THE recent terrorist attack in Paris on the employees of the magazine ‘Charlie’ has left a tragic legacy to deal with.

While the government authorities have some resource for such matters it is often the work of charities which step in to support people who have been impacted by tragedy, poverty or illness.

The Tim Parry Jonathan Ball Foundation for Peace in Warrington is just such an organisation which can provide support and advice in such extreme circumstances.

The organisation is a positive legacy from the shocking bombings of Warrington in 1993, which fatally hit the busy shopping area of Bridge Street.

Charities provide a service where there is need to compensate for the lack of support and resource available through other means in society.

Within the UK it is estimated that there are in excess of 500,000 paid staff in the voluntary sector.

Volunteers number many more.

Some charities are large organisations with international reach and provide great experience, opportunities and careers for employees as well as a worthy service.

However getting a job with these organisations should never be just getting a job.

Passion in the cause and a belief in the ideals are also essential. The rewards are more than monetary.

n Lawrence Bellamy is associate dean at the University of Chester's Padgate campus and writes a regular column for business.