SIR – In celebration of National Volunteering Week, which runs until Tuesday, Family Lives is looking for volunteers.

Family Lives is a national charity that works for, and with, families. We offer a national helpline, Parentline (08088 002222), e-mail and online chat support.

All services are confidential and we listen to and empower families by helping them to identify the solutions that work for them.

Formal qualifications are not required to volunteer with Family Lives, as in depth training and on-going support and supervision are provided. You will need good listening skills and basic IT skills.

As a volunteer, you’ll be trained to support families through a range of challenging situations. No two calls are the same and there will be challenges on every shift, but you’ll have the reward of knowing that your skills have helped someone through a difficult time.

Volunteers join us for all different reasons. Whatever your reasons, if you are interested in volunteering then we’d love to hear from you.

For information on volunteering for Family Lives in your area, please contact Family Lives on 020 7553 3080 or visit familylives.org.uk/volunteering.

Jeremy Todd, Family Lives chief executive, East Road, London