two Tus staff,and over 135 active volunteers involved in broadcasting,training,community engagement,and governance.
“Our community radio station is an active source of engagement and a platform for all sectors of the community,” says station manager yvonne Smith.The awards recognize a project born from challenging times. “everyone knows about the effects covid had on us,” Yvonne explains. “The isolation, the loneliness, the fear, were obvious all over the country. Older people were the most affected in the community.”
Too combat these feelings,Yvonne conceived a novel idea: a program broadcast from St Raphael’s,featuring segments from service users,residents,and staff. The idea was enthusiastically embraced, resulting in a warmly received broadcast that resonated throughout Youghal and the surrounding areas of east Cork and west Waterford.
“The idea evolved,” Yvonne says. “It took off.We broadcast programmes at least twice a year from St raphael’s Center. We get fantastic feedback.” This led to the creation of a Christmas Special, inviting all clients, service-users, and staff to participate.
Angela kearns, Stephen O’Leary and Steve Whelan of CRY Community Radio joined the enthusiastic team to bring the vision to life.
“The people at St Raphael’s are like one big family,” Yvonne shares.
The CRY Community Radio team were warmly welcomed and embraced by the St Raphael’s community.”The residents got more involved,” Yvonne adds, “The camaraderie and the atmosphere at the community hub th
Summary of “Christmas from St Raphael’s” & St Raphael’s Centre Activities
This text details the activities and impact of the “Christmas from St Raphael’s” project, a community radio initiative run by St Raphael’s Centre, and provides a glimpse into the daily life at the centre.
Key Highlights:
* St Raphael’s Centre: The centre provides a supportive surroundings for residents with disabilities. Activities include animal care (ducks and chickens, overseen by a staff member who enjoys Foster & allen music) and gardening, with the help of Jimmy Murphy, known for his “green fingers.”
* “Christmas from St Raphael’s” Project: This annual project involves residents and staff in creating radio programmes, offering a meaningful way to participate in the community. it has been a significant success, connecting the centre with a wider audience and fostering a sense of belonging and joy among participants. The project engages over 47 residents and staff.
* Community Support: The centre benefits from strong community support, including an honesty box for produce and celebrations marked by flying flags.Local musicians Jon Bulman and Bobby Minogue provide live customary music during open days.
* Recognition: The project received recognition from Craol, the national umbrella organisation for community radio in Ireland, through thier achievement awards.
* Resident Experiences: Residents like Richard enjoy social activities, though he humorously notes being “watched like a hawk” on a day trip to Kilkenny.
* Impact: Yvonne, the project lead, emphasizes the invaluable social benefits of the project, highlighting its role in giving a voice to marginalized members of the community and building confidence among residents.
In essence, the text portrays St Raphael’s Centre as a vibrant and inclusive community hub where residents are empowered to participate in meaningful activities and connect with the wider world.