Erewash Sound secures grant funding for transmitter improvement

The 103.5 FM transmitter range for Ilkeston, Derbyshire-based Erewash Sound has been improved after the station secured grant funding.

An application was made in the last quarter of 2024 with the help of Erewash Voluntary Action, for a ‘mental health’ small grant.

The grant is to help local voluntary and community groups and organisations to improve or extend their work supporting Derby and Derbyshire residents aged 18 plus to maintain good mental health.

As a non-profit making organisation, Erewash Sound CIC is run almost entirely by volunteers with the aim to maximise social gain, relaying key items, many of them focusing on health and well-being.

The station says that since March 2010, it has consistently demonstrated the ability to build a bond of friendship between listeners and presenters, which, in turn, has helped reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness for many, particularly during the pandemic.

It also says that the NCFE accredited Erewash Sound Academy has delivered radio training for over 10 years with over 100 volunteers getting involved and developing skills to boost confidence, particularly with communication skills.

In addition to the funding, the station has been given permission by Ofcom to remove a restriction which had previously restricted the reach of its 103.5 FM transmitter.

Ian Perry, Press and Publicity spokesperson for Erewash Sound said: “As the local content of commercial and BBC radio continues to decrease, and after many local newspapers closed or merged with bigger titles covering wider areas, the radio station’s place as a key news and information provider has been further cemented.

“Securing the £5,500 funding for new and more modern transmission equipment has removed multiple risks that may have otherwise prevented the radio station from continuing to broadcast, and has, instead, enabled a greater focus on the provision of supporting mental health for listeners through service continuity.

“We’re additionally delighted to have been able to coincide the transmitter installation work with applying technical changes which improve our broadcast footprint and maximise our potential reach.”