"I began helping women and their children in 1993. Whilst searching for a missing relative in Riga, Latvia, I came across lives of such deprivation that I was compelled to help. So many had to resort to begging, borrowing or even stealing in order to ensure the survival of themselves and their families. So little, in western terms, could transform that and being to give them back some quality to their lives. Although , even now, as a result of a lifetimes poverty and living under a repressive regime, many of the women are sick or dying, we are able to make lives easier. All of them now have food and warmth and medication pad and the comfort of knowing that their children or grandchildren will continue to be supported should they die.

These women are dignified and courageous and an inspiration to me. But sometimes it seems to me as if they were born into a life o little hope. How would I cope in similar circumstances, I wonder?

All of our helpers are voluntary and all money, except for the smallest amount on accounting, goes to the women and their children. Many of the women in Latvia are presented to us through the Save the Children Project. I very much see our role as one of support to that country as it continues to progress through the transition away from Communism, into democratic government and Europe.

My own personal search to seek meaning to so many of life's questions has taken me to many countries and touched many cultures and faiths. My experience shows me that violence breeds violence and hatred. War is never an option for me. Neither are suppressive regimes which live through fear. Both bring untold suffering.

We are here to listen to and share a woman's story and to acknowledge the greatness of who she is and we are always willing to look at ways in which we can set up similar schemes in other countries. We recently provided clothes for Heba, a tiny Iraqi girl, who was flown to England for lifesaving surgery.

I am committed to helping women and supporting the vision of a world where wisdom and peace prevail."

Claire Wilkinson