UWS students raise funds for mental health charity with 24-hour live broadcast

Students at the University of the West of Scotland’s Ayr campus have completed a 24-hour live radio broadcast in support of a South Ayrshire mental health charity.

Broadcasting through UWS Radio, the student team surpassed their original £500 target, raising £825 for Three Sixty, a local organisation providing mental health support across the area.

The fundraiser was led by UWS Radio Station Manager Katy Watson, a third-year BA TV, Radio and Podcast Production student, alongside fellow students involved in the university’s radio and podcasting programme. The broadcast aimed to raise both funds and awareness of the services offered by Three Sixty to people experiencing mental health challenges.

Katy Watson said the team chose to support the charity due to its strong links within the local community and the growing importance of mental health support, particularly among students. She added that the 24-hour broadcast required a significant team effort and described the outcome as rewarding.

Kate Cotter, Programme Lead for BA TV, Radio and Podcast Production, praised the students’ work, highlighting the project as an example of practical skills being used to benefit the local community. She said supporting a charity like Three Sixty made the broadcast especially meaningful.

Three Sixty offers a safe and supportive environment for individuals seeking help with their mental health. The funds raised are expected to support the charity’s ongoing work across South Ayrshire.

Sean Robertson, Fundraising Manager for Three Sixty, thanked the students for their efforts, noting that the funds raised and increased awareness would make a difference to those who rely on the charity’s services.

Donations to the fundraiser remain open via its JustGiving page.