There are many opportunities for volunteer work around Rome. The Samaritans provide confidential, emotional support over the telephone and via email for the suicidal and the depressed. In Rome, volunteer training begins in Oct. For information tel. 800860022. The Comunit di S. Egidio is a Roman Catholic / lay association dedicated to solidarity with the poor and promoting world peace. Its activities in Rome include: soup kitchens, caring for the elderly and work with refugees. For information tel. 0657300510, www.santegidio.org. Caritas is a Roman Catholic relief organisation that organises and administers social services for the poor and the oppressed.

For information tel. 0669886112.