Radio host blazing the trail Radio host blazing the trail

Local radio host Blaze is excited about her new project spearheading a 12-week community radio and podcasting programme at Chalkhill radio station for 16–25-year-olds in Brent.

Patricia Wharton, who is also known as Blaze, aims to teach media skills ranging from presenting, producing, photography and engineering. The project is part of the Black Community Action Plan run in partnership with Brent Council and local charities. Patricia has high hopes for those involved in the programme and plans to upskill young people, sparking their creative juices and conversations in the community. “It’s important for young people to have the opportunity to be listened to and to be heard by other young people,” Patricia says. “Young people can use the radio platform to serve the community.”

From radio to poetry, hosting to advocacy, it is clear that using her voice for the benefit of the community is at the heart of Patricia’s work. Through the radio station, Patricia fundraised over £60,000 for aspiring pilot Rasheed Graham with the support of fellow Brent resident Amada Epe. Patricia said: “I fell into radio by accident. I experienced a transformational year of just saying yes. I gave up my 9-5, tapped into my creativity to serve my community.”

That yes led to Patricia hosting eight health roadshows and advocate for domestic violence survivors. With the new youth radio programme in the works for this summer her ‘yes’ will continue to pave the way for the next generation. To find out more please email: whartonp@hotmail.com