SIR - I have two teenage sons and know how demanding it can be looking after children which is why I am appealing to your readers to support Home-Start - the charity that supports families in local communities up and down the country.

Home-Start is a charity where volunteers offer both emotional and practical support. It is because volunteers are parents themselves that the relationship they offer families is so special.

I am patron of Home-Start Caerphilly, and know exactly how much good they do.

So how can you support Home-Start? It couldn't be simpler. From today until May 31. Home-Start is running its national fundraising campaign, Big Tea Party'.

You could join people all over the UK holding tea parties for friends, family or colleagues. Home-Start believes thriving communities are based on strong families with happy, healthy, confident children.

You could make a difference to a child's life - and your own community - today. Register for your Big Tea Party' organisers' pack at home-start.org.uk/bigteaparty or call 0800 0686368.

  • Joe Calzaghe, pictured, on behalf of Home-Start, Salisbury Road, Leicester