UK volunteering charity, CSV is backing the important role that newspapers play in promoting social action by people in local communities. It comes as CSV Chief Executive, Lucy de Groot, joins other leading names in support of the local newspaper industry as part of Local Newspaper Week (9th – 15th May). The campaign’s own research shows that local newspapers play a key role in generating word-of-mouth conversations amongst the public, known to be an important driver for people choosing to volunteer.  

Lucy de Groot, Chief Executive of CSV, welcomes the opportunity to support Local Newspaper Week and says:

“We work in and with many different communities across the UK and we know from experience that local newspapers are an important part of our communications toolkit. Much of our work is about empowering local people to tackle a pressing need in their local communities whether it is helping to protect children at risk of neglect, supporting people with disabilities to live independently in their own homes or creating safer and welcoming green spaces in our towns and cities.

"Papers from the most northerly tip of Scotland through to Lands End make their own distinct contribution in highlighting the efforts of the local communities they serve."

Especially during tough economic times such as these, we recognise how we can inspire other people to take positive action in their local communities through some of the thousands of articles that are written about our projects every year. Not only this, but local papers have also run significant articles that have played a part in helping to save valued work that was threatened by cuts. Most recently this includes a volunteer project in Newcastle that helps breakdown isolation for elderly people living in a tower block and a scheme in Bromley supporting families in need.

Every year, volunteers and their contribution are widely promoted, recognised and thanked through local papers for taking part in Make a Difference Day, the biggest single mobilisation of volunteers held every October throughout the UK. Last year alone, more than 500 pieces appeared in local newspapers which reported on activities as diverse as creating homes for endangered snakes, bees and newts or protecting ancient burial mounds through to activities that helped premature babies.

No doubt this year, papers from the most northerly tip of Scotland through to Lands End will again make their own distinct contribution in highlighting the efforts of the local communities they serve and I know that we will continue to value the work of local journalists.”

Local Newspaper Week (9 to 15 May) is an annual celebration of the strength of regional and local press in the UK. For more information about Local Newspaper Week, visit their website at http://www.newspapersoc.org.uk/local-newspaper-week-2011-high-profile-support.

Further press information about CSV: Francesca Toma or Jason Tanner, 020 7812 0037/38 or 07966 168686 / 07941 433598 or ftoma@csv.org.uk / jtanner@csv.org.uk

Notes for editors
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. Every year CSV helps transform the lives of over 1 million people. Last year 165,666 people gave their time as volunteers through CSV. The charity worked with 13,423 learners of all ages.  www.csv.org.uk