VSO appeals for volunteers for tsunami affected regions

International development charity, Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO), have launched an urgent campaign to recruit over 200 volunteers to work in areas affected by the Asian tsunami.

The charity said that it received an "unprecedented" number of calls from prospective volunteers in the wake of the disaster, however the main priority at that time was acquiring financial support. VSO has now said that volunteers are needed to play "a crucial role" in the months and years to come, in the affected areas.

VSO Chief Executive, Mark Goldring, said: "Now the immediate chaos and confusion has passed, there is a pressing need for vital professional expertise and it is critical that VSO encourages applications. The time is right for those who expressed an interest in volunteering to think again about how their skills can have a lasting impact on the communities affected by the disaster."

VSO volunteers live and work alongside local colleagues, helping to provide vital public services, such as quality education, healthcare and income generation advice. Experienced professionals with backgrounds in education, health and social development or business and management are currently needed for a variety of long-term positions in South Asia and elsewhere.

The charity said that Sri Lanka urgently requires mental healthcare professionals to offer support and advice on rehabilitation and post traumatic stress care. Education volunteers are also required for the Maldives, in order to help children understand the phenomenon of the tsunami. Management professionals are also required across all regions, in order to assist local government and civil society institutions in responding to the effects of the disaster.

A series of 'Meet VSO' events will take place over the coming months, where prospective volunteers can find out more about placements and meet former volunteers.

Most placements last for two years and volunteers receive return flights, accommodation, a local living allowance, plus insurance and NI contributions for the period of the placement.

Further information is available by contacting the helpline on: 0208 780 7500 or through the web site at: www.vso.org.uk

(KMcA/SP)