SIR – We’d like to urge your readers to make a New Year’s resolution to become part of a team that helps support vulnerable children in your area.

As the UK’s leading children’s charity, we’re looking for people to volunteer in our stores and help us raise money to support our local projects that work with disadvantaged children, young people and families. By giving us a little of your time, you will gain invaluable experience that could provide a stepping stone to a new career, build confidence and to try something new.

Our volunteers – who are all ages and come from all walks of life – are given full training and on-going support.

To find out more about volunteering with Barnardo’s, please pop into your local Barnardo’s store or visit barnardos.org.uk/ volunteering.

John Ellis, head of retail volunteering, Barnardo’s