I see people every day hesitating over the price of a newspaper or a cup of posh' coffee, but as soon as a crisis hits or a charity appeal launches we give as much as we can in droves.

Look at how much was raised for the tsunami or the earthquake appeal in Pakistan? Over the course of a few weeks we raised thousands of pounds and were engulfed by a sense of need to help our fellow humans suffering on a horrendous scale.

This aspect of human nature is the most fantastic part of being human. I watched an award ceremony last night on TV, something I never do, and was in tears of emotion immediately over stories of true heroes and heroines around the country who were simply being honoured for doing what came naturally to them- helping out in times of need and making other people's lives better. Or simply living with a situation that we would find impossible.

They were being rewarded by an evening out in London and meeting some major and minor celebrities, and receiving a great ornament for the mantelpiece.

I work for a local charity and it made me feel that it isn't just a small percentage of people that do great deeds. Every day most people try to make a difference.

I like to believe that the majority of people are good and decent and at the very least would stop and help another person in the street.

Take a look at the letters pages in this paper. It often holds letters of thanks from people who were in accidents or had lost a wallet. They had been helped and looked after by modern-day Samaritans and wanted to say a public thank you.

We have to believe in the good of people and help to make our time on earth as beneficial to as many people as possible.

If that means we give our hard-earned cash to a charity or give up our time to help it really does make a difference.

I meet people every day who want to help but are unsure as to how to or if they are the right sort of person.

Everyone has something to offer, and if you are not sure just call and ask. It may only cost a phone call to be able to make a change for the better.

Volunteers and fundraisers are keeping many services across the country running and providing a massive service to the whole community.

The sense of community may well be something we lose if we can't be bothered to help either our neighbours or our local neighbourhood.

Sadly this is something we may only be aware of when it stops and the service is lost.

So if you do one thing today please look around you at who can you help or what cause can you support, don't let someone else do it - it could be you who makes a difference tomorrow.