Families, children, community groups, individuals and local MPs are joining forces this month to do something spectacular. And I am encouraging Oxford Mail readers to do the same.

I want family and friends to spend time together and volunteer a little to benefit their local community.

This year’s Make a Difference Day on Saturday October 30 is the nation’s biggest day of volunteering and we need help on thousands of projects.

As the ambassador of CSV Make a Difference Day, I am urging people of all ages to get involved to transform their local community into a beautiful area.

Plant bulbs ready for spring in the local park, dig out the old abandoned shopping trolley from a neglected pond, or perhaps put a fresh lick of paint on a rusty play area – I’ve seen at first hand the positive impact that giving time can have on the lives of others.

This is the 15th Make a Difference Day organised by CSV – the UK’s leading volunteering charity.

More than half a million people have taken part so far.

This year we’re also encouraging families to volunteer to help others after new research showed that families want to spend much more quality time together.

You can register for CSV Make a Difference Day now to receive free resources to help create an inspirational volunteer project.

So whether you want to take part with your company, school, community group, or even go it alone, get in touch now by visiting csv.org.uk/difference or calling freephone 0800 284 533.

Pete Waterman CSV Pentonville Road London