YOUNG people in Camden have been given a new voice, with the launch of two live radio stations. Youngsters can take to the airwaves on Roundhouse Radio Live at the Chalk Farm arts venue, as well as at Castlehaven Community Centre, which has

Josie Hinton

YOUNG people in Camden have been given a new voice, with the launch of two live radio stations.

Youngsters can take to the airwaves on Roundhouse Radio Live at the Chalk Farm arts venue, as well as at Castlehaven Community Centre, which has launched Radio Haven.

The two radio stations both aim to provide a stage for aspiring musicians, presenters and performers, and give young people the chance to discuss the issues that matter to them. The training they will receive will also stand them in good stead to gain broadcasting jobs in the future.

"Roundhouse Radio is all about providing a platform for fresh new talent, whether that is poets, producers or singers," said 20-year-old producer and presenter Rob Khan.

"It hopes to one day be a station broadcasting 24 hours a day with all shows produced and presented by young people."

Roundhouse Radio Live aired its first broadcast last Thursday evening. Weekly broadcasts are now going on between 7pm and 8pm with everything from performances to interviews to the behind-the-scenes production carried out by youngsters at the Roundhouse Studios. The move makes the Roundhouse the only London venue with its own live radio station.

Around the corner at Castlehaven Community Centre, young people aged 12 to 18 are broadcasting every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 5pm to 8pm.

Youth worker Matt Fox, 22, who is helping to train young people at Radio Haven, said: "The new station offers a creative experience for the young people that we work with. It also gives them something positive to do, as for many of them there's not a lot that they have easy access to.

"Many of them are really into their music and Radio Haven allows them to explore that. It also gives them the chance to meet with local figures such as councillors, the police, artists and other positive role models, and gives them a voice to talk about what's going on in Camden."

The radio station has clearly impressed many of the young people at the community centre.

"It is a great idea, now I get to play my music to the community," said 14-year-old Mannasah Sharpe.

Ashleen Holmes, also 14, said: "We just need to publicise the radio better and we will get more people involved."

Radio Haven has its own studio, bought with £7,000 donated by the Jack Petchey Foundation. Mr Fox said that staff members were being trained at the Roundhouse as a result of funding they received to help local groups.

They are even hopeful of taking the project to a more professional level.

"Who knows, within a couple of years we can apply for an FM licence," said Daniel Cunningham, the youth worker who came up with the initial idea for the internet radio station.

To listen to the weekly live broadcasts visit Roundhouse Radio Live at www.roundhouse.org.uk/radio and you can hear Radio Haven at www.castlehaven.org.uk/webcast.

Roundhouse Radio Live is looking for new talent to showcase live on air and anyone interested should contact roundhouse.radio@live.co.uk.

editorial@hamhigh.co.uk