Red Bucket projects is working with Hope Radio on a new project called Haikus of Hope. Hope Radio is run mostly by volunteers and launched on 87.9 FM with a temporary COVID-19 service on FM radio on 12th February to help "spread the truth not the virus" by encouraging listeners to get vaccinated.    

During the first lockdown a group of creatives from Brum Community Media operated the service from May to September with funding from Selly Oak Neighbourhood Network Service and The Heart of England Foundation Trust.      

"We are asking for your help" said Lisa Johnston from Red Bucket Projects "to spread positivity and support into the community through small photo poems so this is what you need to do  

1. Create a heart shape  

2. Write a haiku in the theme of hope.  A haiku is a 3 line poem with 5 syllables in the first line then 7 syllables in the second line and 5 syllables in the last line.  

3. Photograph the heart shape and either use a photo app to write your haiku in your heart image or write it out on paper and photograph.  

4. Tag your haikus with #hopehaiku, include your name on the image then send it to Red Bucket Projects via email or post on their Facebook page.  Let`s fill the world with hope!"  

Hope Radio produces radio programmes for the over 50s who do not have or do not desire to have access to the Internet,  to share experiences, to send messages to friends and families, to show their support for essential workers, to feel that they are not alone and most importantly local and national COVID-19 public health messaging.    

Station Manager Peni Whelan said "We are here because a digital divide exists and we will stay until we are no longer needed.  In the meantime we are working as part of The COVID-19 Community Champion Network to "Spread the truth not the Virus" to listeners and produce some great programming.  We are always on the look out for more volunteers with or without experience, full training is provided".  

Note:   If you would like to get involved and have some skills to offer please email: brumcommunitymedia@gmail.com   If you would like to support Haikus for Hope please email redbucketprojects@gmail.com