Sir, as a consequence of the increasing number and urbanisation of the world's population it is estimated that the number of people affected by natural disasters will rise from the current 250 million people per year to 375 million by the year 2015.1 Against this backdrop of increasing need there are very few organisations that can assist individuals who feel that they would like to offer their help. Many of the well-known charitable relief organisations require a lengthy time commitment and most consultants working for the NHS are unable to offer this.

I have launched a charity 'FaceFacts' (Scottish Charity number SC 042622), one of the aims of which is to help individuals donate short periods of time to working abroad in the developing world. This may be as part of a team mobilised for disaster relief or may be more formally arranged educational/operating visits. The charity also aims to share knowledge and skills with oral and maxillofacial surgeons across the world. As well as organising overseas visits, the charity would also encourage foreign surgeons to come on funded observerships to units within the UK.

All volunteers would provide their time gratis and trips would usually last only one or two weeks at a time. If there are any maxillofacial or oral surgical colleagues who would like to donate either time or money to help or register for emergency disaster relief then please contact me at facefacts7@btinternet.com.