What IS the CSV Action Desk?

The aim of the CSV Action Desk is to get people volunteering. Around half of the UK population are volunteering at any one time and the other half say they would get involved if only they knew what was out there - and that's where the CSV Action Desk comes in.

You will hear the CSV Action Desk on air each week talking about different charities or organisations which need your help, and if you hear something you'd be interested in helping out with, it's a simple matter of picking up the phone and giving us a call.

Volunteering

Volunteering is all about giving up some of your time to help out charities or community groups - and you could be doing absolutely anything!

Jennifer Bartram, the CSV Action Desk Producer says, "People are often surprised at some of the ways they can help out and at what 'counts' as volunteering. Recently we appealed for football coaches and managers for a local boys' club, amateur historians to research the history of a North East landmark and for pet owners to take their animals around hospitals!".

Volunteering gives you a chance to use your knowledge and experience to help others - and you can often learn many new skills or gain new qualifications. On top of that, it's a great way to make new friends and research has even shown that volunteering is good for your health and happiness!

The CSV Action Desk at BBC Radio Newcastle is asking YOU to volunteer on behalf of charities and groups from Berwick to the Tees, and everywhere in between, and find out what it's like to give something back and to make a difference.

Interested?

If you would like to volunteer with a charity in the North East, or you would like the CSV Action Desk to help you with your project, simple send us an email with your details or give us a call (details below).


Lifelong Learning

The CSV Action Desk is dedicated to promoting lifelong learning, and we often work alongside the BBC Blue Bus team to show you the sort of things you could be doing. The message is that it's never too late to learn something new, whether it's getting to grips with digital photography and web design, or trying something a little more exotic like Indian head message!

Recently, we held a Family History event at Sunderland City Library to tie in with the BBC2 series, Who Do You Think You Are. Hundreds of people came down to pick up information on how to trace their own family tree and left with tons of leaflets, pencils and information about websites - and a new zest for learning.

For Jennifer Bartram, this is one of the best parts of the job...

"We talk to so many people whose initial reaction to the word LEARNING is to say 'I'm too old' or 'I haven't done anything since I was at school'. But when you give people a little more information, find out what they'd secretly like to do and get them started - it's a great feeling and people are always really surprised at what they're capable of."

If you'd like to know more about taking up something new in your area, contact us at the address below.

Sponsored Madness

Jumping out of planes, abseiling into rivers, walking across hot coals - people have done it all through the CSV Action Desk to help raise money and awareness for lots of different charities.

In the first few months of this year, we've had callers agreeing to half marathons, bike rides across Europe and swimming the length of the English Channel!

Taking part in sponsored events is a great way to make a big difference to charities if you don't have a lot of time to spare - and the Action Desk team has all the information you need to help you find something that you can do.
Don't forget to let us know about it and send us your pictures!

Action Desk Teams

Our dedicated Action Desk volunteer team work behind the scenes at BBC Radio Newcastle, taking your calls and giving you the information you need - and we couldn't do this without them!
Our volunteers come from all walks of life, and often present the CSV Action Desk bulletins live on air.

So what are you waiting for...?

Get in touch with us and find out what YOU could be doing!

You can hear the CSV Action Desk bulletins on BBC Radio Newcastle each weekday at 11:20, 14:50 and 16:20, and on Saturdays at 06:50.

CSV Action Desk information line: 0191 221 2815

THE CSV ACTION DESK
BBC Radio Newcastle
Broadcasting Centre
Barrack Road
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE99 1RN

Email: [email protected]

If you would like to find out more about the work of Community Service Volunteers, visit the CSV website.