Students at University of the West of Scotland’s (UWS) Ayr campus have completed a 24-hour live radio broadcast in support of a South Ayrshire mental health charity – helping to raise awareness of an issue that affects people across every community.

Broadcasting through UWS Radio, the student team smashed their original £500 fundraising target and have so far raised £825 for Three Sixty, a local charity which provides vital mental health support across South Ayrshire.

The fundraiser was led by UWS Radio Station Manager Katy Watson who originally comes from Clarkston but now lives in Ayr, a third-year BA TV, Radio and Podcast Production student, alongside other students involved in the University’s radio and podcasting programme. Through the 24-hour live broadcast, the team aimed to raise both funds and awareness of Three Sixty’s work supporting people experiencing mental health challenges.

 

We chose to support Three Sixty because mental health is something that affects so many people, including students, and we wanted to back a charity that feels really connected to the local community. From the moment we met the team, we got such a positive buzz about the work they do and how committed they are to helping people. As well as raising money, we wanted to raise awareness by sharing information throughout the broadcast about the charity’s work and how people can access support. The 24-hour broadcast was a real team effort, and although it was exhausting at times, it was absolutely worth it. We’re really proud to have smashed our original target and grateful to everyone who helped us do that.

UWS Radio Station Manager Katy Watson

 

 

I’m incredibly proud of our students for the compassion they have shown through this fundraising broadcast. This was a fantastic example of students putting their production skills into practice in a way that has made a real difference to a local institution. Supporting a charity like Three Sixty, which provides such important mental health services in South Ayrshire, made this an especially meaningful broadcast.

Kate Cotter, Programme Lead, BA TV, Radio & Podcast Production

 

Three Sixty provides a safe, supportive and understanding space for people who need help with their mental health and the students success of the fundraiser will encourage even more support for the charity’s work in the local area hope the.

Accepting the donation on behalf of the charity, Fundraising Manager Sean Robertson, said: “We want to say a huge thank you to Katy and the UWS Radio team for their hard work and generosity in supporting Three Sixty. To raise £825 while also helping to raise awareness of mental health is a huge achievement.

“Every donation helps us to continue our work in South Ayrshire, providing a safe and supportive space for people who need understanding, connection and hope. We’re incredibly touched by the effort the students have gone to on behalf of our charity.”

Donations can still be made via the fundraiser’s JustGiving page.