BBC Local Radio turns focus to volunteering

BBC Local Radio presenters will volunteer across the UK for a new network day focused on community action.

The first BBC Make a Difference Day takes place on Friday 5 June, during National Volunteers’ Week, with programming across BBC Local Radio stations in England and the national stations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The day will feature stories about volunteers and the work they do in their communities, while also looking at issues such as isolation and local support.

Presenters will also take part in volunteering activity in their own areas, including painting youth centres, dry-stone walling, cleaning riverbanks and singing in care homes.

Listeners will be encouraged to find volunteering opportunities through the BBC Make a Difference website.

BBC Morning Live is also linking with Local Radio for the day, with BBC Radio Merseyside’s Kevin Duala reporting from projects where volunteers are involved.

Gaby Roslin, presenter of the Make a Difference Show across the BBC Local network, said the day is about “celebrating everyday acts of kindness” and highlighting volunteers who support their communities.

She added: “Up and down the UK we get to hear each week of people doing the most amazing life-changing things, but we want to hear more and love to celebrate the positive stories and share them far and wide.”

Chris Burns, Head of Local Audio Commissioning, said the idea grew from asking what could come next for the Make a Difference campaign.