PEOPLE with learning disabilities are among the most disadvantaged in our community. However, with the right support they can break the cycle of institutional living and develop independence. Link Up is a charity in Harrow which takes a modern approach to empowering people with learning disabilities to take part in the community as individuals and set up and manage projects of their own.

Link Up are based in Pinner and are launching the Harrow community radio station that will be run by young people with learning disabilities, young carers and young people from the community.

Sound engineering training sessions have already started from Harrow College where young people with learning disabilities are being trained in media and presentation skills. This is the first project of its kind where people with learning disabilities will be given an opportunity in broadcasting.

The studio is to be set up in July to allow people to prepare to present shows, read news, traffic news, weather and much more. The studio will be at the premises of Harrow Careers support which is in Pinner Green and they are also working with Harrow Connections Services in Harrow.

David Gawn, 27, who has cerebral palsy is the inclusion project manager and is also the program controller for the radio station.

He runs his own DJ business and has over 15 years experience.

He said: "I have been working with people with disabilities for 22 years. I really enjoy it and I feel people can relate to me."

The launch date for the radio station is midday on Tuesday, August 3, and it will run for 24 hours, seven days a week for a month.

However, if the station is successful they hope that it will act as a pilot scheme and that they could try to run the station annually for one month in the summer.

At the moment the team are trying to contact celebrities to help promote the station.

They also have the Apollo male voice choir who will be contributing to the show.

David, from North Harrow, said: "The project has taken over a year and has already involved a lot of hard work but I am looking forward to when we are finally on air.

"I am also the licence holder and therefore have a lot of responsibility and I have to ensure that the station runs smoothly, at times I may have to be strict."

David has run other successful projects under Inclusions enabling people with learning disabilities to make their own choices, take part in activities with more confidence and independence.

Changes Nightclub was initiated by the Inclusions Project and sponsored by Kodak and Step by Step Asian Dancing for children and young people. The classes are held during lunch time which enables them to participate in classical and modern Indian dancing.

Link Up was also a finalist in the Department of Health Team of the Year Award 2003 for demonstrating innovative ways in supporting people with learning disabilities.

The cost of the radio project is £10,000.

The charity has received money from Harrow council and Kodak but they still need more money.

The charity is asking local businesses to advertise on the radio.

Advertising jingles will be prepared by a trained team. Gold customers who pay £250 will have their jingles played on the hour before or after the news.

Silver customers will pay £180 and their jingles will be played during the programmes throughout the day.

Bronze customers who pay £100 will have their jingles played once a day throughout the month.

If anyone would like to get involved with the project or involved with the advertising scheme, they can contact David Gawn on 07837 373 005.

If anyone would like to give a one-off donation send a cheque made payable to Community Link Up to 2a Dawlish Drive, Pinner, Middlesex, HA5 5LN.