Wavelength - The Television and Radio Charity

We provide a range of televisions and radios at no cost to the recipient. All our sets are covered by an extended warranty or maintenance agreement and in some cases we can give assistance with a first television licence or aerial. Our warranties and maintenance agreements last at least 3 years ensuring that those we support are given a good platform and a chance to save or fund future purchases themselves if necessary.

We work with a wide range of people from the elderly surviving on limited means, young men and women paralysed through no fault of their own who have to adapt to their new lives and surroundings, to those recently bereaved. We also work with victims of torture, through The Medical Foundation, those being resettled after long periods of homelessness and adults and children fleeing domestic abuse.

Televisions and radios seem such small things but have helped people in these situations maintain contact with the world they can feel apart from. A television and radio becomes for them a comfort, distraction and a means of relaxation. So often we hear bad things about television, yet we forget to see just what a benefit it can be. For those who could otherwise be extremely isolated and lonely its positive impact can directly contribute to a sense of wellbeing and happiness.

We also seek to represent at governmental level the needs of those who can benefit from our work, through advising upon and conducting research into the needs of vulnerable consumers within the digital switchover in television and in radio.

Our Impact in the wider community

We believe that it is important to reassess regularly how effective our services are and whether there is a need to widen our support. We welcome enquiries and suggestions that can help us develop the services we provide in relation to changing social need.

To us it really matters that the work we do has a positive impact for our beneficiaries and that the money donated to us is used in the most cost effective way. We measure the impact of our work by asking recipients what difference our provision has had for them. We have found that beneficiaries particularly appreciate the company and companionship of the televisions and radios we provide, as well as being able to keep in touch with the outside world. People went on to describe the service as being a lifeline and their only source of enjoyment.

Mr. M. would like to express his gratitude and appreciation to your organisation for supplying him with a colour TV and licence. The delivery people were great; they set it up and tuned it in for him. It makes a big difference to him; he previously had a small old black and white one, now he has got a bigger size, great reception and a remote control. Well done!