CareSound Radio (brand name for Hospital Radio Perth) is immensely proud to announce that we have been awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service — the highest honour given to volunteer groups in the UK.
This prestigious award comes after a rigorous evaluation process, where local assessors visit nominated groups and compile reports on their suitability.
Assessment panels then recommend outstanding groups to the National Assessment Committee, which selects a shortlist for final approval by The King.
The awards were announced today, November 14, in The Gazette, and you can also read more about us on The King’s Award for Voluntary
Service website.
It’s hard to believe that CareSound Radio started as a hospital broadcasting service at Perth Royal Infirmary in 1989, creating engaging programs for patients while providing a ward-visiting service.
Today, we’ve grown to also cover 30 plus care homes. In 2023 alone, we processed more than 3,600 music requests.
CareSound has evolved into a health and wellness-focused station, committed to supporting the needs of our listeners in a variety of care settings.
Our programming is carefully crafted to enrich lives and meet diverse needs.
Music programs bring joy and comfort, helping those with aphasia and providing familiarity for dementia patients.
Care home residents are thrilled to hear their voices and requests on the “wireless”.
By sharing reminiscences and involving families, we help reduce isolation and loneliness.
Short soundbites from medical professionals address wellness topics from fitness and nutrition to resources and support organisations, bridging gaps in care.
We also partner with charities such as NHS Tayside Charitable Trust and the Pancreatic Society to promote health related events and resources.
Our outside broadcasts extend to local events and concerts, including live commentary for St Johnstone matches, providing audio descriptions for visually impaired fans at McDiarmid Park and beyond to online listeners.
At the heart of CareSound are 40 dedicated volunteers, 12 of whom have served for over 20 years.
Their diverse skills ensure our service meets listener needs, from engaging with patients and collecting song requests to creating soundbites, managing music libraries, presenting shows, and coordinating schedules.
Volunteers also maintain close collaboration with hospital management and care providers to ensure our programming can meet the health and wellbeing needs of listeners.
We have a vision that anticipates the needs of society’s most vulnerable and an inclusive volunteer ethos, welcoming everyone from motorised wheelchair users to a woman with cerebral palsy, and a young lad with great talent for football commentary.
We are also immensely proud of:
- Our 24/7 coverage and a wide range of programs covering music, discussion, sports, wellness, podcasts, and broadly Christian services; Continual upgrades to our technology to improve quality and expand internet accessibility so we can reach listeners in a variety of care settings;
- Engaged, membership with shared decision making that fosters a modern, professional, and fun atmosphere;
- Comprehensive guidance and training for all volunteers.
The King’s Award, is the MBE equivalent for volunteer organisations and is a lifelong honour.
We’re thrilled and deeply honoured to receive it as a testament to our commitment to serving the community.
We think we are one of only 7 hospital radio stations have ever won this award in 22 years, so we have some reason to feel proud.