MADAM, My experience of community policing showed me that improving your neighbourhood environment and getting to know your neighbours are two key steps to creating safer, less isolating communities. I'm urging the nation to tackle graffiti, organise street parties, create a neighbourhood watch and host coffee mornings to encourage people to get to know their neighbours. Research suggests that 70% of people don't know their neighbours' names and wouldn't recognise them on the street.

This year's Make a Difference Day on Saturday 29th October is the nation's biggest day of volunteering and we need you to start thinking about how to make a positive difference in your area.

This is the 16th Make a Difference Day organised by CSV the UK's leading volunteering charity. More than half a million people have taken part so far. 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 http://www.csv.org.uk/difference">www.csv.org.uk/difference or calling FREEPHONE 0800 284 533.

Brian Paddick

CSV Make a

Difference Day