Hospital Radio Glamorgan

We hear from the founder of Reverse Rett, a charity supporting those with Rett Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that affects brain development, which results in severe mental and physical disability. It’s estimated to affect about one in 10,000 girls born each year and is rarely seen in boys. The charity’s deputy CEO, Andy Stevenson, speaks to University of South Wales final year Sports Journalism student, Reef Parker about his personal story and the connection they share.Cardiff and Vale Health Charity is supporting Grow Cardiff and the therapeutic work it does via its Grow Well Together project. There are four community gardens, one in Ely, Canton, Riverside and Grangetown and we’ll hear about the impact these spaces can have on the mental and physical wellbeing of those who get involved with them. We’ll also hear from June Thomas, a mother who lost her son Jack, aged just 15. June has been fundraising and providing heart screening for 14-35 year olds in his memory. Every week in the UK 12 young people die suddenly from an undiagnosed heart condition. In 2012 June’s son Jack became one of those 12 young people. June has been working with CRY, Cardiac Risk in the Young, to fund screening.Stroke of Harmony choir joined a host of people at the official opening of the new Cardiff and Vale Health Charity Hub, which is situated on the concourse at the University Hospital of Wales. The choir is for anyone affected by stroke.

April is also stress awareness month, when many health organisations, doctors, charities and individuals focus on helping to raise awareness of stress and what it can do to us if we leave it unchecked. We've got some top tips for you if stress is impacting your life.World Health Day falls on April 7 every year to mark the anniversary of the founding of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1948. Each year, it highlights a specific, high-priority global health issue to promote awareness and action, focusing on bringing health for all, regardless of location or economic status. The 2026 theme is 'Together for health'.

Education and action, that’s what we’re aiming for in this show, as we mark Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and find out how making a will can be free in March and October, thanks to Free Wills Month.We’ll be hearing from a popular media figure about his diagnosis and why he wants to make sure other men act swiftly and we’ll also be talking about wills and the sorts of actions we should all be taking to make sure our loved ones are not left second guessing or even worse, in an ignorant mess, because we didn’t do some basic planning and communicating. So, if you haven’t made a will, or if you have but no-one knows where it is, or if like most of us, you have information locked into your mobile phone, tablet or computer, maybe now is the time to think about who might need to access it in an emergency.Every year in Wales, more than 2,500 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer, and around 640 men die from it. It affects 1 in 8 men across the UK. Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the UK. Black men are more likely to get prostate cancer (one in four) than other men. Charities like Prostate Cymru and Prostate Cancer UK can provide valuable support for those who need it.Free Wills Month is a service that provides people aged 55 and over with the opportunity to have simple wills written or updated for free by professional solicitors. It runs in March and October and the campaign aims to encourage legacy gifts to charities, which means if your chosen charity takes part you can easily leave them a gift in your will, although there is no obligation to do so. We’re almost at the end of March, so if you’ve missed this month, now is a good time to plan ahead to get everything ready for October, when many charities get involved again.

Our theme is hearts. Yours and mine. Not from a romantic but from a health perspective. We know it’s one of the biggest and most vital organs in the body and yet how many of us look after it in the way we should? I speak to the founder of Calon Hearts, Sharon Owen, about the heart screening her charity provides free to 16-26 year olds.And, we also hear from Tom Howe, a final year student at the University of South Wales, who is making a documentary about the charity. Tom was born with some serious health issues, and has had four heart operations. His family is grateful to Calon Hearts for supporting his sibling at a time when there was concern that she might also have a problem with her heart. You can hear Tom’s story in the show. This episode was originally broadcast on Monday 23rd March 2026 on Hospital Radio Glamorgan

Neurodiversity Celebration Week, what it is and why it matters. Cath Dyer, whose daughter Claire has autism, shares what it means to her and why inclusion is so important. And, a new report about the over 60s which was produced by Public Health Wales along with Bangor and Liverpool John Moores Universities. It looked at the risk factors associated with poor health and while some of its findings don’t make pleasant reading, it found that getting out of the house and having people to talk to can provide important support. And the good news is that for those who can get out, places like the Chatty Café initiatives that take place across the country, can really make a difference. Originally broadcast on Hospital Radio Glamorgan on 16th March 2026

For many, it is the last taboo. No-one can escape it, but many of us don’t even consider it. We’re talking about the one inevitable, death, on this week’s Joining the Dots. Julie is joined by death doula, Mandy Carpenter, to discuss what it takes to have a good death and to find out why she decided to undergo the training for her role. Originally broadcast on Hospital Radio Glamorgan, 9th March 2026

It’s Endometriosis Action Month.One in 10 women in Wales has it. We’re playing a part in raising awareness and keeping the conversation going on Joining The Dots.Julie spoke to Hospital Radio Glamorgan’s own Carlene and her husband, Stuart, about what it’s like living with the condition and loving someone with it.This is a conversation about the challenges, the disruption and often the isolation caused by a condition that has no cure and is often misunderstood.The Welsh Government launched its first Women’s Health Plan for Wales in 2024. It sets out its 10-year vision to improve healthcare services for women in Wales.Cardiff and Vale University Health Board has information pages covering endometriosis on its website, including contact details for the dedicated nurse supporting those with the condition.Endometriosis Cymru and The Endometriosis Foundation have resources and personal stories on their websites which may help those wanting to find out more about the condition.

As we launch on DAB across Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan

Community and charity, two words we'll feature a lot on this show and our second programme is no exception. Community is the theme of Eating Disorders Awareness Week, and the charity BEAT Eating Disorders has a powerful message for the 1.25 million people in the UK living with an eating disorder, and millions more who support them - because they feel the impact too. Eating disorders can be deeply isolating, but connecting with others who understand, or who share your interests and values, can be life-changing. And it doesn’t matter whether your community is one person or many, even a single meaningful connection can bring hope, strength, and the reminder that #YouAreNotAloneDisagreements. We all have them, and we can't always solve them alone. We hear from Lynne Hughes-Williams, service development manager for Mediation in Wales, a charity which offers mediation and conflict resolution services to help people reach solutions safely, reliably and confidentially. They provide trained third-party mediators to get people talking again.Charity shops are suffering from an increase in online selling as young people especially, sell rather than donate. Cardiff's Salvation Army donation centre manager Dean Harvey is encouraging youngsters to adopt the 'thrifting is cool' mantra and to donate their unwanted items.And Repair Cafe Wales is asking people to take part in 'fix it February' as it encourages us all to support the pop up events held on regular dates throughout Wales, where the local community can get their broken household items repaired for free by volunteers. It’s a social way to combat the general frustration with wasted materials, resources and a loss of skills.

In the first episode of our brand new show, Julie Kissick introduces you to the programme that joins the dots!Bliss for babies born premature or sick. Bliss’ vision is that every baby born premature or sick in the UK has the best chance of survival and quality of life and that their parents are supported to play an active role in their decision-making and care.The charity is currently asking parents and carers to complete a questionnaire which focuses on their experiences of neonatal units in Wales. If you would like to contribute, the English language version is HERE and the Welsh language version is HERE.Helpu The Mental Health Hub for Men in Wales. Their philosophy is built around the idea that connection is protection and their aim is to create a one-stop space for men who want a comprehensive platform to support their mental well-being. They offer valuable resources, support and a chance to share stories by linking up with a range of groups and organisations, including Andy's Man Club and Men's Sheds.Mediation in Wales offers conflict resolution services to help people reach solutions safely, reliably and confidentially. They provide trained third party mediators to facilitate the parties involved to negotiate a mutually acceptable settlement.Volunteer opportunity: Cardiff and Vale University Health Board is looking for enthusiastic volunteers who are passionate about arts and crafts and would like to support patients staying at the University Hospital of Wales, Llandough Hospital, and Barry Hospital.As an Arts & Crafts Volunteer, you will help enhance patients’ wellbeing by offering creative activities such as painting, needlework, colouring, origami, card making or any other craft you enjoy and wish to share. Volunteers need to be adults who are available for a minimum of two hours per week (Monday-Friday) and commit to at least 6 months of volunteering. The focus isn’t on creating a perfect finished piece — it’s about engagement, social interaction, creativity, and giving patients the chance to choose what they want to make and how they want to make it. These sessions are not art classes or therapy sessions, but relaxed opportunities for patients to express themselves and enjoy meaningful activity. Please note: this role does not involve art therapy or counselling.

In this episode we hear from Charlotte Lynch, Senior Research Strategy Manager - Pancreatic Cancer UKAudio courtesy of Radio BGM (Llanelli)

In this episode we hear from Seren Evans, Head of Mass Fundraising at Prostate Cancer UKAudio courtesy of Radio BGM (Llanelli)

In this episode, we hear from Dr Mark Powell, Research Manager from 'Against Breast Cancer'Audio courtesy of Radio BGM (Llanelli)

In this episode we hear from Andy Glyde, Strategy & Insight Lead at Bowel Cancer UK Audio courtesy of Radio BGM (Llanelli)

In this episode, we hear from Gillian Al-Kadhimi, a Nurse from the British Liver Trust.Audio courtesy of Radio BGM (Llanelli)

On this edition we hear from Dr Sinan Eccles, Respiratory Consultant at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital who also has connections with the Roy Castle Lung Cancer FoundationAudio courtesy of Radio BGM (Llanelli)

In this edition, we hear from Dr Emma Wedgeworth from the British Skin FoundationAudio courtesy of Radio BGM (Llanelli)

Produced by Bro Radio, Hear all of the interviews with runners, organisers, charities and supporters that broadcast on both Hospital Radio Glamorgan and Bro Radio on Sunday 5th October 2025

In the last interview for Dying Matters Awareness Week, we find out more about the Bereavement Support Team.Our thanks to the team at Rookwood Sound for sharing these interviews with us at Hospital Radio Glamorgan to promote the work that goes on across Cardiff and Vale UHB

Today, we find out more about the Chaplaincy services at the CVUHB, courtesy of Steve Allen of Rookwood Sound

Steve Allen from Rookwood Sound finds out more about Marie Curie as part of Dying Matters Awareness Week 2025

Courtesy of our friends at Rookwood Sound, Steve Allen chats to Helen Thomas from 2Wish as we mark 'Dying Matters Awareness Week 2025'

Courtesy of Rookwood Sound, Steve Allen finds out more about the Cardiff Registry Office

Courtesy of our friends at Rookwood Sound, Steve Allen chats to Berniece Wheeler

Cardiologists are warning that more than two hundred & fifty thousand people in Wales aged over 60 could be living with undiagnosed heart valve disease.Known as the ‘silent killer’, it occurs when one or more valves in the heart stops working well. In an awareness raising exercise, specialists from the UWH in Cardiff will be in the Bay area of the city on Wednesday (May 7) to offer free heart checks.For more tap here >>> https://www.radioglamorgan.com/2025/05/06/your-heart-matters-event/

Carlene Carlson-Skeer along with guest speakers Ann Michael and Pam Griffiths chat about endometriosis, its impact and the challenges of living with the condition. Whether you’re personally affected or simply want to learn more, this talk provides valuable knowledge and awareness.Originally broadcast on International Women's Day 2025 on Hospital Radio Glamorganhttps://www.endometriosis-uk.org/what-is-endometriosis

When a double tragedy and unimaginable heartache struck Rhian Mannings and her family, naturally, her world came crashing down around her. For a year she was unable to see a way through, or consider living a 'normal life', but somehow, motivated by a desire to make sure others didn't have to grieve without support, she founded an organisation to help people in their darkest days and 2wish was born. More than a decade on, the charity has supported thousands through the debilitating paralysis of child bereavement. Rhian is sharing her story of hope after loss with Julie Kissick in the first part of the programme.Vanessa Waddon, founder of Hope Rescue, explains the impact an abandoned and abused greyhound had on her, as he became the catalyst for Vanessa to leave her job in local government and dedicate her life to helping abandoned and abused dogs. Vanessa's is also a tale of the benefits of taking action, even when circumstances suggest it's futile. Vanessa is also an active voice for animal welfare and has been instrumental in getting the Welsh Government to ban greyhound racing in the country. In addition throughout, there are words of wisdom from women who share the advice they wish they could have given their younger selves.The full show including music was originally broadcast on Hospital Radio Glamorgan on Saturday 8th March 2025

Your chance to be a superhero for the day and help raise money for Noah's Ark Children's Hospital Charity based at the UHW in Cardiff.On Sunday 30th June, join in the fun at the Superhero 5k Family Fun Day which is taking place at the Glamorgan Cricket ClubFor more, https://noahsarkcharity.org/

In the final episode of the Volunteer Week podcast series produced by the MA Visual Journalism students at the University of South Wales, Lily Gilby presents a special focusing on sustainability and fast fashion and mental health. It features graduate Katie who is passionate about sustainability and recycling, Lydia who is a model and influencer and Kath, who has volunteered for a number of charities, including the mental health charity, MIND.Production team: Mihiri Meddawitage, Ellie Spark and Alfie Thomas. 

In the second episode of the Volunteer Week specials, University of South Wales MA Visual Journalism student Lewis Sharpe presents a podcast about volunteering and mental health. Featuring are Robinson, who volunteers for the British Heart Foundation as a shop assistant, Brandon from Cardiff Dragons South Wales’ only openly inclusive Sunday league football team and Taylor-Jade who has held a variety of volunteer roles, including with a dog rescue charity.Production team: Sasanka Withanage and Tate Powell

In a Volunteer Week special production by the MA Visual Journalism students at University of South Wales, Fiona Mansell hosts the first in a series of three podcasts reflecting the thoughts and actions of Generation Z when it comes to giving their time and energy for free. Grace talks about working with young people in the boxing ring, Megan focuses on her work with Cardiff City Ladies, comedian Sylvester who spent some time in Nigeria supporting young people and Holly, who has had a number of volunteer roles, including with the Girl Guides. Production team: Kelsey Roberts, Ademola Jayesimi and Katherine Witts.

Did you know March is prostate cancer awareness month? In the UK, about 1 in 8 men are diagnosed with it each year. Here, our very own Andrew Woolfe chats to his brother in this frank and honest conversation with an important message For more take a look at the official MacMillan website https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-awareness/prostate-cancer-awareness-month

A new series begins on Wednesday 5th February with Colin Jackson choosing 10 of his favourite tunes alongside chatting about his life and career! www.radioglamorgan.com

Local singer-songwriter Tom Auton chats to Andrew Woolfe about his new EP (Originally broadcast on Hospital Radio Glamorgan on Saturday 21st October 2023)

Our team took to the streets to support Jayne who you can hear on Hospital Radio Glamorgan every Sunday 1-4pm!

On Sunday 24th September, we witnessed all sorts of fantastic characters taking part in a ‘Superhero Dash’ which was organised by the Noah’s Ark Children’s hospital charity. Here are just some of the highlights that we brought to listeners of Hospital Radio Glamorgan on Sunday 24th September 2023 For more about Noah's Ark, go to https://noahsarkcharity.org/

On Thursday 22nd December 2022, a carol concert was held in the concourse at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff. It was organised by the UHW Christian Fellowship. This is the full service which was broadcast on Radio Glamorgan

For the first time in 64 years, Wales are playing in the World Cup! Julie and the team look ahead to tournament in Qatar which kicks off on the 20th November Guests include Wales & Swansea legend Alan Curtis, Esme Allchurch, Helen Ward, Megan Feringa & Rob Phillips Originally broadcast on Radio Glamorgan on 18th November 2022 www.radioglamorgan.com

Sunday 13th November 2022 is World Kindness Day. This special programme, which was produced by students studying at the University of South Wales in Cardiff gives an insight into animals and kindness and a chance to do some mindfulness exercises too!

Recently, we were invited to ‘Woodland House’, the administrative centre of the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board to chat to recently appointed CEO Suzanne Rankin. Suzanne was formerly Chief Executive of Ashford and St. Peter’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, first joining the Trust as Chief Nurse in 2010 before becoming their Chief Executive in 2014. She arrived in Cardiff in February earlier this year and has recently marked six months of being in the Welsh Capital. Here's the full chat with Suzanne as she talks about her life and career so far Originally broadcast on Radio Glamorgan on Thursday 1st September 2022.

On the 31st July 2022, we were in Pontcanna Fields for the 'NHS 5K do it your way event' organised by the Cardiff and Vale Health Charity. Here we hear from Lucie Barratt from the charity, alongside some of those who took part including Fiona Kinghorn who's the Executive Director for Public Health at the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board. https://healthcharity.wales/

Recently Christopher Anstee published a powerful collection of memories, poems and beautiful illustrations titled 'Polish the crown', that celebrate the extraordinarily ordinary life of a boy who grew up under the shadow of section 28. A boy who became a proud gay man, despite the life and times that once defined him. Here is his chat with Rob Jones www.radioglamorgan.com

We pay tribute to Karlo King, who holds the distinction as one of Radio Glamorgan's longest serving members. He joined in 1978 and passed away in December 2019.

Students from the University of South Wales present to you another special show to mark Mental Health Awareness Week

Students from the University of South Wales present to you a special show to mark Mental Health Awareness Week

Nic Clarke (Former Volunteer at Radio Glamorgan) spoke openly about Mental Health to Andrew Woolfe as part of our Music was my first love series.

Local GP Dr David Gerson, spoke to Andrew Woolfe about Mental Health as part of his appearance on Music was my first love.

Why not join us on Bank Holiday Monday (2nd May) from 9am as we take you on a journey through the alphabet! www.radioglamorgan.com/listen

In this special as we mark International Women's Day on Radio Glamorgan, Post-Graduate students at the University of South Wales share with you stories of some exceptional women. Some have overcome life trauma, some have built businesses and some have learnt to express themselves and their creativity in unique ways. For more about Radio Glamorgan, head to www.radioglamorgan.com

On Time to Talk day (3rd February 2022) Julie Kissick speaks to three people who have all had different experiences with mental health, but they are all advocates for speaking up and keeping the channels of communication open. Anwen Evans explains what it was like dealing with mental health as a teenager, Rhodri Jones a mind fitness and performance coach works with people on understanding how they tick Kev Johns talks about finding your voice and someone to talk to. Some useful links for you to explore https://timetotalkday.co.uk/tips-to-talk/ https://www.cardiff.gov.uk/ENG/resident/Social-Services-and-Wellbeing/Adults/Health-and-wellbeing/Mental%20wellbeing/Pages/default.aspx https://www.stepiau.org/en/local-services https://nhswales.silvercloudhealth.com/onboard/nhswales/programs/ https://www.rhodrijones.co.uk/about-me