By Community Correspondent Jude Mitcham

Each year approximately 230,000 18 to 24-year-olds take a gap year worldwide*. Due to a lack of spaces, many young people have missed out on a university place this year, despite achieving the grades.

Lattitude Global Volunteering is encouraging those people to take a year out to volunteer abroad and to help them, the charity has full and part funded places available, including some London specific bursaries.

Many 18 year olds, who have not started university this September, will be asking the question, “What next?” For those opting to take a year out following their exams, not-for-profit organisation Lattitude Global Volunteering is offering various funding options to enable them to volunteer abroad.

Lattitude projects range from 3 months to a year, and the volunteers make a positive difference to another community which they become a part of, through living and working with the people and learning about a new culture.

“Lattitude’s life changing opportunities should be available to everybody and we have a number of funding schemes available, including fully funded bursary placements for gifted and talented young people. We also have some bursaries which are offered exclusively to London residents” explains Richard McKenzie of Lattitude. “With Lattitude, every 17 to 25 year old has the chance to make a difference to communities abroad, as well as to their own lives.”

A combination of factors, including the news of lower employment levels, the lack of university places and the current economic climate has led more people to consider getting away and doing something different and practical, such as travelling abroad to volunteer.

“The period of time in between sitting exams and going to University or work, is an ideal time for many young people to get away, before they have any serious commitments, such as a Career or University Degree. What better way to prepare for the next stage of their lives?” Richard continues. “A Lattitude placement can even enhance a person’s employability or make them a stronger candidate for University, particularly by participating in projects relevant to their chosen course or career. My advice is to visit Lattitude now at http://www.lattitude.org.uk to begin the application process. We have a number of spaces available, but they will soon fill up. Especially as the deadline to apply for fully funded placements is September 30!”

Lattitude runs various volunteering placements, including caring, environmental, teaching and community projects in 17 countries around the world. Concerned parents can be reassured that Lattitude provides a secure and structured way to take a gap year, with hosts and representatives in each country to look after the volunteers’ welfare, and a 24 hour telephone line in case of emergency. Potential volunteers can even discover the project and destination best suited to them before they apply, by visiting http://www.whatkindofvolunteerareyou.org.uk.

To qualify for Lattitude’s funded placements, applicants must be able to prove they would otherwise struggle to raise the funds. Applicants hoping for a fully funded placement must hurry as the deadline to apply is Wednesday 30 September. To find out more, visit www.lattitude.org.uk or call 0118 959 4914.

*According to statistics published by gap-year.co.uk