Becca Bryers guides you through stories of people across England who are making a difference during the coronavirus pandemic. Find out more via bbc.co.uk/makeadifference
Happy Hit: Zumba dreams
Latin aerobics fan Hannah took up Zumba during lockdown when she had to shield.
When gyms reopened, Hannah qualified as a teacher and is now the first Zumba teacher in the UK with Downs syndrome.
2/15/2022 • 4 minutes, 51 seconds
Happy Hit: From riverside bench to Windsor Castle
Meet Jay Flynn, as online pub quizmaster who hosted weekly quizzes, which at their peak attracted 180,000 people, and raised more than £1m for charity.
Before he was a quizmaster, Jay spent nearly two years living on a bench on London's Victoria Embankment.
Jay talked to BBC Radio Lancashire just before he was made an MBE by Prince William at Windsor Castle.
2/2/2022 • 4 minutes, 37 seconds
Happy Hit: A lullaby from a loving dad
When Karen Robson was a baby her father, Brian Teasdale Snr, composed music for her. Brian had a brain injury which left him unable to compose and needing round-the-clock care.
Karen shared her story with BBC Radio Newcastle's Gilly Hope and with help from the station's listeners, Brian's song has now been released as a digital download.
Host: Letitia George
Digital producer: Rachael Smith
Executive Producer: Kathryn Morrison
1/21/2022 • 3 minutes, 49 seconds
Happy Hit: Bryson Walks to School
Nine-year-old Bryson Taylor has cerebral palsy and had an operation on his spine in February.
He has been training hard with his physiotherapist Lorna Wicken to achieve his goal of walking to school for the first time.
This is his story of determination as he sets off to walk the half-mile or 800m journey.#
Host: Letitia George
Digital producer: Rachael Smith
Executive Producer: Kathryn Morrison
1/13/2022 • 5 minutes, 52 seconds
Happy Hit: Grandma's voice
A lost recording of her beloved late grandma Margaret sparks heart-warming memories for Lucy James from Kidsgrove, Staffordshire.
Lucy was a 13-year-old pupil at St Margaret Ward Catholic Academy when she was asked to take part in BBC News School Report.
She recorded herself and her grandmother going around Stoke-on-Trent's Gladstone Pottery Museum, and talking about the city's pottery industry, where her grandmother worked in the 1970s.
Lucy contacted BBC Radio Stoke to see if the recording of her grandmother, who died in 2019, still existed. It was a long shot, but after an extensive search, an ex-producer at the local radio station found a CD.
Host: Letitia George
Digital producer: Rachael Smith
Executive Producer: Kathryn Morrison
1/5/2022 • 5 minutes, 44 seconds
Welcome to Happy Hit
A snack-sized treat featuring family, friendship or other good-hearted folk to warm up your week.
Letitia George introduces a hand-picked pop of positivity selected from the best of local BBC Radio across England.
If you have a story of love and kindness that will make others smile then tell us about it at bbc.co.uk/makeadifference.
12/31/2021 • 1 minute, 18 seconds
A message from the world to COP26
Young people have a message to world leaders at the United Nations climate conference.
We hear from listeners to BBC Radio 1, young Climate champions across the UK, experts and young people from the BBC World service and pledges to change from both local BBC radio and around the world.
This is a powerful and direct message to decision makers showing how voices around the world know this is both a local and global issue and young people are speaking up for their future.
Presenter: Rima Ahmed
Reporter: Ollie Peart
Producers: Matt Foster and Stuart Barrett
Digital producer: Rachael Smith
Executive producer: Kate Squire, BBC Radio Manchester
10/29/2021 • 25 minutes, 45 seconds
Making A Difference in 2020: Part 2
Becca Bryers looks back on a very uncertain year and shares some of her favourite stories of communities across England pulling together to help others, drawn from across BBC Local Radio.
12/30/2020 • 23 minutes, 16 seconds
Making A Difference in 2020: Part 1
Becca Bryers looks back on a very uncertain year and shares some of her favourite stories of communities across England pulling together to help others, drawn from across BBC Local Radio.
12/23/2020 • 24 minutes, 48 seconds
Kindness at Christmas
Becca Bryers guides you through surprising stories of communities across England pulling together to help others, drawn from across BBC Local Radio.
This episode - the family from Tees who have just received the best Christmas gift ever, in the form of a stem cell donor for eight-year-old Evie. Plus the Indian restaurant in Leicester, helping ensure no one goes hungry on 25th December.
Featuring stories from BBC Radio Tees, BBC Radio London, BBC Radio Newcastle, BBC Hereford and Worcester and BBC Radio Leicester.
12/16/2020 • 26 minutes, 33 seconds
Memory Runs and Favourite Customers
Becca Bryers guides you through surprising stories of communities across England pulling together to help others, drawn from across BBC Local Radio.
This episode - Emily's husband of 12 years, Simon took his own life this summer - she shares what impact it's had on the family and how she, and her children, are now passionate about sharing their story. Plus bakery assistant Alice goes in search of Peter, her favourite customer - after being separated by the pandemic.
Featuring stories from BBC Radio Cumbria, BBC Essex, BBC Radio Cornwall, BBC Radio Derby.
12/9/2020 • 24 minutes, 45 seconds
Christmas Helpers and Blooming Friendships
Becca Bryers guides you through surprising stories of communities across England pulling together to help others, drawn from across BBC Local Radio.
Featuring stories from BBC Radio Cambridgeshire, BBC Radio Stoke, BBC Radio Leicester and BBC Radio Leeds.
12/2/2020 • 23 minutes, 32 seconds
Love at a distance and a celebrity goose
In today’s episode we re-unite a woman with her partner in a care home, a little girl speaks to the doctor who saved her life, and we explore the bond between man and goose.
11/25/2020 • 19 minutes, 13 seconds
Mr Christmas and Metal Detectors
Becca Bryers guides you through surprising stories of communities across England pulling together to help others, drawn from across BBC Local Radio.
This episode - a dedicated to Mr Christmas, aka Dave Edwards who has been bringing festive cheer to his Hertfordshire neighbours for the past 42 years. Plus a metal detectorist on a mission to reunite a treasure with its owner, and the anonymous donor helping to provide a lifeline for survivors of domestic abuse in Teesside.
Featuring stories from BBC Three Counties Radio, BBC Radio Bristol, and BBC Radio Tees
11/18/2020 • 27 minutes, 1 second
A Letter To My Younger Self
Four people from across England share how a Children in Need funded project has helped them, in the form of a letter to their younger self.
Produced and presented by Becca Bryers and Dimple Patel.
11/11/2020 • 30 minutes, 2 seconds
Recycled Cycles and Wedding Winners
Becca Bryers guides you through surprising stories of communities across England pulling together to help others, drawn from across BBC Local Radio.
This episode - the Shropshire man fixing up old bikes to help people in his community, and not one, but two wedding success stories in the time of coronavirus.
Featuring stories from BBC Radio Shropshire, BBC Radio Lancashire, BBC Radio Sheffield, BBC Radio Surrey and BBC Radio Berkshire.
11/4/2020 • 26 minutes, 3 seconds
Jacket Potatoes and Speedos
Becca Bryers guides you through surprising stories of communities across England pulling together to help others, drawn from across BBC Local Radio.
This episode - meet Kerry, the dedicated volunteer at a Goole food project who has benefitted from free meals, as well as dished them out. And the Gloucester man who's walked the length of Hadrian's Wall... in a pair of swimming trunks and a helmet!
Featuring stories from BBC Radio Berkshire, BBC Radio Humberside, BBC Radio Sheffield, BBC Radio Newcastle, and BBC Radio Gloucestershire.
10/28/2020 • 26 minutes, 33 seconds
Sheepdogs and Camp Outs
Becca Bryers guides you through surprising stories of communities across England pulling together to help others, drawn from across BBC Local Radio.
This episode - an emotional reunion between a retired farmer and his sheepdog, and the 4.5 hour journey to make it happen. Plus the 10 year old boy, camping out every night in memory of a much loved neighbour.
Featuring stories from BBC Radio Solent, BBC Radio Sheffield, BBC Radio Merseyside and BBC Radio Berkshire.
10/21/2020 • 26 minutes, 46 seconds
Phone Calls and Garden Angels
Becca Bryers guides you through surprising stories of communities across England pulling together to help others, drawn from across BBC Local Radio.
This episode - we listen in on the first conversation between the "man on the bike" and "the man in the window", and reflect on the positive impact of connecting with strangers during isolation.
Featuring stories from BBC Radio Solent, BBC Radio Sheffield, BBC Radio Merseyside and BBC Radio Berkshire.
10/14/2020 • 27 minutes, 48 seconds
Seaside Trips and Plastic Wigglies
Becca Bryers guides you through surprising stories of communities across England pulling together to help others, drawn from across BBC Local Radio.
This week including the residents of Whitby who last weekend welcomed in NHS workers for a free holiday beside the sea, and the Worcestershire eight-year-old whose life was saved by a Brazilian stranger.
10/7/2020 • 26 minutes, 3 seconds
Positive Vibes and Spiders
Becca Bryers guides you through surprising stories of communities across England pulling together to help others, drawn from across BBC Local Radio.
This week, inspiring stories of people who seem to find a silver lining in every cloud - including Dee from Trowbridge, who believes kindness should start in the smallest of creatures.
9/30/2020 • 26 minutes, 30 seconds
Helicopters and Helping the Homeless
Becca Bryers guides you through surprising stories of communities across England pulling together to help others, drawn from across BBC Local Radio.
This episode features Bob, who has been homeless for seven years - and has just completed a 24 hour bike ride to say thank you to the community which has helped him during lockdown.
9/23/2020 • 25 minutes, 33 seconds
Lifesaving Lorries and Nominated Names
Becca Bryers guides you through surprising stories of communities across England pulling together to help others, drawn from across BBC Local Radio.
This episode features an emotional reunion between Jo from Derby, and Carl - the trucker who stopped his lorry behind her broken down car in the third lane of the M25, saving the lives of her and her young son.
9/16/2020 • 27 minutes, 59 seconds
Helmets and Headbands
Becca Bryers guides you through surprising stories of communities across England pulling together to help others, drawn from across BBC Local Radio.
This episode features 16-year-old skateboarder Sid, who spent four weeks in hospital recovering from a near fatal head trauma. He and his family are grateful for the NHS treatment and the support of the skating community - and Sid is eager to share his story to warn others of the risks of not wearing a helmet.
9/9/2020 • 23 minutes, 56 seconds
New Friendships and Messages of Hope
A men's mental health special, featuring people making a difference in uncertain times.
Including the Derbyshire man who is using his own experience of a mental health crisis, to help save the lives of others - posting messages of hope and love on bridges across the county.
Just a warning, this episode contains conversations about suicidal thoughts and physical assault. If you need help or advice related to your own mental health - or are concerned about someone else - you kind find lots of information and links to organisations who can help by going to bbc.co.uk/actionline
9/2/2020 • 27 minutes, 21 seconds
Rickshaw Trips and Bingo Wins
Good news stories from across England, of people making a difference in uncertain times.
Becca Bryers guides you through surprising stories of communities across England pulling together during the coronavirus pandemic, drawn from across BBC Local Radio.
This week including the Southport care home manager who has modified a rickshaw to help residents have a Covid-safe day out, and the 96-year-old bingo enthusiast from Scarborough who couldn't be happier to be back dabbing.
8/26/2020 • 27 minutes, 21 seconds
Stolen Cycles and The Queen’s Stockings
Good news stories from across England, of people making a difference in uncertain times.
Becca Bryers guides you through surprising stories of communities across England pulling together during the coronavirus pandemic, drawn from across BBC Local Radio.
8/19/2020 • 27 minutes, 27 seconds
Doggy Paddles and Sweet Ninjas
Good news stories from across England, of people making a difference in uncertain times.
Becca Bryers guides you through surprising stories of communities across England pulling together during these uncertain times, drawn from across BBC Local Radio.
This episode:
- London paramedic, Richard on how being deaf impacts his work, and how he's found new ways to help the NHS as he recovers from coronavirus
- Musician Sal, explains how "ring and sing" has been helping patients with memory loss in Shropshire
- Jonah the border collie goes on a seaside adventure on the Cornish coastline - much to the concern of his owner Wayne
- Plus mother and daughter, Lorraine and Charlotte from Yorkshire share their "sweet ninja" alter-egos
8/12/2020 • 25 minutes, 22 seconds
Cover Acts and Covered Faces
Becca Bryers guides you through surprising stories of communities across England pulling together during these uncertain times, drawn from across BBC Local Radio.
This episode:
- How Wookey villagers supported 92-year-old John after his house was broken into
- BBC CWR listeners offer support to paramedic Rachel, after a devastating cancer diagnosis - including a Pink cover artist
- Teenage brothers Callum and Kieran on why they're donating time and money to a Sheffield charity
- Eight-year-old Sharon from Cambridgeshire's shares what has comforted her, following the death of her sister Daniella
- And the Leicester couple, who have started a new business while shielding - photo face masks
See a photo of Maz and Rekha wearing their photo face masks here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p08m4d7p
8/5/2020 • 27 minutes, 56 seconds
Romance and Reunions
Becca Bryers guides you through surprising stories of communities across England pulling together during these uncertain times, drawn from across BBC Local Radio.
This episode:
- While on furlough, Nina has been volunteering at the Chelmsford care home where her dad Roger lives - and loving it
- Shropshire student Lauren has put her dream of being a midwife on hold, to work in her local care home
- James explains how the pandemic has impacted the quality time he can spend with his wife, Barbara - who lives in a Exeter care home
- Plus the story of two reunions - one in Wetherby, one in Stockport - and a piece of poetry, celebrating everything care home workers do
Featuring stories from: BBC Essex, BBC Radio Shropshire, BBC Radio Devon, BBC Radio Leeds, BBC Radio Manchester and BBC Radio Lincolnshire
You can find Nina and Roger online at instagram.com/rantsandbigpants
7/29/2020 • 27 minutes, 21 seconds
Face Masks and School Leavers
Becca Bryers guides you through surprising stories of communities across England pulling together during these uncertain times, drawn from across BBC Local Radio.
This episode:
- De Montfort University contour fashion student Disha, is putting her sewing skills to good use making reusable face masks at home in India.
- Five-year-old Isaac from Belper and his granny Mhairi have been raising money for charity with a new book, which has a "stay at home" message.
- Becky, a pregnant NHS worker from Nottingham shares how her faith in humanity was restored, following a car break-in and theft.
- Archie, head boy at Therfield School in Leatherhead, takes over the airwaves to deliver his end-of-year speech
- And the Sikh community kitchen in Middlesborough, continuing to serve hot foot to those in need throughout the pandemic
Featuring stories from: Ady Dayman at BBC Radio Leicester, Heidi Booth at BBC Radio Derby, Andy Whittaker at BBC Radio Nottingham, Lesley McCabe at BBC Radio Surrey, and BBC Radio Tees
7/22/2020 • 26 minutes, 52 seconds
Decorating and the Digital Divide
Becca Bryers guides you through surprising stories of communities across England pulling together during these uncertain times, drawn from across BBC Local Radio.
This episode:
- Shelagh from Coventry completes a 1,000 steps charity challenge, as part of her recovery from a stroke - and shared the moment with BBC CWR.
- The London charity redecorating teenagers bedrooms as a reward for good school work - and who recently received a little help from Stormzy. See the video here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-london-53339780/stormzy-s-surprise-paint-job-for-croydon-teen-s-bedroom
- As Leicester remains in lockdown due to a localised coronavirus outbreak, intensive care nurse Kirstie shares a little of her experience of working through the pandemic - and says thanks for a very special set of scrubs.
- And stories from Sheffield, Manchester, Cambridgeshire and Devon about the impact of the digital divide on school children, and their parents.
7/15/2020 • 27 minutes, 15 seconds
Fire Fighters and Food Banks
Guest host Phillipa Goymer, from the Pregnant Teens podcast, brings you stories of people making a difference in England.
7/8/2020 • 19 minutes, 38 seconds
Dogs and Dinners
Whilst Becca Bryers takes a well earned break, Adam Clarkson from the Unusual Times podcast brings us the latest from the BBC's Make A Difference campaign.
This week he's got stories showing how people are helping each other during the current crisis. Involving dogs, sweets, takeaways and a surprise for a much loved teacher.
7/1/2020 • 19 minutes, 7 seconds
100 Days
Becca Bryers looks back at 100 days of Make A Difference across BBC Local Radio - guiding you through surprising stories of communities across England pulling together during the coronavirus pandemic.
6/24/2020 • 29 minutes, 20 seconds
Curries and High Heels
Becca Bryers guides you through surprising stories of communities across England pulling together during the coronavirus pandemic, drawn from BBC Local Radio.
This episode: the burlesque dancers from Standish who has taken her lessons online, as has the home cooks sharing Indian recipes through video stream while connecting families around the world. Plus the Worcestershire plumber who has been shaping copper pipes into decorative benches, dedicated to the NHS.
6/19/2020 • 23 minutes, 40 seconds
Tigers and Pick 'n' Mix
Becca Bryers guides you through surprising stories of people across England who are making a difference during the coronavirus pandemic.
6/16/2020 • 24 minutes, 34 seconds
Pom Poms and Flamingos
Becca Bryers guides you through surprising stories of people across England who are making a difference during the coronavirus pandemic.
6/12/2020 • 26 minutes, 35 seconds
Biscuits and Bin Lorries
Becca Bryers guides you through surprising stories of people across England who are making a difference during the coronavirus pandemic.
6/9/2020 • 28 minutes
Marathons and Camper Vans
Becca Bryers guides you through surprising stories of people across England who are making a difference during the coronavirus pandemic.
6/5/2020 • 23 minutes, 36 seconds
Channel Swimming and Tooth Filling
Becca Bryers guides you through surprising stories of people across England who are making a difference during the coronavirus pandemic.
6/2/2020 • 27 minutes, 12 seconds
Lockdown Lines
Becca Bryers guide you through a selection of poems from across England, inspired by the people who are making a difference during the coronavirus pandemic.
Over 750 000 stories of people offering help and support pouring into BBC Local Radio’s ‘Make A Difference’ service have inspired a powerful new collection of poems.
Each of the 39 BBC Local Radio stations across England and the Channel has commissioned a poet in their area to write a poem inspired by these stories.
On this episode Becca speaks to Essex poet Maria Ferguson, Somerset poet Liv Torc, and poet and broadcast Ian MacMillan - who has written a national Make A Difference poem. With additional poems from Rowan McCabe and Mr Shay.
Find out more about Make A Difference: bbc.co.uk/makeadifference
Submit your own lockdown writing: bbc.co.uk/upload
5/29/2020 • 26 minutes, 9 seconds
Silly Walks and Football Talk
Becca Bryers guides you through surprising stories of people across England who are making a difference during the coronavirus pandemic.
5/26/2020 • 23 minutes, 54 seconds
Tambourines and Trampolines
Becca Bryers guides you through surprising stories of people across England who are making a difference during the coronavirus pandemic.
5/22/2020 • 26 minutes, 54 seconds
Songwriting and Cake Baking
Becca Bryers guides you through surprising stories of people across England who are making a difference during the coronavirus pandemic.
5/19/2020 • 28 minutes, 12 seconds
Elvis and Trucker Takeaways
Becca Bryers guides you through surprising stories of people across England who are making a difference during the coronavirus pandemic.
This episode: a Bedfordshire couple who were forced to abandon plans to renew their wedding vows in Las Vegas, are serenaded by "The King" on their doorstep (at a safe distance). Plus the London mum and daughter bringing a bit of birthday joy to children in lockdown; a Gloucestershire lorry driver using his days off to feed his fellow truckers; an intergenerational penpal project in Cambridgeshire; and an update on the Essex couple who have been overwhelmed by the kindness of strangers after a house fire.
5/15/2020 • 27 minutes, 14 seconds
Bubbles and Bikes
Becca Bryers guides you through surprising stories of people across England who are making a difference during the coronavirus pandemic.
This episode: an emotional dedication to a much loved mum in Merseyside, and praise of the NHS staff who cared for her. Plus a call for help from North Yorkshire,after a bike is stolen from a keyworker... in Hertforshire
Find out more via bbc.co.uk/makeadifference
5/5/2020 • 28 minutes, 36 seconds
Lambs and Keepy-Uppies
Becca Bryers guides you through surprising stories of people across England who are making a difference during the coronavirus pandemic.
This episode: the 10-year-old from Cambridgeshire aiming to complete over 7 million keepy-uppies (with a little help!) to raise money for keyworkers; a woman from Chesire wants to thank a care worker in Leicestershire; and how life feels on the farm during lockdown - and lambing season.
Find out more via bbc.co.uk/makeadifference
5/1/2020 • 25 minutes, 49 seconds
Storytime and Veg Box Fantasies
Becca Bryers guides you through surprising stories of people across England who are making a difference during the coronavirus pandemic. Find out more via bbc.co.uk/makeadifference
4/28/2020 • 25 minutes, 22 seconds
Supporters and Survivors
Becca Bryers guides you through surprising stories of communities across England pulling together during the coronavirus pandemic, drawn from BBC Local Radio.
This episode: two stories from one Birmingham hospital - the nurse and the patient; plus the big difference a small gift of shoes has made to one Devon cleaner; and a dramatic change of hairstyle for one Cornish octogenarian.
Find out more via bbc.co.uk/makeadifference
4/24/2020 • 27 minutes, 49 seconds
Glass Hearts and Town Criers
Stories of people across England making a difference during the coronavirus pandemic.
4/21/2020 • 24 minutes, 51 seconds
Penguins and Bus Drivers
Stories of people across England making a difference during the coronavirus pandemic.
4/17/2020 • 29 minutes, 33 seconds
Wedding Vows and Packed Lunches
Stories of people across England making a difference during the coronavirus pandemic.
4/14/2020 • 27 minutes
Walkie Talkies and Flower Fairies
Becca Bryers guides you through stories of people across England who are making a difference during the coronavirus pandemic. Find out more via bbc.co.uk/makeadifference
4/7/2020 • 26 minutes, 28 seconds
Dinosaurs and Christmas lights
Becca Bryers guides you through stories of people across England who are making a difference during the coronavirus pandemic. Find out more via bbc.co.uk/makeadifference
4/3/2020 • 24 minutes, 33 seconds
Birthdays and Bisto
Becca Bryers guides you through surprising stories of communities across England pulling together during the coronavirus pandemic, drawn from BBC Local Radio.
On the first episode: a lost wallet and a found microwave; celebrating birthdays in lockdown at seven and 100 years old; plus a very emotional gift of gravy granules.
Find out more via bbc.co.uk/makeadifference
3/31/2020 • 20 minutes, 24 seconds
Welcome
Becca Byers guides you through stories of people across England who are making a difference during the coronavirus pandemic.
Find out more via bbc.co.uk/makeadifference