LUTON’S former Greek Orthodox Church is the unlikely setting for a vibrant community radio station that has gone from strength to strength since its inception 10 years ago.
Diverse FM quickly outgrew its previous premises in Brunswick Street and moved into the decommissioned building a year ago, thanks to a generous grant from the Big Lottery Fund.
Its new media and training centre was officially opened by Luton South MP Gavin Shuker last week. He was cheered on by a host of VIPs, among them Luton North MP Kelvin Hopkins and Lord Bill McKenzie.
It’s a dream come true for award-winning trustee and project co-ordinator Ashuk Ahmed, 49, who was given an MBE for his services to young people.
He said: “All this space is a luxury for us.
“We’ve got three studios including a specialist mixing studio for DJs and a dedicated studio where youngsters can create and produce their own music, jingles and songs.
“They’ve got all the software and equipment they need. It’s a trust-building exercise and so far they’ve been as good as gold. We only go in if anything needs fixing.
“We’ve also got a dedicated training area where kids who are maybe disenchanted with school can take part in 15 different accredited programmes such as literacy, numeracy, IT and money management as well as drug and alcohol-related problems.
“It helps them to develop self-esteem while learning vital skills.
“Some of them arrive with very challenging behaviour. We take pride in their achievements and several of our previous volunteers are now working as mentors to other young people.”
Ashuk, of Austin Road, is also delighted that so many people Diverse FM has encouraged in the past came forward when they heard about the new site.
He said: “When we moved in, it was just one big, very dark hall. We got rid of everything except the shell.
“Former beneficiaries did the electrics and laid the carpets. We had to buy in some stuff but a lot of the work was done by volunteers.
“It gives me so much pleasure when they say they’re here to give something back. We don’t have a lot but we try to spread it about the community.”
Diverse FM broadcasts 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information visit www.diversefm.