Letter to Editor:- "Find out more about adoption"

"HAVE your readers ever thought about adopting and wanted to find out more? If so, now is a good time to take that important first step. It is National Adoption Week 4-10 November and over the next few weeks Local Authorities and Voluntary Adoption Agencies across the UK will be holding special information events. It's a great opportunity to learn all you need to know about adopting, how the adoption process works; what support is available and who the kinds of children are who need a 'forever family'. Every year, there are over 4,000 children throughout the UK who need to be adopted and there is a desperate shortage of adopters. The British Association for Adoption & Fostering (BAAF) is asking if you have room in your life and heart to become a parent to a child or sibling group. It may sometimes be challenging, but many adoptive parents have told BAAF, it is the most amazing, rewarding thing they have ever done. People from all walks of life are needed, so please, take that important first step and find out more about adoption.  Please visit:- nationaladoptionweek.org.uk to get details of your nearest event." Shan Nicholas, Interim Chief Executive, British Association for Adoption and Fostering.

Letter to Editor:- "Time to make a difference!"

"THERE is so much talk these days about 'Broken Britain' but what are we actually doing to make things better? I'd like to offer your readers an opportunity to do just that. Make a Difference Day is all about trying to make society a better place by volunteering for worthwhile causes in your community, so I'd like to tell your readers about how they can help.  I work for the national disability charity Vitalise. We run the Sandpipers centre in Southport, which provides much-needed respite breaks for people with disabilities and carers from across the region. Our breaks are an absolute lifeline for people who suffer from incredible isolation in their daily lives and for whom every day can be a monumental struggle. But we simply couldn't do what we do without the hundreds of volunteers each year who willingly give up their free time to provide support and companionship for our guests.  Our volunteers are a really diverse bunch. They come from all backgrounds, cultures and nationalities and vary in age from 16 to over 80. They range from young people hoping to gain work experience to retired people wanting to put their free time to good use – and everything in between! Some of them come from the local area while others travel half way round the world to give their precious time to Vitalise, but they all share a common desire to improve themselves and the society they live in.  What's more, our volunteers gain so much from the experience. 8 out of 10 of our volunteers told us that volunteering had improved their understanding and attitude towards different nationalities and cultures and nine out of ten said that they felt more confident and well-rounded as a result. An amazing eight out of ten also said they had been inspired to get more involved in their local communities and play a greater part in society.  It's clear that volunteering really does inspire us to make the world a better place! So I would like to invite your readers to be inspired too, and spend a week of their time - or just the odd day - helping our disabled guests have a much-needed break. It's tremendous fun and a fantastic opportunity for you to put your experience to good use, gain new skills and make new friends from all over the world, so why not give it a try? For more info call 0303 303 0147 or visit:- vitalise.org.uk." Colin Brook, Vitalise.