4Ps - BBC AWARD

ISLE OF WIGHT RADIO TRAINING PROJECT WINS MAJOR BBC COMMUNITY AWARD

A Vectis Radio project helping young people across the Isle of Wight build confidence and communication skills has won a major BBC community award.

The 4PS Radio Training School has been named the winner of the Community Group Award at the BBC Radio Solent Make A Difference Awards.

The prestigious ceremony was held at the Utilita Bowl in Southampton on Tuesday and was hosted by BBC Radio Solent presenters Katie Martin and Rick Jackson.

The award recognises the work of the 4PS project, which has been running at Vectis Radio in Newport for more than 13 years.

The project uses radio as a way of helping young people develop confidence, communication and broadcasting skills while providing a supportive and inclusive environment.

Participants learn the four Ps – Presenting, Production, Podcasting and Promotion – as well as interviewing, programme production and broadcasting.

The BBC Radio Solent 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."

They also praised the energy and creativity of the project, highlighting the joy and hope it brings and the genuine difference it makes to people's lives.

Vectis Radio Station Manager Ian Mac said the award belonged to the young people who take part.

"It's all about the youngsters. They're the ones that are achieving every day," he said.

"We just put the project together 13 years ago and they are following it to the letter. They're the real winners here."

More than 400 young people have benefited from the 4PS project over the years, with the programme helping participants develop skills, confidence and communication while working to reduce social exclusion.

4PS student Leisha Lang said she was delighted to see the project recognised.

"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."

The award adds to Vectis Radio's long history of community recognition.

The station previously received The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service and was named Community Radio Station of the Year at the ARIAS.

For Vectis Radio, the latest award is a celebration of the young people at the heart of 4PS and the volunteers, supporters and organisations who have helped the project grow over more than a decade.

The station says the award demonstrates the power of community radio to give young people a voice, develop their confidence and help them realise their potential.

WHAT THE JUDGES SAID

Community Group category

Awarded to a group of people who have helped to change the lives of others within their community.

I am sorry I cannot be with you today but have asked my colleague Pooja to speak on behalf of me.

I feel incredibly honoured to have been asked to judge the BBC's Make a difference Community Awards.

Reading the entries was very inspiring as it reminded me people do things selflessly because they want to make a difference in their communities.

Choosing a winner was difficult, as every shortlisted group deserved recognition for the difference they make in their communities. To me, they are all winners.

However, today we celebrate a group whose impact is nothing short of extraordinary. The 4Ps have created a place bursting with joy, laughter, and possibilities for children with disabilities and special needs - a radio studio where every child, whatever their needs, is welcomed with open arms and invited to shine.

Their magic is simple and powerful: inclusion, encouragement, and pure fun. Children who once struggled to speak are suddenly laughing, chatting, telling stories. One boy - autistic, isolated, and bullied for years - found

he joked and joined in for the very first time. Now he makes weekly podcasts, proud and confident. And he's just one of many.

The 4Ps don't just teach skills - they spark confidence, build trust, and

They change lives and make a difference. The 4ps truly rule!

(Chose belter out of the best)

Links to Radio Today and BBC Radio Solent