9th December - T-Mobile announced, that it is to be a Founding Partner of the Russell Commission Implementation body (RCIB), a government-backed initiative aimed at engaging 1 million new young volunteers in community action. T-Mobile is also to partner with TimeBank and Youth Action Network, both leading UK charities in the field of volunteering, with a major funding programme as part of its ongoing corporate social responsibility plans.

In his pre-budget announcement, Chancellor Gordon Brown welcomed T-Mobile's investment as a Founding Partner. Brown has also pledged to match all private sector contributions on a pound for pound basis, demonstrating the government's commitment to engaging young people in volunteering.

Thanking T-Mobile for their support, interim Chair of the Russell Commission implementation body, Ian Russell said: "T-Mobile shares our commitment to harness the energy, enthusiasm and talents of young people to make a real difference in their communities. I am therefore delighted to welcome T-Mobile as a Founding Partner of the Russell Commission implementation body and we look forward to working closely with them to transform youth volunteering in England."

Brian McBride, Managing Director of T-Mobile UK, said: "We are delighted to be taking such a central role in the Government's drive to boost volunteering through the work of the Russell Commission. An integral part of this initiative is our ongoing partnership with TimeBank and Youth Action Network, both of which are concerned with helping young people make a positive difference to the lives of others in their community through volunteering. T-Mobile is about connecting people and bringing them closer to the things that matter to them and we are delighted to be supporting the important work of both these organisations."
Timebank's Chief Executive Moira Swinbank said: "Recruiting young volunteers is complex - there has to be a good reason to do something in your spare time. Being able to harness the power and reach of an organisation such as T-Mobile represents a unique opportunity for us to encourage a whole new generation to give time to their communities."

Davina Goodchild, CEO at Youth Action Network added: ""Young people get the most out of volunteering when they're fully supported and when they're given the opportunity to have a say in, or even design their own projects. Youth Action Network members across the country support thousands of young volunteers to make a difference in their communities in the way that they want to. Youth Action Network is really excited about the partnership with T-Mobile and TimeBank, as it will open up more opportunities, will encourage a more diverse range of young people to take up the challenge of volunteering, and will give those volunteering already the recognition that they deserve."

In addition, T-Mobile is encouraging its employees to get involved. A cross-group committee within the company has been set up to oversee the direction of the initiative and to allocate expertise and funding.

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