Samaritans: For some 18 years, Sylvia worked with The Samaritans, as a volunteer, Team Leader and London Regional Representative for the 16 branches, for their outreach work. It gave her a firm grounding in practical empathy and in helping others to cope with the extreme distress that prompts them to call The Samaritans. It also helped to develop her training skills.

Help a London Child: This is the LBC Helpline and official charity, launched in 1975 by Lord Attenborough. Starting as an Operator on the phones, in its early days, Sylvia progressed to Trainer in Dealing with Distressed Callers, aas well as supervising and supporting other volunteers.

Christmasline: This was the Christmas initiative of Capital Radio, London Weekend Television and Thames TV, involving Londoners in helping the homeless and others at Christmas. Sylvia was Joint Project Co-ordinator responsible for setting up the whole telephone helpline service, and for 11 consecutive years helped to train, support and manage the 400 volunteers over the 4-day Christmas period.

Royal Jubilee Trust: The Royal Jubilee Trust was formed in 1978, to provide funding and support for a range of youth initiatives and talent. Sylvia’s role was to visit the young people concerned to assess their needs and recommend the appropriate backing.