Our Radio by Mencap

Background

Our Radio is an online radio station run by Mencap, a UK charity that works with and for people with a learning disability. It was created to give people with learning disabilities a platform to express themselves, develop new skills, and connect with others.

The station is coordinated by social inclusion project co-ordinator - Johny Brown, who works closely with a small group of service users to plan and host live radio shows. Originally launched around 10 years ago, Our Radio was designed as a creative and social project—one that prioritises confidence-building, inclusion, and participation over technical complexity.

From the very beginning, live audio was seen as a powerful way to help people find their voice.

The Challenge

Before Our Radio existed, many participants faced limited opportunities to build confidence, practise communication skills, or engage with a wider audience. Social isolation and loneliness were common, and there were few accessible creative outlets that felt genuinely empowering.

From a practical perspective, any solution also needed to be:

• Simple enough for non-technical users
• Reliable for live broadcasting
• Flexible enough to grow over time

The team wanted a platform that removed barriers—not added them—while still allowing participants to feel ownership over their shows.

The Solution

Our Radio chose Mixlr as its live broadcast platform, thanks to its ease of use and reliability. Mixlr allowed the station to get on air with a very minimal setup—just a laptop and built-in microphone—making live radio accessible from day one. The platform proved especially valuable during lockdown, when broadcasts became a vital way for participants to stay connected and engaged.

Seamless Implementation & Key Features

Implementation was intentionally straightforward. With no need for complex onboarding or specialist engineering support, Our Radio was able to focus on content and participation rather than technical setup.

🎛 Professional Setup, Simplified:

Key Mixlr features that support the project include:

• Live broadcasting with minimal equipment
• A dedicated Mixlr Channel acting as the station’s central hub
• Embed player, integrated into the station’s website
• Live chat, enabling real-time interaction and inclusion
• An interface that supports confidence-building for presenters

While the team owns additional equipment—including microphones and a mixer—the simplicity of the current setup ensures that presenters feel comfortable and in control. This ease of use is critical in helping hosts feel confident going live, rather than intimidated by technology. Plans are in place to expand technically in the future, once additional support is available.

Game-Changing Impact

The impact of Our Radio has been significant and deeply personal for those involved.

Participants have developed:

• Greater confidence in speaking and self-expression
• Improved communication and presentation skills
• Stronger self-esteem and independence

Beyond the studio, this confidence has translated into real-world outcomes. Some presenters now use their platform to advocate for learning disability rights and have gone on to feature on UK broadcasters such as ITV News and Channel 4.

Audience engagement has steadily grown, with live broadcasts attracting an increasingly engaged and loyal listener base, alongside clear ambitions to continue expanding reach.

Most importantly, the station continues to combat isolation—creating a sense of belonging and purpose for everyone involved.

Conclusion: Why Mixlr?

Our Radio demonstrates how live audio—when made accessible—can be a powerful tool for inclusion, creativity, and confidence-building.

By keeping technology simple and putting people first, Mencap has created a platform where voices that are often underrepresented are heard, celebrated, and amplified. With Mixlr at its core, Our Radio continues to empower its presenters and strengthen its community—one broadcast at a time.