Vinny Hurrell helps hospital radio volunteers raise their game

(L-R) Paula Marshall, Volunteer Service Manager, Northern Health and Social Care Trust; Ita McErlean, Secretary, Causeway Hospital Radio; Vinny Hurrell, BBC NI Radio Presenter; Rodney Magee, Chairman, Causeway Hospital Radio; Louise Gillespie, Volunteering Programme Delivery Officer, Northern Health and Social Care Trust.

The power of a friendly voice can mean everything to someone in a hospital bed — and this week, volunteers behind Northern Trust’s hospital radio service were given a masterclass in making those moments count.

BBC NI presenter Vinny Hurrell stepped into the studio to deliver a hands-on broadcasting workshop for the Trust’s volunteer presenters, who broadcast to patients at Causeway Hospital and Antrim Area Hospital.

The session left the team energised, inspired and equipped with fresh confidence behind the mic.

Supported by funding from the Public Health Agency and facilitated by the Suicide Prevention Officer at Causeway Rural Urban Network, the workshop combined practical tips with live demonstrations — helping volunteers sharpen the skills that keep patients and staff entertained across both sites.

Reflecting on the day, Vinny said:

“I was delighted to meet all the amazing volunteers who give up their time to provide this service to patients.

“Radio has a real warmth to it, whether it is a friendly voice or favourite song, it can make someone’s day, so it’s been fantastic to help meet with the volunteers and share some insights with them.”

For volunteers who freely give their time each week, the opportunity to learn from one of the most recognisable voices in local radio was both affirming and practical.

Ita McErlean, secretary for Causeway Hospital Radio, said:

“We were delighted to have Vinny deliver such an informative and engaging workshop to us. As one of the most recognisable voices in local radio, we were treated to a real insight from one of the best in the business.”

Moving with the times

Hospital radio within the Northern Trust has evolved significantly since its early days. Antrim Hospital Radio was established in 1994, followed by Causeway Hospital Radio in 2001. At its peak in the 1990s and early 2000s, around 30 volunteers each hosted their own two-hour weekly show.

Back then, broadcasting meant vinyl records, LPs and eight-track cartridges. Today, both services are accessible far beyond hospital walls.

Paula Marshall, Service Manager of the Volunteer Service at the Northern Trust, which is supported by the Public Health Agency, explained how innovation remains central to the service’s future:

“As a volunteer service, we want to ensure Hospital Radio moves with the times, and we recently developed smartphone apps for both Antrim and Causeway channels. Inviting Vinny along for this workshop to upskill our volunteers was another example of our commitment to deliver an even better service for patients and staff.”

Both Antrim Hospital Radio and Causeway Hospital Radio can now be accessed via free smartphone apps or online, allowing listeners to tune in, check schedules and send messages and requests — whether they are in a hospital ward or anywhere else in the world.

In an era of rapid change across the media landscape, the Trust’s hospital radio service continues to adapt — powered not by commercial ambition, but by volunteers determined to bring connection, comfort and companionship to those who need it most.