On Wednesday 31 March 2004 we welcome back Unity 24 Community Radio, the South's only Asian and ethnic radio station! You can listen on 87.7 FM and www.unity24.org.

The station will be broadcasting music and culture that reflects the ethnically diverse communities of Southampton. As well as English, the station includes shows presented in numerous languages including French, Chinese, Gujurati, Punjabi, Hindi, Spanish, Arabic and Bengali! With each show delivering local, national and international issues and news; as well as information (such as current issues and events) about each community.

This is the station's fourth 28 day broadcast and the station hopes to gain its permanent five-year licence this year. The station's presenters, both new and old favourites, are looking forward to presenting their shows. For this broadcast they have benefited with extensive training sessions - IT and Tecnical training at the studio provided by Kelly, the Project and Station Manager; and local radio training provided by BBC Radio Solent.

Community Radio provides an effective information system free to air and free to receive, with the content provided by local people. It helps raise the community pride so that our community can have its very own radio station and profile. Community Radio is likely to be the most important cultural development for many years, creating a real sense of community spirit.

For further details, sponsorship or advertising call Unity 24 on: 07773 713736

The Trust is pleased to announce that we have now recruited our new Project Development Officer! Following his impressive work experience and proven track record, identified through our recruitment process, Gulzar Sharif is due to take up the post on Monday 5th January and is expected to get straight into his tasks of developing projects for the community and the Trust.

As the Project Development Officer, Gulzar will be the first point of call for individuals and organisations in the West Itchen area needing assistance with seeking and securing funding. Gulzar will be on hand offer practical advice on how to keep projects sustainable and how to ensure that any funding gained will go a long way.

Community Cashback is Child’s Play!

New Start magazine's innovative 'Community Cashback' scheme turned out to be childs play for a Southampton based community group.

The scheme, which donates 10% of the (net of VAT) cost of recruitment advertisements to a charity, community group or voluntary organisation of the advertisers choice, enabled the SVS (Southampton Voluntary Sevices) Family Project to buy much needed toys for the children that benefit from the project.

The SVS Family Project runs a number of outreach centres but is based at the offices of Southampton Voluntary Services, in the inner city area, and provides opportunities for play and personal development to families with children under 5, who have multiple needs.

Di Barnes, Family Project Co-ordinator, said 'This donation of £121.80 has come along at a critical time for us and will enable us to replace some of the toys that are well past their best. Congratulations to New Start for such a neat idea'.

The Trust placed its advert for a Project Development Officer in the 12th September issue of New Start and was keen to ensure that the cashback went to a local project.

Ian Weston said 'Community Cashback is a brilliant idea and, given that we are only a small development trust on a tight budget, became a main consideration in deciding where we placed our advert'.

Pictured is Di Barnes receiving the cheque from Ian Weston in the company of some very happy families!

For more information about the SVS Family Project visit www.southamptonvs.org.uk

Welcome back Unity 24 Community Radio, the South's only Asian and ethnic radio station! The station will be on 87.7 FM and www.unity24.org from 2nd to 29th October 2003.

As a strong supporter of Unity 24 the Trust's staff were invited to attend the station's official launch on 1st October at its new premises of 107 St Mary's Road. The studio was opened by the Mayor of Southampton, councillor Parvin Damani.

The event was well attended and, as you can see by the photos, fun was had by all. Ram Kalyan "Kelly" was pro in showing the attendees around the new studio and many delighted in "having a go"!

For further details, sponsorship or advertising call Unity 24 on: 07773 713736