Gap years for grown ups
Volunteering overseas or a ‘grown up gap year’ may sound like a terrific adventure but, inevitably, there are pitfalls to watch out for. As the trend to combine a holiday of a lifetime with ‘making a difference’ has risen, so have the number of complaints from travellers who have been thoroughly disappointed by the experience.
We talk to Sallie Grayson, co-founder of People and Places about the problems that can occur with voluntary placements overseas and also to Naomi Kemeny and Bill Brierley about their very positive experiences of volunteering in Nepal and Africa. To read more click here...
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The Stroke Association
This year make a resolution that you can really keep
Most New Year’s resolutions are long forgotten before we even reach the end of January. To help you stay on track right through to 2010 The Stroke Association has come up with a unique event called Resolution 2009. This is a series of runs that will enable you to increase your distance and fitness over the course of the year.
To read about the series of fun runs planned for London this year click here...
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The Phoenician Ship Expedition
There’s still time to set sail!
The search is on for keen sailors to take part in an ambitious expedition which aims to recreate the first circumnavigation of Africa, believed to have been completed by Phoenician mariners almost 3,000 years ago.
The Phoenicia team are in need of specialist skills such as medical, culinary, IT and photographic expertise as well as experienced and novice sailors. To find out how you can join this exciting adventure click here...
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David Palmer in Ghana
David Palmer, 58, returned to the UK in October 2006, after nearly two years working as an Organisational Development Adviser in Ghana. To learn more of David’s ‘fantastic and real eye-opening experience’. Click here.
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Helping the orphans of Guatemala
Read Penny Bridgwater's compelling diary about her experiences and the pleasure and pain of helping some of the world’s least privileged children. The diary is being published over several weeks, to see the latest entry and read the earlier entries click here...
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Juliet lines herself up for an Olympic place in 2012
Sporting events rely on dedicated volunteers to function well – and experienced workers could be in big demand when the Olympic Games come to London. Read more...
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The AHOY Centre - A community based sailing charity
Ahoy is a sailing charity based on the Thames at Greenwich Reach in Deptford. To find out how you can get involved click here...
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Become a School Governor and share your life skills
There are 350,000 volunteer governor places in England in 23,000 nurseries, primary and secondary schools. At any one time 40,000 (12%) of these places will be vacant. This figure can rise to 25% in more deprived areas. More people are needed to share their transferable skills and help give young learners the best start in life. Could you fill the role? Learn more...