Nicholas Tyndall has drawn upon his extensive experience of counselling and training in personal and family organizations to provide a comprehensive picture of the voluntary sector. In his clear, accessible style, he outlines the beginnings of counselling in Britain and charts the development of the growing number of specialist and generic agencies.

The book is written in the firm belief that the voluntary sector can combine what is best in the amateur and the professional. Its scope and practices are explored. Methods of selection, training and supervision of counsellors are compared, and the challenges facing staff and management committees are examined. The book highlights the strengths and weaknesses of voluntary counselling, and identifies the need to improve equal opportunities, fill new gaps and develop inter-agency collaboration. The author has harsh words for public bodies which have high expectations of volunteers but are not prepared to meet the cost. He offers helpful advice for existing agencies and those wanting to improve their personal services, and guidance to individuals who are interested in becoming counsellors.