CANDOFM continues to deliver a relevant and distinctive community FM and online radio service to the Furness area, holding community radio licences for Barrow-in-Furness and Ulverston and reaching across South Cumbria and North Lancashire. The station is primarily run by community participants and volunteers, providing opportunities to combat social isolation, enhance self-esteem, and develop new and transferable skills. Programming is shaped by and for the community, covering local issues, news, current affairs, music, culture, and the interests of people of all ages and backgrounds. Hospital radio and health-related broadcasting As a recognised Hospital Radio service, the station has continued during the year to bring relief from sickness, infirmity, and the effects of old age to people living in and visiting the Furness area, by providing a local broadcasting service to hospitals, retirement settings, virtual ward attendees, and individuals in mental health recovery. Programming and partnership work with St Mary’s Hospice, Mind in Furness, and the Furness Social Prescribing team has continued throughout the year. Young People’s Radio Project and schools work The Young People’s Radio Project has continued to grow, with radio clubs delivered across eight schools in Barrow, Dalton and Ulverston by two dedicated youth workers. During the year the station also delivered a commissioned media skills workshop programme (“Our Voices”) for children and young people in foster care aged 10–14, in partnership with Children’s Services at Westmorland and Furness Council. Work experience placements continued for young people, including those considered vulnerable or NEET, with several participants progressing into mentoring roles within the station. Community events and recognition During the financial year, the station played a significant role in major community events, including main-stage organisation for Dave Day 2025 at Barrow Town Hall car park, support for the Barrow Soapbox Challenge, the Festival of Transport, and the Dalton Christmas Lights Switch-On. CANDOFM also contributed to the civic programme around His Majesty The King’s visit to Barrow and the associated royal title campaign, reflecting the station’s established role in the cultural life of the town. Funding, partnerships and infrastructure Grant-funded community projects continue to represent the principal source of income, with grants accounting for approximately 80% of overall income. During the year the company successfully delivered and reported on funded projects including the BAE Systems Marine Social Enterprise Fund project and a Westmorland & Furness Council community grant, alongside ongoing reporting against the Ofcom Community Radio Fund. Further applications were progressed to support sustainable future activity, including the Strategic Priorities Fund (covering an SSDAB installation, the Team Barrow Social Impact Fund, BBC Children in Need, Sir John Fisher Foundation, and the Westmorland Association for Furness Regional Economic Prosperity Fund. Planning work also progressed on a solar-powered SSDAB transmitter site at High Haume Farm, Dalton-in-Furness. Support and access Non-profit organisations, charities and individuals with a worthy local cause continued to receive air time without charge. Local businesses wishing to advertise or sponsor the station benefited from significantly reduced rates designed to keep access affordable. The station continued to operate from accommodation provided by Barrow Borough Council in the town centre, with 24/7 volunteer access, and remains disabled-friendly registered.

Furness Broadcast Media CIC, operating as CANDOFM, engages with a wide range of stakeholders integral to its mission. The board comprises four directors, who meet regularly with discussions captured in minutes. Strategy and community engagement remain standing items, ensuring decisions reflect the needs of the communities served by the station. Listeners and members of the wider community are engaged through FM and online broadcasts and through the station’s social media presence, which provides a continuous source of feedback informing programming choices and on-air output. The station’s volunteer team, numbering approximately 50, is the operational heart of CANDOFM. A private online forum is used for general discussion, technical support, event coordination and the raising of operational issues, ensuring volunteers have a meaningful voice in how the service is run. Volunteer feedback during the year has shaped scheduling, training provision, and the day-to-day management of studio access. Health and wellbeing partners include St Mary’s Hospice, Mind in Furness, and the Furness Social Prescribing team. Feedback from these partners has guided the station’s health-related programming and accessibility initiatives, including programming aimed at hospital patients, the housebound, and those in care settings. Education stakeholders include eight local primary and secondary schools across Barrow, Dalton and Ulverston, hosting radio clubs delivered by the station’s two youth workers. Feedback from teaching staff and from young participants has shaped both the structure of the radio clubs and the focus of related outreach events. The Children’s Services team at Westmorland and Furness Council was a key stakeholder during the year through the commissioned “Our Voices” media skills workshop for children in foster care. Civic and statutory stakeholders include Barrow Borough Council and Westmorland and Furness Council, which provide the station’s town-centre accommodation and have supported community grant funding during the year. Cumbria Police remain a long-standing partner on issues affecting victims of crime and antisocial behaviour. Funder stakeholders consulted during the year include the Ofcom Community Radio Fund, BAE Systems (through the Marine Social Enterprise Fund), Children in Need, Sir John Fisher Foundation, the Team Barrow Social Impact Fund, and the Westmorland Association for Furness Regional Economic Prosperity Fund. In response to stakeholder feedback during the year, the station has continued to develop the Young People’s Radio Project, expanded health-related and accessibility programming, refined volunteer governance and communications, and progressed planning work towards a solar-powered SSDAB transmitter site. Engagement with stakeholders is ongoing and informs the company’s strategic planning.

No remuneration was received

No transfer of assets other than for full consideration