Reuben's 24 Hour Challenge

Volunteers lie at the heart of charities. Not only do they help deliver services more efficiently and create stronger connections in the community, but they also organise fundraisers to boost public awareness and gain vital funding for operations. Without their hard work and dedication, many charities would struggle to survive. 

Future Projects, a local charity that helps to tackle poverty, deprivation and disadvantage in Norfolk, continues to grow from strength to strength from the work of its dedicated volunteers. 

This incredible charity is composed of three services – Future Education, Future Support and Future Radio. 

On the 24th of November, one of Future Radio’s volunteers, Reuben, will be on air for 24 hours to help raise vital funds for Future Projects. I recently caught up with Reuben to discover how he is feeling ahead of his 24-Hour Festive Takeover!

What inspired you to take on the 24-hour broadcast challenge?

I have always wanted a way to give back to the community. 

The 24-hour Festive Takeover has given me a platform to use my love for radio to raise money for Norwich-based charity, Future Projects.

How will the money raised from this event support the work of Future Projects?

Future Projects is constantly investing in the people of Norwich. Whether they’re providing education to young people who need a bit more support through Future Education or providing hampers and food vouchers to families in need through Future Support who also offer specialist 1 to 1 support to individuals facing hardship.

The funds raised over the 24 hours will be instantly reinvested back into the community through these channels.

Describe Future Projects’ mission.

We achieve our vision through providing a range of community-based services and support for individuals who often fall through the gaps in other services. Typically, these are people that may be marginalised or excluded, who may struggle to engage, face complex interconnected issues, and simply cannot access the help they need — in the way they need it — anywhere else.

As such, this means working across various themes, including health, housing, education, volunteering, employment, skills, and more. We organise our work into three key services: Future Support, Future Education and Future Radio.

Future Projects aims to provide a range of community-based services and support to people who feel that fall through the gaps in other services. Future Projects understands that there are many of us that struggle with a diverse and often unique issues.

How can listeners get involved and show their support?

You can head over to our website: Futureradio.co.uk!
By clicking the Donate-a-tune button, our listeners can donate and, as a thank you, we will play any song of their choice. Every penny goes to our parent charity Future Projects.

What can we look forward to throughout the 24-hour challenge?

We are going to be filling the day with special guests and features such as a quiz, taste testing’s, festive games and an unhealthy amount of Christmas songs.

What have you enjoyed most about organising such an immense challenge?

Seeing the Future Radio team plan together and formulating a brilliant 24hours of entertainment is a reward in of itself. Everyone has gone above and beyond in helping me have the best chance of success.

What power do you believe radio holds?

I believe the radio is one of the most powerful forms of entertainment. Whether you’re tuning in to Future Radio in your car or at work, the music and conversation can change moods and instantly improve your day. 

With Future Radio being a community station, the love for Norwich if felt through the speakers as our volunteer presenters talk about current events happening in our city.

The community driven aspect is something that more commercial stations can never fully capture.

How can we continue to show our support to the work of Future Projects?

We host a variety of fundraising events throughout the year as well as working alongside local groups and businesses to raise as much as we can for Future Projects. 

Details of the events can be found at futureradio.co.uk/events and businesses can get in touch with our Fundraising Office, Sarah Maher, at sarah.maher@futureprojects.org.uk

Joining Future Radio as a volunteer has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

The friendship and support here at the station is second to none. It’s nice to have something to pour your heart into and see results both in your own personal growth and helping the local community. I cannot recommend Future Radio enough. 

If you want to show your support to Reuben throughout his 24-Hour Festive takeover, you can head over to Future Radio’s website (futureradio.co.uk) or check out their Instagram (@futureradio_norwich)!