Lockdown Lines

Lockdown Lines

Author: BBC Local Radio May 29, 2020 Duration: 26:09

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


In a world that often feels fragmented, Make a Difference offers a necessary counter-narrative, sharing surprising stories from communities across England who are pulling together. This BBC Local Radio podcast captures the unscripted moments of cooperation and resilience that define our times, moving beyond headlines to find the human connections being forged in neighborhoods, towns, and cities. Each episode is a journey into the personal journals of collective action, exploring how ordinary people are addressing challenges in society, culture, and even health and fitness, from grassroots mental health projects to local cultural initiatives that rebuild a sense of belonging. You'll hear directly from the individuals at the heart of these efforts, their voices preserved with the intimacy and authenticity of its original local radio broadcasts. Listening to this podcast feels like discovering a series of quiet, powerful revelations about the capacity for kindness and practical support that persists around us. It’s a collection of audio snapshots that together form a larger, hopeful portrait of England, reminding us that impact often starts with a simple conversation next door. These are not grand manifestos, but real stories of tangible change, curated to inspire and connect.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 57

The Make a Difference Show
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