July 12: Carisma's Erinma Bell was featured on BBC1's 'Songs of Praise', telling her story of how she was first awakened to the problem of gun violence through witnessing the shooting of a friend.

PeaceFM Studio 1 Officially Opened.

July 9: The main studio for new community radio station PeaceFM was officially opened by Home Secretary Alan Johnson.

The Home Secretary also met with two young DJs who hope to work on the station when it goes on air later in the summer after OFCOM commissioning is complete.

In the first proper use of the new studio's equipment, Alan Johnson was then interviewed by Erinma Bell, though he also asked quite a few questions himself, ending by thanking Erinma for appearing on his show!

The interview will be broadcast on PeaceFM at a future date.

PeaceWeek 2009 - March 7-14. The theme for this year was "Hands Up For Peace" and it was good to welcome the Old Trafford area, ably organised by Joe Malaika, Karen Andrews and others.

The week began with a great Launch Event, then went through Monday to Friday with various other events and activities, plus assemblies, workshops and classes in around 30 schools across Manchester and Old Trafford, finishing on Friday afternoon with a fantastic Schools Showcase. On Friday night the Lantern Parade took place with 4 marches (for which the rain stopped - again) in Moss Side, Longsight, Old Trafford and a student march from the University. The week was brought to a superb close on Saturday night with the OSBAs - Manchester Peace Awards - dinner and presentation at the City of Manchester Stadium which was a big success.

Thanks to everyone that helped, sponsored and just got involved. Read more and see some photos and videos at the PeaceWeek and OSBA websites and Flickr page, and read a Manchester Evening News article here.

PeaceFM Community Radio for inner-south Manchester is getting closer. Work has begun installing the PeaceFM studio and shortly we hope to begin the OFCOM commissioning process. This can take up to four months to complete, so watch out for positive sounds on the airwaves from sometime around late July / early August. When we know a more precise date we will put it here.

Meantime, we're looking for volunteers to help with all aspects of PeaceFM - from making programmes to making tea! We'd also like to hear your ideas for programmes that you would like to hear. If you're interested in supporting your community through giving some time to its new radio station contact the Carisma Office.

Email, or phone 227 7486.