Checking in on progress at Radio Echo

Kate Smith, Connexus chief executive, visited Herefordshire-based Radio ECHO recently to take part in a live broadcast. ECHO, a disability charity, launched its online radio project in 2022 and has been received funding for equipment and workshops through the organisation’s Community Development Fund ever since.  

Thanks to support from Connexus, Radio ECHO now broadcasts every Tuesday and Friday, with two presenting teams learning how to use broadcast equipment and build confidence in front of a microphone.    

During the show, Kate talked to the ECHO team about Connexus’ new corporate plan homes you can build a life in, and how the organisation was supporting the local community in Hereford. There was even time to present the station with a commemorative plaque from the Community Development Fund.  

Kate Smith, Connexus chief executive said: “I really enjoyed visiting the team at Radio ECHO and getting involved with the programme. It’s great to see the impact of the funding, and how the skills that are being taught are making such a difference for those taking part. 

“Community initiatives like this are crucial, especially in our rural areas where support initiatives and opportunities to meet up and learn new skills aren’t always readily available.”  

Mike Cook, ECHO’s Chief Officer, who also attended the broadcast said, “Support from Connexus not only helped to kick start Radio ECHO but subsequently has helped it develop and grow to the great benefit of our participants. One of the remarkable things about the project is that the participants start the day with a blank page and devise what they will do in the show during the morning. They then set up the broadcast equipment, sound check and then go live for an hour and a half or more, recording the show so it can be released later as a podcast.” 

You can listen back to the programme from Radio Echo's gallery.