THE NSPCC is urging people in Somerset to make 2013 the year of finally keeping those well-intentioned resolutions.

Whether it’s time or money you have to spare – no matter how much or how little – you can help make a fundamental difference to the lives of children and young people in the county.

NSPCC has a wide range of volunteering opportunities available to anyone who would like to give some of their time to help.

ChildLine volunteers can help by staffing switchboards or providing counselling to support the children and young people who contact the helpline for help and advice, whilst ChildLine Schools Service volunteers receive training to speak to primary school children right across Wales to help them understand issues like abuse and bullying and how to protect themselves.

Other volunteering opportunities include helping to raise essential funds to support the work of the NSPCC either by organising an event or activity or joining an NSPCC fundraising groups.

There are also plenty of opportunities to take part in half marathons, mountain climbs, and many other sporting activities for people of all ages and abilities.

Sharon Copsey, NSPCC regional head of service for the South West, said: “Whether it’s providing you with the training to provide comfort to vulnerable children and young people through ChildLine, helping you to organise a fundraising event in your local community or work, cheering you on in a local or national sporting event, we can help you discover that volunteering can be a hugely rewarding and enjoyable pastime”.

“Everyone can make a contribution in the fight against child abuse. No matter how much time or experience you have, we have volunteering opportunities to suit everyone. We would encourage anyone who is interested in volunteering, whether to fill some free time or get experience in a chosen field, to put finding out more about our work at the top of their New Year agenda”

For further details about volunteering and events, visit the NSPCC website - www.nspcc.org.uk