A CHARITY which offers counselling support for children and takes 2,000 calls from children in Tower Hamlets last year is looking for more volunteers. ChildLine which was set up by TV presenter Esther Rantzen is on the look out for volunteers to help

A CHARITY which offers counselling support for children and takes 2,000 calls from children in Tower Hamlets last year is looking for more volunteers.

ChildLine which was set up by TV presenter Esther Rantzen is on the look out for volunteers to help out and fill shifts in the early morning, late evening and weekends at its base in Folgate Street, Spitalfields.

The charity's volunteer co-ordinator Alison Goodwin said: "Our volunteers play a huge role in making sure young people receive the help and advice that they need. They range hugely, from students, to city workers to retired people.

"Anyone over the age of 16 who values the views of young people and is a good listener has the potential to be a ChildLine volunteer. We're also on the look out for more male volunteers, or people from diverse backgrounds in order to better reflect the diverse range of our callers."

She added: "You don't need any previous experience in counselling or working with young people as full training and ongoing support is provided, but you must be able to dedicate to working one four hour shift at the same time each week after being trained."

Anyone interested in learning more about volunteering with ChildLine can visit www.nspcc.org.uk/getinvolved, phone 0870 336 2993 or email volenquiries@nspcc.org.uk for an information pack.