In this episode, BCfm teams up with the NHS to talk all things infection prevention and protecting our communities. Presenter Mattie Goddard is joined by Dr Geeta Iyer, Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire, to discuss the pressures facing the NHS, simple everyday actions that help reduce the spread of infections, and why vaccinations matter for individuals and the wider community. A timely and accessible conversation about staying well, supporting loved ones, and playing our part in keeping health services available for those who need them most.

In August 2024, unrest swept across the UK after the tragic killings in Southport, fuelled by online misinformation and weaponised fears about migration. In Bristol, the tension erupted in Castle Park and outside the Mercure Hotel, where asylum seekers were housed. The police presence was thin. The danger was real. And yet, what happened next was extraordinary, ordinary Bristolians put their bodies on the line to defend their neighbours.

We Don’t Do That Here is a one-hour audio documentary from Bristol's community radio stations - BCfm and Ujima, weaving together multiple in-depth interviews with those who lived it: refugees inside the hotel with their children, activists and local residents on the streets, police officers, youth workers, charity leaders, journalists, and community broadcasters. Their voices reveal the fear of that week, the courage of those who stood in solidarity, and the deep divisions that surfaced under pressure.

The programme also investigates the powerful role of media and misinformation, such as how a single false claim spiralled into riots, how national outlets inflamed stereotypes, and how community radio and grassroots networks became lifelines of truth. Listeners hear not just about what happened, but why, and what it tells us about Britain in an age of polarisation.

Above all, this is a story of resilience. From smiles through hotel windows to grandmothers holding banners, from grassroots charities to city-wide counter-protests, Bristol’s communities demonstrated that hate would not go unchallenged. This documentary asks: what does it take to keep a city safe, welcoming, and united, and what can the rest of the country learn?

A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR CONTRIBUTORS

Contributors:

Muneera Pilgrim – Creative and Broadcaster

Roger Ball – Academic Researcher

Anonymous – Afghan Asylum Seeker

Jim (Not real name) - Bristol Anti-Fascists

Serena Sergeant – Avon & Somserset Police

Desmond Brown – Growing Futures CIC

Olivia Lamont Bishop – Borderlands Bristol

Maya Mate-Kole – Mwanzo Project

Producers: Marcus Smith & Miranda Rae

Sound Design: George Colwey

Photo Credit: Simon Holliday

Funding: Bristol City Council

Join presenter Jacqueline Walker for a captivating journey into the origins of Methodism in Bristol, the life and legacy of John Wesley, and the enduring significance of The New Room – the oldest Methodist building in the world.

With insights from historian Tom Brothwell of the Bristol History Podcast, we trace Wesley’s remarkable story from his early life in Epworth, his spiritual transformation on Aldersgate Street in London, to his ground-breaking outdoor preaching in Bristol, Kingswood, and beyond.

Explore the social and spiritual landscape of 18th century Bristol, a city shaped by trade, unrest and a hunger for change. Learn how Wesley’s message of personal salvation and social justice found deep roots among communities like Bristol prisoners and Kingswood Colliers, and helped shape the global Methodist movement.

Featuring contributions from Jonathan Scott, curator of the New Room Museum, Methodist chaplains Rev David Weeks and Rev Josette Crane, and members of the local Westbury on Trym congregation, this documentary weaves history, faith and community into a rich and relevant story for today.

Produced by Anthea Page

Funded by Leonard Laity Stoate Charitable Trust

Keywords: John Wesley, Methodism, Bristol, The New Room, Charles Wesley, Kingswood Colliers, Aldersgate Street, George Whitefield, Epworth, Westbury on Trym, Methodist Church, Primitive Physic, Newgate Prison, 18th century England, hymn writing, spiritual history, social justice, religious revival.

South Asian Voices Bristol CIC Presents Empowering Women Through Menopause Podcast. Funded by The National Lottery Community Fund! Host Sheetal Jethwa talks Menopause and experiences. Each episode allows us to navigate the challenging path making it more bearable and less scary. Sheetal is joined by Experts.

Last year, BCfm presenter Sue went to Palestine for three months as a human rights monitor on the West Bank. “I didn’t realise what life was like under a military occupation until I got there,” she said. “ Every week something new shocked me.”. This is Shocks of Occupation Pt 1 - Settlers & the Bedouin .

A Tribute to Jerry Cowhig who passed away on Friday 23rd May 2025. Anneka Sutcliffe & Pat Hart play messages, music & tributes to Jerry in a special show recorded on 5th June 2025. The tribute show is followed by Jerry's last ever broadcast on Bcfm Radio. On the morning of his passing he came to the BCfm studios and broadcast his classical hour live. He will be sadly missed but also remembered. Friday mornings at 9am will always be "Jerry Cowhig's Classical Hour" on Bcfm Radio .

This re-edited radio documentary produced by Patrick Hart & Ivan Jackson gives a snapshot of some untold stories from World War two. Some great music of the time and real insights into those soldiers of Global Majority backgrounds that have never really been celebrated. First broadcast as a 12 hour feature on Bcfm Radio on VE Day 75 - 8th March 2020

On Thursday 1 May 2025 residents across Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, and South Gloucestershire will head to the polls to elect the next Mayor of the West of England Combined Authority (WECA).

In the run-up to this important vote, BCfm in partnership with other local Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations hosted a Mayoral hustings on Tuesday 23 April. The event provided an opportunity for residents and community leaders to hear directly from the candidates about their vision for the region and to ensure the voices of the VCSE sector are firmly part of the conversation.

This is a recording of the hustings as a podcast and it will also be broadcast on the airwaves on BCfm Radio, giving more people the chance to hear directly from the candidates and encouraging wider participation in the democratic process.

The candidates, in alphabetical order, are:

- BANKS, Arron Fraser Andrew (Reform UK)

- GODWIN, Helen (Labour Party)

- HENMAN, Oli (Liberal Democrats)

- PAGE, Mary (Green Party)

- SCOTT, Ian Keith Mark (Independent)

- SMITH, Steve (Conservative Party)

If you love the iconic Shades Of Soul shows on Bcfm Radio then you'll love this 2 hour mix of some of their favourite jamz

Settle down to some classic old skool Slow Jamz and romantic ballads from the Shades of Soul team on Bcfm Radio