NOW that the dust has settled after A-level results day, it is time for young people across the country to consider their next step.
With the rising costs of university and doubts over the real impact of community projects abroad, an affordable and valued option is to take a UK gap year.
CSV volunteers in the UK support offenders, young people in need and adults with learning difficulties as well as helping people with physical disabilities lead independent lives.
Not only is the need to pay for this once-in-a-lifetime experience removed, but volunteers are entitled to free accommodation, food and pocket money.
CSV volunteers still have the opportunity to live away from home as well as gain important skills to help them with their future careers.
IS SZONEBERG, CSV director gap year volunteering.
www.csv.org.uk/gapyear.
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