Lord Levy is today reflecting on a decade of service to CSV, the UK’s largest volunteering and training charity, after being thanked for his volunteering at a surprise gathering in Hackney (Tuesday 26th February 2008).

As part of the celebration he met trainees and volunteers at the opening of CSV’s new training facility, The Levy Centre, for young people living in Hackney. They were joined by CSV Celebrity Ambassador, Pete Waterman, who also gives his time to support the charity.

Speaking about the unexpected celebration, Lord Levy said: "It's not often that I am this surprised.  I think to have this centre in the community where I was educated and brought up is really quite emotional. Let's encourage as many local young people as possible to be a part of this facility and to get gainful employment."

Lord Levy has volunteered as President of CSV since 1998. Since taking up the reins, he has seen CSV through a decade of remarkable growth. Volunteer numbers have more than doubled in the last 10 years, from 100,000 in 1998 to almost ¼ million people volunteering last year, boosting the UK economy by over £28m in the process.

Executive Director of CSV, Dame Elisabeth Hoodless, said:

“Our President’s energy, vision and leadership have energised CSV to involve tens-of-thousands more volunteers through campaigns, education and full-time challenges. His commitment and support for troubled young people has been a powerful motivator for many.  Volunteers with disabilities have been inspired by his energetic encouragement and dedication.”

During the last decade, CSV has successfully campaigned to get citizenship education added into the curriculum for every single child in England. CSV has become the first organisation in the UK to involve volunteers with children on the ‘at risk’ register - a model which is now set to roll out nationwide. Since 2000 CSV has placed Action Desk Managers in every BBC local radio station enabling people to volunteer and get access to learning. And in 2004 CSV launched Capital Volunteering, helping mental health service users in London to volunteer; gaining independence and ending isolation.

Lord Levy has been an inspiration whether hosting the CSV Make a Difference Day awards for volunteers or presenting certificates to trainees at CSV’s Springboard in Hackney. Lord Levy has helped increase CSV’s profile in many sectors, encouraging campaigns such as the Year of the Volunteer and Action Earth, encouraging citizens nationwide to volunteer.

The celebration of Lord Levy’s service to CSV coincides with the opening of the new CSV Springboard in Hackney which will become known as the Levy Centre from Monday.
CSV Springboard offers young people aged 14 – 25 a range of vocational training programmes. These include The Diamond project designed as an alternative education project for school learners aged 14-16 years who are either excluded or at risk of exclusion. The majority of participants leave with at least one qualification with 42% deciding to continue in education or training.

For those aged between 16 –25 Apprenticeships are offered in Accountancy, Business Administration, Information Technology and childcare. CSV works with a large number of employers within these sectors to provide paid employment with off-the-job training to our learners, leading to a qualification.

Additionally, Entry to Employment develops confidence, study and employability skills of young people aged 16-18 to enhance their knowledge and experience to progress to employment, further training or education. CSV Springboard offers help with areas as diverse as careers advice and guidance, substance misuse, sexual health awareness, life skills, anger management and employability skills.

Hackney based Josma Begum, 23, is one of the success stories. Josma became a customer service student at CSV Springboard Hackney 5 years ago. Whilst on her course Josma gained experience on reception and was later employed firstly as an administrator and now as a recruitment and inductions officer:
 
“I didn’t like college and so my punctuality and attendance wasn’t too good. My family was advising me to stay in education so I looked on the internet and I applied for a course at Springboard Hackney.
 
“The difference between college and Springboard is that college is more class room based and the teachers are ‘yapping’ at you all of the time. Springboard is more work related and you’re treated like an adult here.
 
“If I hadn’t come to springboard I think I would be working in a shop or maybe at home doing nothing. I wouldn’t have gained the experience to work in an office. When I got a job here my family was really happy.”

Further CSV press information or for images from the event: Jason Tanner or Paul Donohoe on 020 7812 0038/37 or 07943 433598.

Note for editors

1. CSV (Community Service Volunteers) creates opportunities for people to take an active part in the life of their communities through volunteering, training and community action. In 2006/7 229,869 people gave time as volunteers through CSV. CSV trained 12,309 people of all ages and linked 29,000 people to learning through BBC Local Radio.

2. CSV’s new Levy Centre is at 18-24 Lower Clapton Road, London E5 0PD. The surprise celebration took place at the centre on Monday 25th February 2008.