Stand by for action

The CSV Action Desk at BBC Radio Newcastle is working with Barclays, Durham Volunteer Bureau and Croxdale Community Association on a project at Croxdale Community Centre.

Croxdale Community Centre - as it is now!

Louise Sheldon from the association says the centre has been neglected over the past couple of years, and needs a new lease of life as it's the heart of the village.

"It's used by everybody, from all ages." She told BBC Wear, "Everybody can access it, from toddlers to the youth club, to Age Concern. It's the only thing we have in the village, we've lost the local post office, and it's nice for people to come along and get together."

All hands on deck

The committee room at the centre had water damage a few years ago, it has dried out, but the room hasn't been used since.

The centre has recently had new central heating installed, and Louise wants to see the room converted into something that everyone can use.

Volunteers from Croxdale, Barclays and the surrounding area will be getting together on Friday 29 October and Saturday 30 October to paint the committee room and the areas where the new radiators are, clean up the furniture, make new curtains and generally do what they can to improve the look and feel of the centre.

What a difference a day makes

Durham Volunteer Bureau is involved in the project, to give new volunteers an idea of what can be achieved by giving some of their time.

"Make a Difference Day is about spending time to help others and the community, and that makes a real difference to community centres like Croxdale" says Rhianne Jones.

You could change this!

"The Volunteer Bureau is delighted to be involved in this project as we believe it will provide volunteers with a great chance to learn new skills, meet new people and help to improve relations within the community."

If people who get involved at the centre enjoy helping, the Volunteer Bureau will be there with information on other places where they can get involved. "We hope that some volunteers may also benefit from longer term involvement in voluntary projects and the day will help to promote volunteering in Durham."

A day away from the office

Staff at Barclays Bank will be helping out on the day. "The Croxdale project is a lovely example of just one of many projects which our employees will be involved with in the region. It's a great opportunity for local employees in the area to give something back to their community, and I am delighted that Croxdale community will benefit from this project." Says Stella McRae, the Regional Community Manager for the North East.

What can you do?

Anyone in the area can contact the Action Desk at BBC Radio Newcastle for information on how to get involved with the project at Croxdale, and all the other projects taking place in the North East.

The BBC Bus will be at the centre on Friday 29 October, and you can hear updates on Make a Difference Day on BBC Radio Newcastle all this month.

Work in progress! - Pictures from Croxdale Community Centre