Forest Radio is now able to broadcast to a wider audience across West Essex since it secured new licences funded by a grant from Qualis Community Benefit Fund.
The radio station was set up in 1976 by a band of volunteers to broadcast to patients and staff at Forest Hospital, Buckhurst Hill.
Throughout its 50-year history, Forest Radio has been run entirely by volunteers and is a registered charity.
Nowadays its reach goes beyond NHS corridors, providing entertainment to hospitals and long-term care facilities, homes and care homes across West Essex.
This has been made possible by the move to DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) with the new service launching in February.
Everyone living in Epping, Harlow, and the surrounding areas can now hear the programmes on digital radio, and around 1,350 people are tuning in.
Qualis awarded £3,976 from its Community Benefit Fund which supports local initiatives in the Epping Forest District.
The move to DAB means the charity can begin to generate income from advertising and sponsorship which will support a more sustainable financial future.
For more information visit: https://www.forestradiouk.com/