The JVC Year programme runs for an academic year - 44 weeks from September to July, and it’s open to people aged 18-35.

JVC volunteers gain valuable skills and work experience that helps them find a career, or to make a career change.

The compassion and understanding JVC volunteers develop goes with them into their lives after JVC, and helps make the world a more just place.

During their year, volunteers commit to living by our four values. An allowance - currently £55 per person per week, is paid to each community, and accommodation in a community house in one of Britain’s inner cities is provided.

Volunteers live as independent communities of 4-5 people: only JVC volunteers live in the community houses. Communities have to work together to share tasks, to budget and pay for household bills and food, and ensure everyone has some personal money.

Our development programme and the support we provide enables volunteers to discover more about themselves and to consider their new experiences in the light of spirituality, social justice and the other JVC values.

Each community has two Community Partners, a local man and woman who support the community and help them explore the values, reflect on their work experience and settle into their city. Community Partners meet the community for a meal once a week up to Christmas, and fortnightly afterwards.

Each community has a JVC Volunteer Co-ordinator from the staff team, who provides personal support to each individual, and assists in their development during the JVC experience. The Volunteer Co-ordinators visit their  communities several times during the year, but they are also available whenever a volunteer needs support.

Ignatian spiritual direction is arranged for volunteers, providing an opportunity for confidential personal guidance in prayer and spiritual development.