The Chapel FM arts organisation in east Leeds is literally giving a voice to its young people and communities

The origins of Chapel FM began with a group of students from the then John Smeaton school having a go at a radio broadcast from the back of Tesco’s in Seacroft.

Since then more than 12,000 people have come into its broadcasting studios, which are now in a 174-year-old renovated Methodist chapel.

While most grass-roots community groups exist to give its members a platform - this really does give a voice to the people of east Leeds

Operating in the heart of what is considered to be one of the more deprived parts of Leeds, the work of East Leeds FM as a radio station, is bringing together teenagers and pensioners to do radio broadcasts which vary from talking business, to poetic collaborations with funeral directors, to stress busting songs for Sundays, women's liberation and a look at what’s on at a museum.

Katy Hayley, a participation manager at Heads Together, a group established in 1986 which also encompasses East Leeds and Chapel FM, explained: “The school was struggling to communicate to the community and have a positive connection so it was about linking the school premises in the community. There were a number of broadcasts in the community, like at Tescos, Cross Gates and other places. They were FM broadcasts to build upon that relationship and people finding out and being aware and coming on board. Moving forward we needed a base and ended up getting the old rent office at Ramshead Hill shops.”

It became apparent that the building wouldn’t be suitable long term and, after a 24 hour music marathon in a derelict church, the team they knew they had found the ideal venue.