Testimonials
I want to make a difference
I WANT TO WORK WITH YOUNG PEOPLE
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Acting as a mentor to a teenager at risk of getting into crime, offering support to young people leaving care, encouraging bored youngsters back into education - there are many ways in which CSV volunteers are helping young people achieve their full potential.
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"I have gained a lot, mainly from seeing positive changes in the young people I am working with". Donald 29, Birmingham.
"I work with girls up to the age of 13. When I arrive they're hanging out of the windows, waiting for me!". Kirsty, 21, Melrose .
I NEED WORK EXPERIENCE
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Whether you volunteer with young people at risk, adults with learning difficulties or families in need, volunteering with CSV is a great way to gain experience you need to study for a career in youth work, community development, probation or police work and social care.
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"It helped me find a job! I hope to be involved with housing work before maybe going into social work I have no definite plans for the future, but I do have more of an idea of career paths, what I'm interested in and what I'd like to be involved with". Candice, 21, Kidderminster
Voluntary work is an excellent way to gain the skills and experience that today's students need to impress college selectors and future employers. Admissions tutors almost certainly recognise that applicants who have done voluntary work have a lot more to offer than just qualifications". Tony Higgins, Chief Executive, UCAS
I'D LIKE TO TRY MY HAND AT A DIFFERENT CAREER
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Stuck in a rut? Bored with your 9-5 routine but not sure what to do instead? Many CSV volunteers have found it's a great way to test out how they really feel about a complete change of career
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"Becoming a CSV volunteer was very different from my previous training and from my chosen career as an engineer. It's been very big for me. I've learnt new skills but more important has been the effect I've been able to have on somebody's life chances. It's been a great experience". Brian, 23, London
"I was fed up with the way my life was going. I was a student in secretarial studies, I finished the course but didn't want to be a secretary. I was interested in working with people". Gina, 21, Argyll
I WANT TO MAKE THE MOST OF MY GAP YEAR
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CSV asked members of the Association of Graduate Recruiters for their views on gap years. Every one of them believed that a constructive gap year helped young people prepare for the workplace.
Many graduates lack workplace skills like problem-solving, teamwork and decision-making. In contrast, recruiters say that students who have done something useful with their gap year do have these skills. They are more motivated, confident and have invaluable real-life experience. Volunteering gives you the chance to widen your horizons, gain new experiences - and get a head start in the job market
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"I wanted to do something worthwhile during my gap year .... I'm glad I decided to apply. It will give me a purpose in life and also a chance to try to manage on my own. I'm really quite excited about going to Birmingham although I'm also a little apprehensive now that it's only 3 weeks away". Lucy, 18, Swindon .
"I would definitely recommend a gap year before university. To be put in a position of responsibility forces you to grow up, especially if you are straight out of school ... CSV provides a great basis from which to do your travelling. Volunteering away from home in the UK is a good start to becoming independent. You become a bit streetwise". Sheridan, 24, Maidenhead .
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CSV asked members of the Association of Graduate Recruiters for their views on gap years. Every one of them believed that a constructive gap year helped young people prepare for the workplace.
Many graduates lack workplace skills like problem-solving, teamwork and decision-making. In contrast, recruiters say that students who have done something useful with their gap year do have these skills. They are more motivated, confident and have invaluable real-life experience. Volunteering gives you the chance to widen your horizons, gain new experiences - and get a head start in the job market
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I WANT TO DO SOMETHING USEFUL
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Supporting older people, giving a break to families under pressure, helping people with mental health problems or physical disabilities - CSV volunteers make an enormous difference to people's lives all around Britain.
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"My volunteers have been great and understand that some days I need more help than others. They've helped me have such a wonderful first year at university that I can hardly wait for next year". Angharad, a student with disabilities attending university with the help of two CSV volunteers.
"We'd find it difficult to operate without CSV volunteers. It's a two-way process where the volunteers also gain and their personal development can be quite amazing." Hilary Backhouse, Manager, Children's Resource Team
I'D LIKE TO HELP HOMELESS PEOPLE
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CSV volunteers are involved in day centres that give homeless people a warm break from the street, emergency shelters for people who have nowhere to go and hostels, helping people move into permanent accommodation. The surroundings can be noisy and basic, but the work is challenging and very rewarding.
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"My volunteering experience led to a life-changing decision - I liked it so much I wanted to do it full-time. The homless hostel showed me that people within my own community needed support as much as people in the developing world". Ben, 24, Bristol.
"I'm on a placement at a Swansea homeless hostel and I love it, I look forward to going in because every day is different. I talk to the residents, help them sort out their benefits problems and generally help with the day to day running of the hostel." Rehana, 19, Birmingham
I WANT TO BE A TEACHER
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Providing a break for parents of children with challenging behaviour, giving pupils with special needs a boost with their reading,
supporting the students at a school for young children with cerebral palsy - these are just a few of the ways that CSV volunteers are helping children.
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"Our CSV volunteers form an integral part of life at our school. They commit energy, valuable skills and enthusiasm to help multi-disabled, visually impaired children and young people." Pat Russell, Deputy Headteacher, RNIB Condover Hall, residential school for pupils with special needs, Shropshire
"Before I came to St Elizabeth's School I had no idea what I wanted to do - now I know that I enjoy working with disabled kids and I am good at it. Thanks to CSV I now know what I want to do with my life. It was hard, sometimes exhausting, but always rewarding." Anna, 19, Essex