A community radio station which serves Leeds’ South Asian communities is among several organisations to receive a funding boost this month.
Seven community groups and charities across the North of England have received grants of up to £10,000 each from the Community Partnering Fund – a scheme run by Northern Gas Networks, Northern Powergrid and Leeds Community Foundation. The scheme funds grass roots projects which tackle issues such as fuel poverty and household safety, and an interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) subjects among young people or promote the Priority Services Register – a free support service for energy customers in vulnerable situations.
Funding winner Radio Asian Fever is a community radio station serving Asian communities in Leeds. Funding will be used to develop radio content in Hindu, Urdu, Punjabi, English and Mipuri, with topics including energy efficiency, reducing bills and Carbon Monoxide awareness.
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Jabbar Karim from Radio Asian Fever said: “We deliver programmes in various community languages, and have listeners from South Asian communities such as India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan. We’ll be delivering programming that will help people become more energy savvy, save money and stay safe. We’ll be making use of social media, too, and encouraging people to join in discussions and debates.”
Tom Bell, Northern Gas Networks’ Head of Social Strategy said: “As the region’s gas distributor, we work in communities which face a complex range of issues – from a high prevalence of fuel poverty to lack of opportunities and aspirations among young people.
“We are excited to be working Radio Asian Fever, and all the other remarkable organisations who are making a massive difference to their communities. We can’t wait to see the project take shape.”
Siobhan Barton, Head of Stakeholder Relations at Northern Powergrid, said: “Merging our fund with Northern Gas Networks provides us with a greater opportunity to engage with community groups and local charities who are delivering innovative projects in our key areas of focus, as well as raising awareness of our Priority Services Register”
Kate Hainsworth, Chief Executive of Leeds Community Foundation said: “The fact that this funding scheme is now in its third year, and has gained combined support from the region’s gas and electricity distributors, is fantastic news for communities across the North of England.
“We are delighted to be working with Northern Gas Networks and Northern Powergrid to help administer the programme and are looking forward to seeing targeted support to communities through this year’s projects.”
For more information about the scheme, including how to apply for the next round of funding, organisations can head to: https://www.leedscf.org.uk/community-partnering-fund
