Public Servant Lifestyle

Who would have thought that retired civil servants could get up to so much mischief? A new advertising campaign from the civil service charity, the Civil Service Retirement Fellowship (CSRF) shows how.

The Boredom Breeds Mischief campaign imagines what would happen to the 100,000 plus beneficiaries of the CSRF should the charity?s work cease in their area. The series of light-hearted films show how, without CSRF social activities, retired civil servants could start playing practical jokes to keep themselves entertained. After all, the devil makes work for idle hands.

Volunteer-Led

Behind the fun of the films, however, there is a serious message. The CSRF has over 400 volunteer-led groups across the UK, all providing a vital social outlet for retired civil servants through social groups and visits to the ill and housebound. There are now more retired civil servants in the UK than there are currently working, so our groups are needed more than ever.

Sadly however, the numbers of CSRF volunteers are falling as those helping out get older, take a step back, and look to benefit from the CSRF?s work themselves.

Without these volunteers some groups are being forced to close down, or are on the verge of doing so. This would mean that retired civil servants in some parts of the country would no longer be able to benefit from the regular social interaction the CSRF offers.

The Boredom Breeds Mischief campaigns campaign addresses this shortfall. As the films illustrate, retired civil servants are often still active, sharp and fun-loving, so have much to gain from regularly meeting up with old friends, and making new ones through the network of CSRF social groups.

Their group may meet for a monthly pub lunch, a quiz or just a coffee and a chat. There may be something more ambitious arranged, like a theatre visit, a coach trip or even a holiday. But without the volunteers to help organise these social events the groups will simply not survive.

Call To Action

Many new retirees look to maintain an active lifestyle and to give something back to their communities; the CSRF hopes they will answer this call to action.

It is also a key aim that the Boredom Breeds Mischief campaigns campaign raises the profile of the CSRF. While many serving civil servants are aware of the CSRF?s sister organisations, the Civil Service Benevolent Fund, Civil Service Sports Council and Civil Service Insurance Society, there is less recognition of the CSRF.

The campaign offers a starting point for civil servants to find out about the work of the CSRF, so that they may consider volunteering either before or after they retire themselves. It is hoped that more civil servants will realise that the CSRF is one of their charities, and take ownership of it upon their own retirement.

The campaign has been written by Alphabet Advertising, and brought to life by the Digital Sneakers production team, who have worked with Film4, the UK Film Council and the BBC Film Network. While better known for producing short films and music videos, co-directors Ben and Chris Blaine threw themselves into this new challenge over two hectic and freezing days this January.

Practical Jokes

Various actors were brought in to play the parts of the mischievous retired civil servants and the ?victims? of their practical jokes. These included Jennifer Quille, herself a CSRF supporter.

Viewers of the Boredom Breeds Mischief campaigns films can rate each one on the CSRF site, but more importantly are encouraged to forward the link on to friends and family. The more people who see the film, the more will be entertained and the more potential volunteers it will reach.

Please take a few moments to watch the films and pass on the link. With your help the CSRF can continue to help and support civil servants in their retirement.

For more information on the campaign please call please call Lizzie or Steve on 020 8691 7411 or email mailto: info@csrf.org.uk.

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