91Èȱ¬

91Èȱ¬ Radio 1 and 91Èȱ¬ Radio 1Xtra are set to undertake one of their most ambitious social action campaigns as they step into the world of volunteering.

From Sunday 18 to Sunday 25 April, the Local Hero campaign will run across both stations – aiming to inspire listeners to volunteer and do something positive in their local communities.

The campaign will be fronted by larger-than-life DJ Tim Westwood who becomes a Local Hero for the week, taking on a different volunteering challenge each day with the help of a host of his celebrity friends.

Throughout the week Westwood will showcase a variety of volunteering 'taster sessions' to give listeners an idea of the range of opportunities available to them, and explain how to get involved.

Westwood says: "I'm looking forward to getting my hands dirty... as I give it up for free!"

Anna Bowman, Executive Producer, Radio 1 and 1Xtra Campaigns, says: "Our research suggests that many young people are interested in volunteering but don't have the time.

"We want to show that volunteering can be fun, rewarding and doesn't have to be a long-term commitment.

"We hope that Tim's volunteering antics will inspire some of our listeners to become a Local Hero in their own community."

The Local Hero drive will run across radio and online – bbc.co.uk/radio1 and bbc.co.uk/1xtra – packed with the latest volunteering information and providing links through to opportunities and organisations within their area.

Previous Radio 1 and 1Xtra social action campaigns include an award-winning anti-bullying initiative called Bullyproof, which focused on the issue of cyber bullying, using a mix of celebrities and social networking to spread an anti-bullying message; and last month the stations embarked on a Body Image project, presenting before and after pictures of Radio 1 and 1Xtra talent online, highlighting the extent to which airbrushing can alter an image.

Notes to Editors

91Èȱ¬ Radio 1 and 1Xtra's social action campaigns are an integral part of the stations' ethos and service to young people – offering support networks/information and a platform for young people to give their opinions. The stations have an exceptional reputation for raising awareness of different topics and for the information they provide. Recent campaigns have included anti-bullying and body image.

On 91Èȱ¬ Radio 1, Sunday evening (10.00pm-12midnight) plays host to The Surgery presented by Aled Haydn Jones. This features debates and specials covering relevant citizenship and topical themes. The programme content offers support and access to experts such as Dr Mel, who specialises in medical and emotional issues, and Dr Stuart, who helps with sexual health and relationship problems.

91Èȱ¬ Radio 1's daily Newsbeat provides a comprehensive service targeted at young audiences, explaining key issues and offering opportunities for people to express their views. Teenage depression, interest rates and the credit crunch, plus the debate around the reclassification of cannabis, are among the subjects that have generated significant audience feedback.

Radio 1 Publicity