Another successful chapter in the history of Engage West Cornwall's support for community efforts has drawn to a close. But the story won't end there, if the impact of one typically inspiring project - Airwaves - is anything to go by.

The 5th round of Single Regeneration Budget funding, which Engage aimed specifically at work involving young people, has just concluded. Similar projects will now be assisted under the broader SRB6 Engage Neighbourhoods banner. Meanwhile, those already set up will continue to benefit local people.

A case in point is the Airwaves youth radio station initiative, which uses the exciting world of broadcasting and music to re-engage young people with education and personal development.

Based at Redruth Youth Centre, and working in co-operation with Cornwall College, its target group is those aged 18 or over who have little or no qualifications. In fact, many of them face even more serious difficulties and disadvantages. While some are introduced to Airwaves through youth centres, Connexions or Job Centres, others are referred by agencies such as Social Services and the Youth Offending Team.

Through Airwaves, they are able to gain NVQ Key Skills qualifications and Youth Achievement awards, both of which are nationally accredited. Encouragingly, the last academic year saw a 100% pass rate. Since 2000, Airwaves has worked with a core group of about 12 different students each year, with hundreds more taking part on a shorter-term basis.

"Airwaves has given people another chance to get their lives on track," says Project Manager Kate Shotter. "We have seen enormous growth and development in their skills, self-esteem and prospects. The project has acted as a stepping stone, taking them on to further education, job training or immediate employment.

"Good examples include a young person who came to us with quite severe reading and writing problems but left with a Youth Achievement award and Key Skills qualification. That young person is now continuing with their education. Several of our core group have become popular local entertainers and regularly play in local venues."

While some SRB-funded projects have a defined end, such as the creation of a skatepark, others need to seek further funds for the long-term continuation of their work. Airwaves is one of a number of projects which have now become 'mainstreamed' - in other words, it will be paid for out of the lead organisation's budget rather than depending on grant aid. The money will come mainly from Cornwall Youth Service, which is part of Cornwall County Council's Education Department, with an additional contribution from Cornwall College.

In total, 17 projects have been assisted by Engage West Cornwall under its SRB5 Engage Young People banner - pumping more than two million pounds into community development. Engage is in turn funded by, and operated on behalf of, the South West of England Regional Development Agency. It covers the Kerrier and Penwith districts, as well as the Penwerris area of Carrick.

"We are delighted that Airwaves has been so successful - and to know that it will be continuing to make such a difference to people's lives," says Christine Sanders of Engage. "We hope many more people will take advantage of the opportunities offered by this and other projects backed by Engage, as their appreciation by the community will surely help attract further funding into Cornwall."