John Baron MP welcomes ‘On the Radio’ project

MP encourages charities to apply to Basildon Round Table Fund

Gateway 97.8 has launched a special project, called ‘On the Radio’, in partnership with Basildon Round Table, a community group issuing grants to charities supporting people at this difficult time. This project is aimed at helping vulnerable residents, and will involve distributing free radios, which have Gateway 97.8 as a pre-set saved station, to those over 70 and isolating. For details of how to obtain a free radio, either for yourself or for someone you know, or of how apply to the Basildon Round Table, please see ‘notes to editors’ below.

John said,

“I congratulate Gateway 97.8 and Basildon Round Table on this excellent initiative. Listening to the radio is a good and easy way to keep in touch, especially if you are self-isolating, and I encourage eligible residents to apply for their free radio as soon as possible.”

Notes to Editors:

• To obtain a free radio, either for yourself or someone you know, e-mail reception@gateway978.com. The scheme is running until 30th April, or until stocks run out.

• Gateway 97.8 is remaining on air, with a special 6.00pm Coronavirus Update every evening. Other shows are being aired as normal.

• Basildon Round Table is awarding grants of up to £500 to charities responding to the coronavirus pandemic. Details of how to apply are online at: http://www.basildonroundtable.com/covid-19-fund.html#.

• If people are having difficulty obtaining essential supplies, they can register with Essex Coronavirus Action, which is a collaboration between Essex County Council, the Essex Public Health Team and local groups. Their number is 0300 303 9988, open from 8.00am – 8.00pm, seven days a week.

• They can also register with the Community Hub, which is run by Basildon Council and provides support to the elderly and vulnerable at this time. The number is 01268 533 333 (option 1), or e-mail coronavirusresidents@basildon.gov.uk.