Journalism students launch podcast to support homelessness charity

The lifechanging work of Nottingham-based homelessness charity Framework Housing Association is being documented in a series of podcasts produced by students at Nottingham Trent University (NTU).

The Framework Podcast has involved 38 second-year students on the BA Broadcast Journalism undergraduate degree operating in teams to interview a range of people working behind the scenes in many of the 75 services provided by the charity across the East Midlands and South Yorkshire.

Students have also conducted candid interviews with two people facing homelessness who have received help from the charity to turn their lives around.

The project shines a light on the charity's approach to helping people find long-term accommodation, access health care and education and training, to secure a better future.

Episodes will be published throughout the Christmas and the New Year period to help boost the charity's winter appeal which is aimed at saving its front-line outreach programme.

The programme, which helps more than 21,000 people who sleep on the streets every year, is facing a £200,000-funding shortfall after being hit by budget cuts, a rise in costs and a downturn in donations following the cost-of-living crisis.

Gail Mellors, course leader for BA Broadcast Journalism at NTU, said; "This has been a unique opportunity for students to put into practice the industry skills they're gaining on the course within a live project.

"It's been an honour for them to tell these stories and we hope people across the region will enjoy the podcasts and continue to get behind Framework which makes a difference to so many lives."

The first episode went live across all platforms on Friday December 13, with further episodes to be published each Friday until January 10.

Journalism student Lily Baldwin said: “I really enjoyed this project. It felt great to be able to get some professional practice in whilst also raising awareness of Framework and the importance of their work.

“It was incredibly inspiring to hear from different individuals that work with the charity and highlighting their involvement through podcasts was very rewarding.”

Chris Senior, communications manager at Framework Housing Association, said: “Hats off to all the students who took part in making these five podcasts. This has been a great collaboration with NTU.

“It was a pleasure to preview the series and to realise what a great job the teams have done in showcasing the work of Framework in many different ways.  I have also received very appreciative feedback from colleagues who were interviewed.

“Framework does important work to house and support people in need.  These podcasts lift the lid on that work. Thank you to all concerned. I know the public will learn a lot as a result.”