Precious gift of time

TODAY the Mail launches a Christmas appeal with a difference. In the past, readers have shown immense generosity in donating hard- earned money to good causes we’ve promoted. But this year, we’re not asking chiefly for cash.

Instead, we’re appealing for a gift in some ways more precious than pounds and pence – a kindness that can often be as rewarding to the giver as to the recipient.

We’re asking for readers’ time: time to help out as volunteers in the NHS, so as to ease the pressure on overburdened health professionals, while bringing cheer to the lives of our fellow human beings when they’re at their most vulnerable.

This paper accepts many have little or no time to spare from the demands of work and bringing up families. But we know that others, of all ages, do – and that of these, many would welcome the opportunity to bring comfort to those in need, even if it’s only for a morning or an afternoon a week.

Indeed, there’s a huge fund of goodwill and fellow-feeling just waiting to be tapped – and this paper believes Helpforce has the key to how it can be done.

As the charity spells out, there are many ways in which volunteers can help, without threatening anyone’s job. They range from fetching prescriptions from the pharmacy to visiting lonely patients or seeing that those discharged from hospital are settled comfortably back in their homes.

It’s a chance to make a real difference, in the true spirit of Christmas. We know that Mail readers will respond with the unfailing generosity that has long been their hallmark. Details of how to sign up to Helpforce are on Pages 8-9.