BBC Academy announces 10 new charity partnerships to connect with communities across the UK
13 May 2010
Press Release
April 2010
BBC Academy is partnering with 10 charities as part of its Connect & Create scheme which brings BBC staff together with their audiences through volunteering.
The scheme aims to connect BBC staff with the beneficiaries of the charities to create unique learning experiences for everyone involved. Connect and Create and the charity partners will work together for the next year to develop mutually beneficial projects in three different areas: Production, Leadership and Mentoring.
Production projects could involve sharing knowledge to create films, podcasts or web content, whilst Leadership will see BBC volunteers helping to lead workshops or creative brainstorms with the charities. Mentoring projects may include career counselling to help someone reach their full potential or providing advice to disadvantaged young people. BBC staff learn new skills and gain insights into the people who actually use the BBC’s services, and the charities benefit from the volunteers’ time and expertise.
Anne Morrison, Director of BBC Academy said: “We are delighted to announce these new charity partnerships today. They will make a big difference to both staff in the BBC and the communities with which we work across the UK. They will also help us to connect with harder-to-reach sections of our audience.”
The 10 charity partners span a wide range of areas, representing the breadth of the BBC’s audience:
Age UK is the new force combining Age Concern and Help the Aged working for a better later life today and tomorrow.
Coram is the UK’s first children’s charity creating better chances for children since 1739
Fairbridge supports young people aged 13-25 to develop the confidence, motivation and skills needed to turn their lives around.
First Light enables young people to realise their potential via creative digital film and media projects.
Groundwork helps people and organisations to create better neighbourhoods and to live and work in a greener way.
Media Trust works with charities to enhance their communications and enable communities and young people to find their voice and make it heard.
Samaritans provides confidential non-judgemental emotional support, 24 hours a day for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which could lead to suicide.
Shaw Trust supports disabled and disadvantaged people to prepare for work, find jobs and live more independently.
StreetGames helps develop doorstep sport opportunities for young people living in disadvantaged communities.
Whizz-Kidz gives disabled children and young people the independence to enjoy an active childhood – at home, at school and at play.
Notes to Editors
Connect & Create is run by the BBC Academy which provides training and development for both internal BBC staff and the wider broadcast industry. Since launch in 2007, Connect & Create has placed over 2,000 BBC staff on 183 bespoke projects, reaching over 900,000 people in the community.
For more details contact Olivia Loughnan, Marketing & Communications Manager, BBC Academy
Email olivia.loughnan@bbc.co.uk
Tel 020 8752 6887
