A NEW podcast studio has opened to support young voices in West Cumbria.
The Assa Colours Podcast Studio was officially opened on Friday, October 31, in Whitehaven, with town crier Marc Goodwin making the opening call and Josh MacAlister MP, minister for Children, Families and Wellbeing, cutting the ribbon.
The studio, located inside Colours Café on King Street, is designed to provide a platform for young people in West Cumbria to develop their confidence and communication skills through podcasting.
The idea for the studio was conceived by Catherine Williamson, host of the popular Gobsmacked! and Assa Marra podcasts, and brought to life in under two months.
Catherine was inspired to create the studio after using her own podcasts to connect with and celebrate the people and stories of West Cumbria.
Mr MacAlister said: "It is fantastic to see such an inspiring project come to life in the heart of our community.
"This new podcast studio is not simply about technology, it is about giving young people in West Cumbria the confidence, communication skills and creativity to thrive."
The first Assa Colours podcast episode is now available on YouTube, featuring 14-year-old host Rocco Boyd and guest Josh MacAlister.
Over the next year, the studio will support at least six youth-led podcast series.
Rocco said: "Opportunities like this are exactly what young people in West Cumbria need.
"It is a space where we can genuinely be heard and do something real, something that helps build essential skills like communication and confidence that will stay with us for life and hopefully open doors in the future."
The studio was funded by the Axiom Joint Venture, and discussions are already underway to collaborate with the Levels Build facility to allow young people to develop editing and production skills.
Catherine said: "Podcasting gives people a voice and reminds them that what they have to say matters.
"For young people, that can be transformative.
"What began as a tiny idea in a café has grown into a studio that will help young West Cumbrians step forward, speak up and be heard.
"I could not be prouder."
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