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THE PHILOSOPHY OF SOUTHSIDE

Being a monthly series of thoughts and views from the wide-range of contributors who participate in the Southside Experience

First up Station manager/Programmer Alexius Lewczuk

The Attitude of Gratitude

A few years ago whilst giving a seminar/lecture to a group of media students at the University of Leeds ( Trinity & All Saints College ), I was struck by a comment from one of the audience that Southside was the first station they had encountered, from either commercial, Public or voluntary sector broadcasting, which had a clearly defined philosophy rather than just a terse `Mission Statement`.

In summary ,in the mid-90`s this was

1. Treating other individuals as we would wish to be treated ourselves.
2. Deeds not words

Hardly incredibly innovative but mottos which enabled us to produce over 9 RSL`s and continue to function within what was then the South Tees Trust.

In January 2006 we have now added a third no less important axiom

The Attitude of Gratitude

Prompted by the work of Shelagh Jones, Rev Fr Bill Serplus ( Part-Time JCUH chaplain ) & our occasional Florida correspondent Mike Dooley ( www.tut.com for a wonderfully inspirational site ) this vital life concept has become crucial in the organization`s development.

There are many exciting developments coming up for Southside, & as well as taking this opportunity to thank all our contributors past & present, it is vital that a shared vision of a media service which actively promotes Health, Lifestyle & Country Matters is duly referenced by TAOG & our initial maxims

The Attitude Of Gratitude surely needs to be more than just symbols on a screen. Applied consistently they can literally change worlds.

Words ultimately can be seen as the crystallization of ideas and being true to our strp-line `The Healthy Alternative` ( & thanks to the late George Todd From Kelloggs & Bryan Rudd from the University of Lincoln for coining that phrase ! ) these words led to deeds which have provided the foundation for six Healthy Alternative Fairs to date with number 7 on Feb 3^rd ( see www.hafairs.com )

Next month current full-time Hospital Chaplain Rev Philip Carrington M.B.E. will hopefully share his broadcasting philosophy with us, for which we give thanks in advance ( TAOG- its contagious in the best possible way ! )

My philosophy of Southside

by Revd Philip J Carrington MBE

Trust Chaplain

In 1996 I had the opportunity of conducting some research ”The Voice of God”

This looked at the relationship between hospital radio and hospital chaplains.

I was appalled by the lack of interaction around the country. Only very few, like SouthSide, fully embraced the potential hospital radio offers to Chaplaincy or Chaplaincy to hospital radio. The rest ranged from simply ignoring each other to outright hostility. The postal questionnaire raised lots of issues!

Ten years on – what is My philosophy of SouthSide? It is one of collaboration and cooperation. What does this achieve – a significant benefit for patients!

The Chapel at JCUH has always been “wired for sound”. This means that music can be played in the Chapel, but more importantly that anything taking place in the Chapel can be broadcast to every bedside. The Sunday Mass is the only opportunity for corporate worship for many patients. They engage with the live worship and feel part of the congregation. Afterwards they hear the celebrant in a more relaxed atmosphere discuss issues of the day. In the evenings too they have the chance to hear a “Thought for the Day” as they wind down and attempt to sleep. The spiritual dimension to healing is offered.

As a Director and Trustee of SouthSide, I have also been concerned with the interaction with the wider community. Frequent Restricted Service Licenses have enabled patients within the hospital to interact with their family and friends outside the hospital. Although removed briefly from local society they remain, through SouthSide, firmly connected to it.

What of the future? As I leave for new challenges so SouthSide faces some of its own. An application is lodged with OfCom for a permanent licence. Grant applications are in for collaboration with disadvantaged groups locally. Strong links are being formed with the Injured Jockey Fund, the British Disabled Flying Association and the Holistic Care Centre. The University of Durham on behalf of NHS Estates is conducting research into the use of sacred space – back to the Chapel being wired for sound. The future is bright for SouthSide if collaboration and cooperation are maintained. I thank all of those at SouthSide for their collaboration and cooperation with me

Revd Philip J Carrington MBE

4 January 2006

March 2006

My Southside experience - Ross Bowring ,Pennsylvania, U.S.A.

 If I told you that Southside changes lives for the better I wouldn't blame
you for not believing me.

Sounds like something we’re asked to believe everyday.  You’ve seen the
advertisements too.   Promises of more and better in your life, all you‘ve
got to do is use their soap and not the competition’s.

When I left a message on the Southside answer phone in 1996 I was open to a
little more and better myself.

I had just moved to Middlesbrough, where Southside is based and didn't have
a whole lot of friends.

To be honest, when I look back, I was a little down on life.

So I left that message leaving my name and number and offering a few hours
of my time because helping people and doing radio sounded like fun.

I got a call back and was invited in for an interview.

Nothing formal, just a chat to see if there was a fit between the station
and I.

I brought the enthusiasm and the folks at Southside gave me places to use it.

By the end of my first year I’d re-organized the record library.  I’d been
trained to present shows on my own and with the help of others. Plus, I’d
helped to fundraise quite a bit of money.

Walking the wards of the hospital I saw first-hand the surge in energy and
wellbeing that Southside’s radio service brings to the patients and staff of
the James Cook University Hospital.

I must have met about a thousand people in the hospital.  I learned from all
of them.  I was getting more and more used to talking with people.

Southside also helped me to decide what I wanted to do at University.  I
ended up studying Communications at Lincoln University and largely due to
the knowledge and experience I picked up at Southside was able to graduate
with First Class Honors.

Seven years ago I emigrated to America.  I’ve worked for radio stations in
the US, but honestly, they all compare poorly to Southside.

Not as much care for people.  Not as much care about truly being of service
to the community.

So I’m still a proud Southside member. I still participate in shows via the
telephone and contribute where I can.

Oh, one last thing.  I’m currently finishing off my first book.  And
wouldn't you know it, it’s about public speaking.

See, I used to think of Southside just as a radio station.  But over time
I’ve come to see Southside more as a place for personal development and
betterment whose product just happens to be radio, albeit very enjoyable
radio.

So if I told you that Southside changes lives for the better, would you
believe me now..?

Coming up, Claire Sweeney, Shelagh Jones, Keith Taynton ,Cate Clark & Kathryn Armstrong will be adding their contributions to the ongoing station philosophy

Program Schedule

Southside Broadcasting Ltd. is a company registered in England and Wales, Reg No. 4898393
Registered ofice : The James Cook University Hospital Radio Suite, Marton Road, Middlesbrough, TS4 3BW