Gateway launches new project with National Lottery funding

Gateway 97.8 is delighted to announce new funding from the National Lottery Community Fund to support residents during the coronavirus pandemic.

Basildon radio station, Gateway 97.8 has been running a project since April called ‘On The Radio’, awarding radios to vulnerable or elderly people who may be self-isolating. 

It is well known that radio can be an invaluable ‘friend’ in difficult times. The radio station would like to thank Basildon Round Table and Rotary East Thurrock who supported them during the launch.

Gateway 97.8 would like to thank the National Lottery Community Fund for enhancing the radio project so that even more can be given away. The station will soon be working with radio networking group, The Radio Hub, to distribute more free radios across the UK.

The station has also received funding from the National Lottery for an Activities Coordinator who will assemble local information on the coronavirus pandemic, to inform the community. Gateway 97.8’s Editor, Johnny Jenkins, is excited to take on this new role.

The new project, called Gateway Response, will involve a brand-new webpage, full of information, resources and activities for the community. The page will also include a new Job Spot for people who are out of work due to the ongoing pandemic.

Station Director, Danny Lawrence said:

“I am delighted that Gateway 97.8 can help more people across Basildon and East Thurrock. Gateway Response will be a home for reliable information and resources for the whole community.”

Station Director, Ros Connors said: 

“Gateway Response will add to what already is a wonderful service for our area. We are in very troubled times, and the pandemic is causing much stress and anxiety. With the situation constantly changing, the radio station is fully committed to providing as much helpful, and up-to-date information to our listeners as possible.”

If you are interested in receiving a radio, or know somebody who may be interested, please contact [email protected]. They may be given a free radio!

If you have any events or resources to add to the new Gateway Response page, please contact [email protected].