Letter: Volunteer support is critical

19 September 2006

As your editorial says, crystals balls won't solve social exclusion, but volunteers mentoring young offenders can reduce criminal behaviour, problems at school and improve confidence, self-esteem and self-awareness (Children Now, 6-12 September).

In California, volunteers supporting families have reduced child abuseby 83 per cent over four years. It is vital that public services welcomevolunteer energy to help young people. In Sunderland and Bromley,volunteer citizens provide critical support to families of children onthe at-risk register.

Social workers agree the impact is huge. This cost-effective practicalsupport should be organised nationwide.

Dame Elisabeth Hoodless, executive director, CSV (Community ServiceVolunteers).

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