PEOPLE trafficking is a serious problem, and third only to arms and drugs in the top lucrative incomes.

The slave trade is just as real today, more dangerous because it is happening behind closed doors.

Families on low incomes are being duped into sending their children away, being promised a good life, education and better living conditions. In reality they are treated as slaves, abused and neglected.

Compassion has teamed up with Stop the Traffikk campaign to try to decrease the millions who are enslaved around the world. I know that there are other great initiatives trying to eradicate this dreadful situation. We have all a responsibility to do what we can to help.

There is something we can do about it. Compassion's motto is "Save the world - one at a time". You may think it is like a drop in the ocean but we really can make a difference. Early intervention from Compassion can prevent these awful situations from occurring. Compassion projects are safe heavens for children who would otherwise be vulnerable to child labour.

The intervention removes a number of financial burdens from a family and saves the children from harsh labour and separation from their families.

For 18 pounds a month you can transform the life of a child. You are guaranteed that your money goes where it is intended.

From my trip to the Philippines last year I saw the sharp contrast between the homes of the children, which were heart-breaking and the way the children were cared for, given education, food, healthcare and Christian teaching. Their families are also included.

Compassion is church-based, child-focused and Christ-centred.

Please, stop, think and pray about taking on just one child, free that child from the poverty trap, and give a little one the opportunity of a worthwhile life. You will never regret it.

ANNE-LISE COLLINS, Brockenhurst