CSV (Community Service Volunteers) is the UK's largest volunteering organisation providing hundreds of Full Time Volunteering placements for people aged 16-35 wishing to gain practical skills and experience to help them stand out from the crowd in an increasingly competitive job market. Our opportunities are mainly within social or health care fields, education and youth justice and are available for between 4-12 months with projects located across Scotland, England and Wales

Volunteers are placed away from home and receive FREE accommodation, meals and a weekly allowance.  No previous experience or recognised qualifications are required as all placements are supervised with appropriate training provided.  The type of placements available include supporting adults or children with physical disabilities, learning disabilities or mental health issues, mentoring young people at risk of offending or exclusion from education, assisting in homeless shelters, schools or on environmental projects.

CSV's Full Time Volunteering scheme provides excellent general work experience for a wide range of careers but would be particularly useful for those interested in a career in social work, health care, youth work, childcare, the probation service, teaching, physiotherapy & occupational therapy, counseling and advocacy and many more.

This is what some of our recent volunteers have said:

Rosanna Wynn-Williams completed her CSV placement in Norwich last year and is now a Youth Volunteering Development Manager. She said:

"I got my current job as a direct result of volunteering with CSV. I was able to give great examples of skills the employer was looking for through my experience gained through volunteering. The majority of skills I developed such as working as part of a team, persuading, negotiating, influencing, excellent communication skills and working with young people were all gained through volunteering."

"I would never have entered the career ladder as high up as I have without having spent the past year being part of some really valuable and worthwhile volunteering programmes.  I applied for jobs before volunteering and didn't get anywhere.  It was through volunteering that I even heard my job was coming up as a vacancy, and every career door that has opened up to me has been as a direct result of the people I've met and the skills I've developed through volunteering with CSV"

Kelly Power is now working as a Teaching Assistant after volunteering with CSV at a project in Kent. She said:

"Volunteering has helped boost my job prospects.  I volunteered directly after leaving education so it gave me some much-needed experience of employment and the working environment."
When asked if she thought volunteering helped improve her employability, Kelly said; "It gave me recognised employment history and an invaluable reference."

Tom Baker was a CSV Full Time Volunteer last year at a project in Berkshire and is now a Support Worker. He said: 

"I'm currently working as a full time support worker in Manchester.  I would not have got this job if it had not been for the experience I got from six months with CSV."
When asked whether he thought volunteering helped boost his self esteem and a sense of connection with his community he said: "Yes, it definitely did.  It made me feel better about myself, and gave me a sense of direction.  I am very grateful."

Students interested in finding out more about CSV's opportunities or those wishing to apply can visit our website www.csv.org.uk/volunteeruk or call us free on 0800 374 991