Carlisle Radio FM For many years, CFM (Carlisle FM) was the only independent local radio station in the Carlisle area, until it was sold and then rebranded. It now broadcasts from Manchester. Darrell Thomas, who helped set up the original CFM said: “CFM had one of the highest listener reaches in the country, with 50% of the population listening in on a regular basis. It left a huge hole, and with changes to BBC local radio provision and Border TV now being produced out of Newcastle, there was a real lack of local focus in broadcasting in and around the Carlisle area.” To meet the demand from the community for local content, Darrell and a group of volunteers came together to set up Carlisle Radio FM Limited (CRFM). This community radio station broadcasts daily on 102.7FM, mixing easy listening music with information on local services, activities and events. As a community radio station rather than a commercial one, the station is very much focussed on supporting the local community. There is a dedicated slot for local charitable organisations to get their message out free of charge, which has benefitted organisations such as Andy’s Man Club and Save Wigton Baths. All CRFM presenters are local which helps them better engage with the audience. Darrell said: As a community radio station, CRFM relies on advertising, grants and donations. A grant from the Community Foundation helped to buy the station’s first transmitter. Darrell said: CASE STUDY That initial funding from Cumbria Community Foundation was vital in enabling us to set up CRFM. Without it, we wouldn’t be here today. Communities need to be entertained and informed locally. In times of need such as floods or accidents, people need help, advice and guidance and that is what local radio is good at. We aim to serve needs of the people of Carlisle and all the communities that reside here. Supporting Refugees and Asylum seekers in Carlisle Carlisle is a City of Sanctuary which means it offers a welcome and support to refugees and asylum seekers who have fled their country because of war and persecution. Carlisle Refugee Action Group (CRAG) and Penrith and Eden Refugee Network (PERN) are two local groups working hard to offer help to people as they settle into life in Carlisle. PERN offers practical support to refugees and asylum seekers in Carlisle including English classes, legal advice, help to find accommodation, and social support. Sarah Wilson, Director of PERN, explained: Carlisle Refugee Action Group (CRAG) offers practical and emotional support to refugees and asylum seekers including clothing, provision of bicycles to access education and work, and ongoing refugee support. One of its projects is Hilltop United FC – a men’s football club that plays in the Cumberland FA Social Inclusion & Well-being League. CRAG has found that football is a great way to engage and get to know young men, who it then supports through the asylum process and once they achieve refugee status. CASE STUDY In Carlisle there are a lot of entrylevel jobs that new refugees are keen to do but it is hard to find housing. PERN is trying to help new refugees to access work and housing in Carlisle, so people can rebuild their lives. PERN Legal and Information offers essential legal advice to help people navigate the complex process of getting refugee status. Carlisle: Opportunities & Challenges 2025 72 73 72 Carlisle: Opportunities & Challenges 2025
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