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With gap years abroad costing as much as £5,000, CSV provides an option that does not cost a penny or the Earth. CSV offers UK based gap years lasting 4-12 months. Volunteers still get to live away from home and are provided with free accommodation, food and travel expenses, plus a weekly living allowance. CSV volunteers support young offenders, homeless people and adults with learning difficulties as well as helping people with physical disabilities lead independent lives.

Another advantage of a UK gap year is that it is an effective way of building up skills essential to the workplace. Research by CSV found that 79% of graduate recruiters believe that graduates that volunteer possess skills to help them climb the company ladder more quickly.

Is Szoneberg, CSV Director for gap year volunteering, said:
"We are becoming increasingly aware that young people are looking for more from a gap year than just a 12 month beach holiday. As well as concerns about the impact of flying, rising university costs mean young people are also really keen to get experience that will help them land their dream job. Volunteering with CSV not only gives them immense life experience but provides them with skills in communication and problem solving and team building that should help them with any future job interview."

Heidi Browne, aged 19 and from Peebles near Edinburgh, volunteered to support a disabled student at Reading University complete his studies.

Heidi said:
"I didn't want to just take a gap year abroad and have an extended holiday. I feel I can do that at any time. I wanted to do something that helped other people and so I decided to volunteer with CSV in the UK. I also want to join the police after graduating university and I think this year in the community will help my application.

"Along with two other volunteers I support a student with muscular dystrophy who needs 24 hour care as he can't move any of his muscles. I find volunteering very rewarding and it is good to know you are making a difference to someone's life. I have also enjoyed living on campus and mixing with the students. Volunteering with CSV is definitely a good way of taking a year out."

Naomi Somerville-Large, aged 19 and from Broxboune, Hertfordshire, volunteered with CSV at the Vocal Project in Downham Market, Norfolk helping adults with learning disabilities gain life skills.

"I wanted to volunteer because I've never been the sort of person who wanted just to relax. I did look at travelling around the Far East but I thought a UK gap year would offer me good experience and also it doesn't cost me a thing.

"The people I help have a range of conditions including autism and Down's syndrome. I would say most have the mental age of a five year old. The overall aim of the project is to help them gain the confidence to also volunteer in projects locally and to show society that they have a lot to offer.

"Working with people with disabilities has been a life changing experience for me. I think volunteering like this is a great thing to do."