Dear Editor,

This Volunteers' Week (1–7 June), I want to pay tribute to the people in Newcastle upon Tyne and GAteshead who are quietly changing children's lives.

Across Newcastle upon Tyne, 16,969 children are eligible for free school meals, a stark reminder that for many families here, getting by is a daily struggle. Nationally, 4.5 million children are living in poverty: going to school hungry, wearing worn-out uniforms, unable to join in with friends. Newcastle volunteers for The Children's Society are helping us reach those children, through befriending, community events, charity shops, and speaking up as local ambassadors.

To every volunteer in Newcastle and Gateshead: Thank you. Your time and commitment make our work possible.

But we need more people to step forward. Whether you can spare a few hours in one of our shops, support a young person directly, or use your voice as a speaker or ambassador, every contribution matters.

To find out how to get involved, visit http://childrenssociety.org.uk/volunteer or call 0300 303 7000.

Yours sincerely, 

Mark Russell OBE

Chief Executive,