Sheppey Community Media Centre

The building itself dates back to the 1920s and was used by the bowls club in an area famed for many splendid buildings provided for both local residents and tourists. As time progressed the building fell into a dilapidated state until it was rescued by an enterprising lady named Julie Nicholls who had the vision and the skill to encourage the local community to help rebuild it into a community asset, which today stands proudly on its own as the Sheppey Community Media Centre.

The SCMC was established in 2012 and its facilities now hosts the Islands Official Tourist Information Centre, a fully equipped media training suite and mostly is the home of award winning Sheppey FM 92.2 community radio station for the Island.

Sheppey FM

Sheppey FM 92.2 is the Islands Community Radio Station, it broadcasts from the Sheppey Community Media Centre (SCMC). The radio station is live a minimum of 15 hours a day but is broadcasting 24/7. They are on 92.2FM, online, on their very own app and on all smart speakers.

As a Sheppey Matters project its aim is to promote events, activities and training opportunities to enhance community cohesion and to reach those most in need of their services.
Sheppey FM has built up an extremely good reputation within the local community through their community outreach, local guests, local talent and a fantastic roadshow team, that participate in over 50 events every year, helping raise money for wonderful causes and making public events come to life.

They have over 40 dedicated volunteers broadcasting live every day from 7 am to 10pm with pre-recorded content throughout the night, providing an extensive choice of music (everything from classic Rock’n’Roll to the latest chart hits), live interviews with charities, local businesses, MPs, Councillors and community groups. Guests have even been celebrities or royalty.

They have an extensive training scheme, working with local schools and colleges and running a Saturday Youth Show. Their training and volunteering opportunities benefit people from all walks of life, all abilities and disabilities. Sheppey FM are proud to offer chances to people that need it the most.

As well as fantastic training and volunteering opportunities Sheppey FM have been a lifeline to many in the community offering lonely and isolated people company, interaction and entertainment. Sheppey FM volunteers often give away prizes and merchandise, collect for other charities, help raise awareness and collection drives and go above and beyond with community outreach work.

Sheppey FM has won many National Community Radio awards, including Station of the year and Community Impact Project of the year. Plus, various Swale Volunteer Awards and the Prestigious Princess Royal Training Award, presented by Princess Anne herself with special commendation.

Sheppey FM – School’s Out Youth Show

This Show broadcasts every Saturday Morning 9am until Midday, it consists of young people aged 8-18, many with SEN, the young people learn everything from journalism to radio presenting, including production, photography, interviews, podcasts and reporting. All the young people have the opportunity to earn accredited qualifications and gain Arts Awards up to Level 3 (gold), The Sheppey Community Media Centre is and Arts Awards Centre of Excellence. They also support DofE awards and work experience hours.

The Youth Team run their own environmental project “Youth Show Going Green” and produce environmental Podcasts as well as partake in litter picks, community clean-ups, promote green tips and advice and make awareness posters. This all in partnership with the Stations’ “War on Waste” ongoing project.

Tourist Information Centre

The Volunteers of Sheppey FM also help run the Tourist Information Centre for the Isle of Sheppey, this includes answering questions from the walk-in public and tourists, giving directions and recommendations, giving out leaflets, bus time tables and maps.